After news that property transactions could reconvene in the West Midlands, leading developer Barratt Homes has received further positive news as a Herefordshire Site Manager, Hayley Chilton, has been rewarded with a top national award for quality from the National House Building Council (NHBC).
Based at Hawk Rise in Ledbury, Hayley (30) has been with the housebuilder for eight years.
The accolade recognises the best run sites across the country, and is regarded as “the Oscars of the housebuilding industry.” On her win, Hayley said: “It’s fantastic getting recognition for all the hard work, and it is truly rewarding. The whole team have put a lot of work into pushing the quality homes we deliver.”
Continuing into their 40th year, the prestigious Pride in the Job Quality awards recognise the best of the best, highlighting Site Managers from around the UK. Parent company, Barratt Developments’ Site Managers won 92 Pride in the Job Quality awards in 2020, more than any other housebuilder.
Whilst construction tends to be seen as male dominated, Kingswinford native Hayley is happy in her role as Site Manager. She said: “There is a mutual respect between the whole site team, and we find the best way to do things is by communicating professionally with each other.
“As long as you do your job well then there shouldn’t be any difference whether you’re a female or male in the construction industry.”
Each Site Manager is judged on a range of key criteria including health and safety, their technical knowledge, customer service and attention to detail. Pride in the Job is the most highly regarded competition in the housebuilding industry with just 450 individual winners being chosen from over 11,000 entrants.
Matt Bentley, Interim Managing Director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “During periods of uncertainty, we are proud to see our Site Managers being recognised for their hard work and high quality homes.
“It is now more important than ever that customers have confidence in the homes they are buying, and the mark of a Pride in the Job Quality award shows that their home has been built to the highest of standards.
“We are very proud to have won more of these quality awards than any other housebuilder for 16 years in a row.”
Following her win, Hayley offered some advice to other women who may be considering a role in the construction industry: “The job is not easy, we work long hours and in all kinds of weather.
“That being said, I love working out on site, I have a great team around me and find great job satisfaction handing over the keys to our customers. If it is an industry that you’re considering, just be confident and go for it!”
Barratt Homes have introduced new social distancing measures to ensure safety on site for all staff and visitors, these include Perspex screens, designated parking spaces, and appointment only viewings. For more information on the measures Barratt Homes have taken with social distancing along with an informational video, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/the-buying-process/safety-and-social-distancing/
Hawk Rise are now open on an appointment only basis. For more information call the sales line on 0333 355 8475, or alternatively visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/deersrise