A Cumbrian site manager with one of the UK’s largest house builders is celebrating after winning a prestigious industry award.
Richard Graham, who works for Persimmon Homes Lancashire, has been named LABC Warranty Northern Regional Site Manager of the Year.
The annual awards recognise site managers who achieve the highest standards of construction with judges looking at various aspects including site administration, health and safety, storage of materials, waste control and site tidiness.
Richard, 44, works at Persimmon’s Brackenleigh development on Glaramara Drive and now goes through to the national finals being held in London in November, where he will compete against 14 other site managers from across the UK.
The delighted Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Lancashire, Mark Cook said: “This is fantastic news for Richard, and we are incredibly proud that he has beaten off stiff competition to be named Regional Site Manager of the Year.
“We work hard to get the right staff around us and it is great when you get confirmation that your staff are amongst the best.”
Richard, who was born and bred in Carlisle, is no stranger to success having been presented with a prestigious NHBC Pride in the Job Quality Award in 2012.
He is a champion of the construction industry, and says he would highly recommend it to school leavers a long-term career.
“I’m really proud to be part of this industry,” said Richard.
“I originally trained as a joiner but was ambitious and worked my way up to site manager, by getting promoted to assistant site manager and learning on the job. But there are lots of other opportunities, from apprenticeships to site management and in our planning and technical teams.
“I take pride in seeing a house built from scratch. It is a real achievement, especially when you see the customer move in. I still get a buzz from being part of their dream home. I have a great team working in the site and it is great to be recognised.”
Mark added: “What sets a winning site manager apart is the fact that they will go that extra mile to achieve quality and are thorough in their workmanship. We wish Richard the best of luck in the national finals later in the year.”
Brackenleigh is a popular development of two, three and four-bedroom homes in a peaceful location. For more information visit www.persimmonhomes.com