A BUILDER from Sydling St Nicholas has achieved runner-up status in the NHBC Pride in the Job awards.

Site manager Stephen Walker, of CG Fry and Son Ltd, was awarded runner-up in the Medium Builder category for achieving the highest standards in all aspects of house-building.

He was also singled out for taking pride in everything, from the well-being of his team to the satisfaction of new homeowners as well as quality craftsmanship.

The competition recognises exceptional people on the ground who oversee housing projects from start to finish.

The judging of the awards took place at every build stage.

Stephen’s building work is at Poundbury, which has been judged by NHBC and independent industry experts to be among the very best in the UK.

The London awards were hosted by celebrity comedian Al Murray, AKA The Pub Landlord.

They have been run by NHBC (National House-Building Council) – a warranty provider and standards setter for new-build homes – for over three decades and have worked to drive up standards in new home construction. Mike Quinton, NHBC chief executive, said: “Stephen should be incredibly proud. He’s beaten around 15,000 other site managers to get to this point, putting him in the top one per cent of his profession.

“It’s a fantastic achievement that proves that the homes Stephen is producing are of an exceptional standard.”

Stephen, 54, said he approaches his work by treating every property as though it’s his own.

He said: “In my work, I enjoy challenging designs and seeing the end results, of good quality.

“I bring 37 years of experience, a keen eye for detail, and I treat every property as though it’s my own.”

Stephen has won three previous Pride in the Job Awards for his work at Poundbury. With 37 years of experience in house-building, he has worked for CG Fry and Son Ltd for the last 22 years. For more information visit nhbc.co.uk/prideinthejob