• Inspiration
• People

When you collect the keys to a new home, you want to feel confident that it has been built with care. That confidence starts long before moving day, with a team working behind the scenes to check every detail and make sure your home is ready for you.

At Wixams, the hard work of that team has recently been recognised with an NHBC Pride in the Job Award. Site Manager Andy Webb received the award for his commitment to high standards, strong site management and delivering quality homes for customers.

It is one of the housebuilding industry’s leading awards and places Andy among the top 5% of site managers recognised this year.

A proud moment for Andy and the team

Andy found out he had won while sitting at home on an online training course.

“I was learning about how construction work can affect the environment when an email from the NHBC popped up on the screen. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders.”

For Andy, the award is a major personal achievement, but it also means a great deal to the wider team.

“Being one of the top 5% of site managers recognised is a huge achievement. I’m proud to have helped deliver the region’s first winner, and hopefully we can aim for two next year and build from there.”

It is a positive result for everyone who has helped bring the development to life.

Building homes customers can feel confident in

A new home goes through many different stages before it is ready for its owner. From the foundations and structure to the finishing touches, each part of the build needs to be carefully checked.

Andy and his team follow a clear process throughout construction.

“We have a rigorous process throughout the build to ensure we are handing over the best possible home to our customers.”

Wixams was a new challenge for the team. It is the first development where one site team has managed both Tilia Homes and Hopkins Homes, which meant creating new ways of working together.

“Being a new site team and managing two brands meant we had some hiccups early on, but it is how we have worked through those challenges that has helped us improve and put us in a better position.”

Rather than standing still, the team used those early experiences to strengthen their approach. That means clearer processes, better communication and a continued focus on getting things right for customers.

A team effort from start to finish

Although the award was presented to Andy, building a home is never a one-person job.

“Everyone working on site has to buy into the same ethos. From the bottom to the top, we all need to be working towards the same goal.”

That includes the site team, tradespeople, contractors and suppliers. Everyone has a part to play, whether they are managing the build programme, completing skilled work inside the home or making sure materials are available when they are needed.

Andy was keen to thank the people who have supported the development.

Construction Manager Rob Matthews has pushed the team to deliver homes on time and to a high standard. Project Manager Dan Brealey was a valuable part of the Wixams team and brought extensive knowledge that helped when working through decisions.

Assistant Site Manager Dwyane Lawson was always ready to help, while Trainee Assistant Site Manager Naomi Hind has become a strong team player since joining at the start of the year.

Lewis Sell and Jason Stewart also play an important role in keeping the site and compound organised, making sure trades have the correct materials and helping work continue across a busy programme.

Each contribution matters. By working together, the team can keep homes moving forward while maintaining the standards customers expect.

Practical features that make a difference

Quality is not only about what happens during construction. It is also about creating a home that feels comfortable and works well for everyday life.

Homes at Wixams include underfloor heating as standard. This helps create even warmth throughout the home and means there are fewer radiators taking up useful wall space.

It is the kind of feature that may make arranging furniture easier and helps rooms feel more flexible as life changes.

The homes have also been designed with practical layouts and carefully considered details, giving buyers a space they can settle into and make their own.

For Andy, the most important thing is that customers enjoy living there.

“Most importantly, we want the customer to enjoy their new home, and we will do everything we can to help make that happen.”

Part of a growing community

Wixams is much more than a collection of homes. It is a growing Bedfordshire community with schools, green spaces, local amenities and useful transport connections.

Many different housebuilders are helping to create the wider development, which makes the team’s achievement even more meaningful.

“Wixams is a huge development with multiple housebuilders. Considering how many there are, I’m proud that we were one of only two to receive the award.”

Managing two housebuilding brands through one site team has added another layer of responsibility.

“We are running the first dual-branded site with one site team, so we have that added pressure on us too.”

The award shows what can be achieved when people work together, learn from challenges and remain focused on delivering homes customers can rely on.

The best part of handing over a home

For Andy, one of the most rewarding parts of the job comes after construction is complete.

“Seeing the blank canvases develop and customers really making them into their own home is special.”

A finished property may start as an empty space, but it quickly becomes somewhere personal. Furniture arrives, rooms take shape and customers begin settling into their new routines.

Seeing that transformation is a reminder of why every check, decision and detail matters.

Helping others aim higher

The Pride in the Job Award has encouraged Andy to keep pushing forward, both in his own career and in the way he supports others.

“I am always motivated to push for more. I’m a little disappointed that this may be my only opportunity to win the award as I’m looking to progress in my career, but it will give me the chance to help and encourage others who want to achieve Pride in the Job in the future.”

That means passing on what he has learned, helping other site managers develop and encouraging more people across the region to aim for the same recognition.

The award is a proud moment for Andy and everyone at Wixams. For customers, it is also valuable reassurance that their home is being built by a team that cares about doing the job properly, from the first stage of construction through to the day the keys are handed over.