Richard Watson

West Midlands & Wales Region

Norton Rise, Austrey, Warwickshire

Morris Homes

 

Number of units: 40 including affordable homes in a village setting

Features: A Bricks award winner from 2020, Norton Rise features a mix of 4 and 5-bedroom homes

Q: How did you feel when you found out you had won the award?

A: I was ecstatic, absolutely delighted. I don't like to boast about things but I am really over the moon with this. I have a great relationship with LABC building control and warranty and we just hit it off - they said they wished every site was like Norton Rise.

Q: What does it mean to you personally?

A: Things like this only come around every so often. I've been a runner-up Site Manager and we've previously been Bricks winners but I know you always have to work for it, and be at your best. When you get it right it's fantastic.

Q: What does it mean for your team / business?

A: For the business, it's great news. It means Morris Homes is up for another award and it reflects so well on the regional team, the managing director and the construction director. I thanked all my site team personally because it has been a terrific team effort.

Q: What makes a good Site Manager?

A: For me personally, I have worked my way to Site Manager, being a labourer, fork lift truck driver, assistant manager, so I understand the roles that help make a great site. It's important to be honest, and I operate an open door policy, so as well as Site Manager I am the parent, the doctor, you name it. I only wear a tie because it comes with the uniform, otherwise I'm part of the team. You can always come in for a coffee and have a chat.

Q: What one success in your work are you most proud of and why?

A: I think Norton Rise. We started out on budget, then Covid hit and everything stopped, then we started again and completed on budget. Everyone moved in and the customers loved their homes. It's a five-star site, winning awards, with fantastic customer care.

Richard Watson for Morris Homes

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