Walsall construction manager wins coveted award

A Walsall construction manager has won a coveted award in the National House Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job competition.

Barry Smith (43) from Winterley Lane, Rushall has been presented with a ‘Quality’ award for his beyond the call of duty efforts at a flagship Taylor Wimpey West Midlands development in Telford.

He’s only been a site manager for just over a year and Castle Meadows is his first proper development in charge. He says: “I’m over the moon obviously and it’s great to be recognised for the hard work and effort put in, but I also see it as part of my job really. Going the extra mile can be tough and demanding sometimes – especially in the winter - but it’s also very rewarding and keeps the job fresh, challenging and interesting. I have a good loyal team behind me and that really helps to build consistency and camaraderie.”

Taylor Wimpey West Midlands production director, Stuart Payne adds: “Barry has done very well, very quickly, but I’m not surprised to be honest. He’s a real professional, but also a real gentleman and we get a lot of feedback to this effect from happy customers. The quality of our build at Castle Meadows is second to none and this is reflected in our recent Customer Satisfaction results for the year where the site scored 100% in five different categories.”

The NHBC’s Pride in the Job initiative aims to raise standards for the benefits of new homes buyers. Apart from the quality of the build at all stages, site managers are judged on their man management skills, programme ability, Health & Safety record, plus their presentation of the site. ‘Quality’ winners are universally regarded as the best in their profession and producing consistently high standards.

NHBC inspectors will have made regular visits during the last 12 months and assessed Barry’s performances from foundation level to the finished product, as well as all the day-to-day workings of the developments.

Barry is married with three children – and in the spare time he gets outside of work and family is a keen pigeon fancier and racer in the local leagues.