2023 Master Builder Awards

Nigel was nominated by a client who described him as 'extremely thorough and conscientious' and 'a thoroughly pleasant person to have around', praising him for his commitment to getting the job done even if it meant working well beyond normal hours.

The client appreciated the detailed quotes Nigel provided prior to starting work, and the in-depth explanations he provided at each stage of the build to help facilitate informed decision-making. Nigel is also said to have impressed the neighbours, with many commenting on the tidiness of his work and approaching him about having their own projects done.

The judges praised his attention to detail and high-quality work, describing him as a 'great example of a Master Builder'.

Find out more about A Youngs Extension & Construction Services Ltd.

The client who nominated our Heavenly Builder of the Year for Wales, Excel Home Design Ltd, said that the Excel team had been able to give them the ‘wow’ factor they’d always dreamed of. The judges commented: 'This builder goes beyond just delivering the project and strives for excellence.'

Their client had struggled with architects and builders during the early planning stages of their project, and was relieved to find support from Excel. They were able to smooth the process at every stage, from design and planning, through to building control – even helping to choose the fixtures and fittings. The judges praised their project management skills, which shone through in their consistently high standards.

This approach of care and consideration goes beyond the building site. The Excel team have a commitment to the local community too – providing sponsorship for local youth sports teams, as well as undertaking the renovation of a chapel, lauded as ‘magnificent’ by local residents. They also give back to the industry, with a commitment to training and mentorship that goes above and beyond for the apprentices working under their wing. The judges commented that this sets an example for raising standards in the industry.

Find out more about Excel Home Design Ltd.

Luke is Hawksmoor Construction's longest serving employee and has been recognised for his positive attitude and unwavering commitment to delivering the best outcomes for the company's clients.

With over 20 years' worth of experience in the industry, he has devoted significant time to helping younger colleagues learn and develop their abilities to progress their careers. He is also known for ensuring Health and Safety precautions on the sites he manages are observed to the highest degree.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic especially, Luke worked tirelessly to protect the health and wellbeing of clients and colleagues, setting up sanitisation stations on each of the company's projects and carrying out risk assessments safe working practices.

His nomination states 'If all people showed up to work the way Luke does, the world would be a better place', and there really is no better testament to a true Heavenly Builder.

Find out more about Hawksmoor Construction Ltd, who are also an FMB Insurance customer.

James was nominated by a client who, after engaging him for a series of smaller jobs, was sufficiently impressed by his work to ask that he construct a new house for her.  

Despite changing her mind regarding design choices several times during the build process, the client was relieved to find that James remained calm, responsive and positive throughout. He was fair and transparent with regard to his pricing from the outset, and managed a team of experienced, professional tradesmen very effectively. Despite numerous alterations to the original plans, the team delivered the new home within budget and very much to their client’s liking.  

She stated that ‘I can honestly say that my experience with James was enjoyable, rewarding and not at all stressful.’ 

The judges loved James’s commitment to customer service and high standards of workmanship. 

Find out more about James Wylie Building & Joinery. 

Chris Shaw at T D G Contracts Ltd went above and beyond with helping one of his clients. They were in desperate need of extra space to help them look after their three-year-old nephew, who came into their care in very sad circumstances following the death of the client’s sister in August 2021. 

As a toddler with complex needs including autism, they wanted to give him his own bedroom with en-suite facilities, and to make the garden safe and secure for the youngster to play in. Despite their budget falling short, the team reached out to the local construction community via social media and received offers from tradespeople including bricklayers, roofers, joiners, electricians and plumbers, all willing to give their time and skills for free.   

The clients commented that the trades working on site all spoke highly of Chris. ‘The way he encouraged and motivated others to give despite this being a time of great financial pressure on everyone was incredible to see. Our gratitude goes beyond words.’ 

Find out more about T D G Contracts Ltd. 

Andrew and the team at Radford Construction Services Ltd came to the rescue of their client whose kitchen extension project had been blighted by rising material costs, work done by previous cowboy builders and family health issues. 

The team went above and beyond by being conscientious builders on site and keeping the client and their neighbours informed of any disruption. The client praised both their environmentally friendly building methods and their sympathetic approach to the building’s period features – notably working around plans to preserve a stained-glass window in the kitchen area.  

The homeowner was impressed with Andrew’s resourcefulness – especially with sourcing supplies during the peak of the materials’ crisis. The team spent hours on the phone finding bricks to match the existing 1920’s brickwork, travelling down from Co. Durham to Yorkshire to obtain them.  

They stated: ‘Attention to detail was evident throughout and we were again confident that our extension was in safe capable hands. A very good experience for us, we think they are “The Dream Team.”’ 

The client stated: ‘He showed he was trustworthy from the start, and we were confident that any advice offered was sound and well thought out. Attention to detail was evident throughout and we were again confident that our extension was in safe capable hands. A very good experience for us, we think they are “The Dream Team.”’ 

Find out more about Radford Construction Services Ltd. 

Taking on the renovation and restoration of an aged property for a client whose vulnerable family member would soon return from hospital, Kevin Wilson Joiners and Building Contractors showed great compassion and professionalism throughout a project that ultimately saw them nominated for this award.  

Pamela and Kevin reworked their busy schedules in order to meet quickly with the client, who lived some 350 miles away from the site and could therefore only visit sporadically. They took the time to understand the family member's needs, and thereafter carefully coordinated their tradespeople from the outset of the project until its successful, timely delivery. 

Throughout the process, they remained approachable and responsive, and the client was struck by the quality ethos that they have so clearly instilled throughout their business. 

The judges hailed Pam and Kevin's focus on ensuring the safety, security, warmth and wellbeing of their client. They also loved the commitment shown to supporting the surrounding elderly community by doing their weekly shop, and the charity shown in setting up a Ukraine donation point in the company’s workshop. 

Find out more about Kevin Wilson Joiners and Building Contractors. 

Ken was nominated by a disabled client who was impressed with this professional, considerate and effective management of an annex construction project designed to cater for their unique needs.

During the build he went above and beyond to communicate in advance with the family whenever loud or disruptive works would be carried out, so that they could make preparations for their child with autism and avoid unnecessary distress. He also worked diligently to remove all potential trip hazards and assisted in the design and implementation of a custom accessible shower room with built-in seat and airing cupboard.

The judges loved Kenny’s commitment to understanding and meeting the whole family’s needs, whilst remaining positive and constructive at all times.

Find out more about Dale Chadwick Carpentry & Construction Ltd, who are also an FMB Insurance customer.

Our winners were nominated by a client who told us that Keestone Ltd had ‘Seriously restored faith in builders’. They gained the trust of the client, who were delighted that Keestone went the extra mile to do little tasks that made a big difference to a growing family. Details like putting up a door number, adding lighting and outside sockets, and silencing loud stairs meant a lot to the client and went above and beyond the original specifications.

Their communication stood out to the judges: ‘They took charge of communications with external stakeholders to reduce overall stress on the client and were also mindful of the impact that their building work may have on neighbours.’

Judges commented that ‘It's great to see a team of builders that are committed to deadlines and fulfilling the clients brief (and even doing a bit extra). The behaviour and attitude of Keestone is exactly what I would expect of a Master Builder.’

Find out more about Keestone Ltd.

C Williams & Sons’ longstanding commitment to delivering quality work for their clients is evidenced in a series of glowing customer testimonials.

Compliments for the team from clients include ‘it’s been a pleasure working with you and your guys and can say that from start through to finish nothing has been an issue for you…’, and ‘a fantastic, trustworthy building company who work to a very high standard.’ Other comments include ‘throughout the build Cliff Williams & Sons were helpful, friendly and adaptable when we needed to adjust the plans’ and ‘I’ve tended to be a bit sceptical of builders in the past, but this has changed. You showed up every day, did what you said and always worked with us.’

The team have also been praised for their commitment to training the next generation of tradespeople, with their latest apprentice having stayed with them for four years and continued their employment post qualification.

Find out more about C Williams & Sons.