Master Builder of the Year 2006 in association with Nissan
Winner Peter Passmore collects his prize, a new Nissan Navara, from Sarah Beeny
Devon Builder is Best in Britain
Devon builder Peter Passmore of Manor Building Company (Torbay) fought off competition from 1,500 builders around the UK to be crowned as the best builder in Britain. He won the accolade at the 2006 Master Builder of the Year Awards, presented by expert property developer and TV presenter Sarah Beeny, for his work on a truly spectacular redevelopment of a run-down 1930s golf club house.
The complexities of the project required an exceptional builder. After the architects, Lee Guilfoyle Associates, felt the initial tenders fell short of what was needed, they approached Manor Building Company (Torbay), a previous regional award winner in 2005. Peter and his team impressed judges with their exceptional planning and detailed coordination for this very challenging project.
The Master Builder of the Year Awards, now in its seventh year, is organised by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK's largest building trade association. These annual awards celebrate the outstanding work delivered by the vast majority of builders who can only be nominated by highly satisfied clients. The Large Renovation Category is supported by American Express and Hewden.
Peter Passmore of Manor Building Company (Torbay) - Master Builder of the Year 2006, with architect Lee Guilfoyle and clients Stuart and Pat Smith
The 2006 Awards attracted the highest ever number of entries, with some 1,500 companies nominated for an award, but Manor Building Company (Torbay) triumphed to take the top national award along with the title of "Master Builder of the Year 2006".
The £500,000 project started in October 2004, finishing 13 months later.
Subcontractor, Carpenter Oak, who worked on the oak frames for the property, praised Manor Building Company's perfect precision for foundations and fixings. But the technically complex design was just one of Peter's challenges. He was working on a severely sloping site with poor narrow access.
Clients, Stuart and Pat Smith, admit that in some respects they must have been demanding clients, but never once did the builders "lose their cool". Stuart Smith said: "When we first moved in we had one bathroom with an old leaky shower-head. Today we have six state-of-the-art bathrooms. We have not only become firm friends with Peter, but have also recommended him to our friends."
Sean Facey, Apprentice of the Year 2006, collects his award from Sarah Beeny
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, FMB director general, Ian Davis said: "What makes these Awards different is the combination of exceptional professional skills and customer service demonstrated by the builders. To be considered for a Master Builder of the Year Award, the judges must see evidence of both. I'm happy to say that we found an abundance of projects that met these criteria. Our congratulations go to Peter Passmore and his team for this well-deserved award, but equally our thanks go to Stuart and Pat Smith who recognised their excellent work."
Peter Passmore wins a Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle worth up to £20,000 and Stuart and Pat Smith win a holiday of their choice worth £3,000. This is in addition to the luxury all-inclusive weekend breaks for two that both the builder and the clients have won at any of the UK Paramount Group of Hotels.
