A Suffolk family-run company which has been building properties for over 65 years has won one of the construction industry’s most prestigious national awards - for the third year running.

Bennett Homes, based in Nowton, near Bury St Edmunds and with developments throughout East Anglia, was named House Builder of the Year 2014 at the National Federation of Builders’ (NFB) awards held on Friday May 16.

The NFB Awards, which are an annual fixture in the construction calendar, celebrate the high quality work and commitment delivered by members to improve the built environment.

Bennett Homes carried away the coveted title for introducing a number of creative new initiatives to reflect current market conditions and address specific buyer challenges.

These included the launch of Maltsters’ Yard, the company’s first new age-restricted product for active retirees at Eye; harnessing new technology including air source heat pumps to allay buyer concerns over energy efficiency and rising fuel prices; changing the internal layouts of its properties to reflect contemporary living with more open plan spaces and fitted storage; and promoting the government’s Help to Buy Scheme which has seen a marked increase in footfall, particularly first-time buyers.

Edward Parker managing director of Bennett Homes said: “Winning House Builder of the Year for the third consecutive year is a huge achievement but it doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels! We are constantly revising our offering to meet customers’ needs – not only for today but for the future

“We were delighted to be named House Builder of the Year for the last two years and to retain this title for the third time against stiff competition is a huge achievement. Our success is down to a number of factors but in my view it’s mainly the result of our company culture of putting customers first and the hard work of the Bennett Homes team who really do go the extra mile.

“Winning this award is very important – it validates all the work we do and to have national industry recognition is a great accolade.”

NFB National Chairman, Paul Senior said: “It is an honour to be able to build upon last year’s success and to bring you these Awards, which recognise and celebrate the best in our industry.

“You represent all the hard work and effort that has been needed at every level of the industry in the past few years, to overcome barriers, to deal with the changing world of construction, and to think and act in new ways. You deserve to be here.”

Bennett Homes currently has developments at Croxton, Dereham, Downham Market, Eye, Mundford, Watlington, Watton and Wereham.

www.bennett-homes.co.uk