Two site managers from Devon have been recognised among the very best in the UK after receiving prestigious industry awards for their commitment to quality and excellence in housebuilding.
Steve Damerell, Site Manager at Baker Estates’ Little Orchard development in Tavistock, and Steve Hobden, Site Manager at Little Cotton Farm in Dartmouth, have both received the Pride in the Job 2026 Seal of Excellence awards from NHBC, the UK’s largest provider of new home warranties and insurance.
Widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the construction industry, the NHBC Pride in the Job competition celebrates the dedication and skill of site managers who go above and beyond to raise standards in housebuilding, showcase best practice and deliver homes of exceptional quality.
The competition covers England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man and is open to NHBC-registered builders of all sizes. Judging is rigorous, with assessments across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety.
Receiving a Seal of Excellence places both Steve’s achievements among an elite group of site managers recognised for their outstanding performance and commitment to the highest standards.
Mark Sexton, Production Director at Baker Estates, said: “We are incredibly proud of Steve Damerell and Steve Hobden and what they have achieved. These awards are thoroughly deserved and reflect the hard work, professionalism and attention to detail they bring to their roles every day.
“Delivering a quality home takes a huge amount of commitment, teamwork and leadership on site. Both Steve’s set exceptionally high standards and take real pride in the homes they build and the experience they deliver to our customers. To have two of our site managers recognised at this level is a fantastic achievement for them personally and for the whole Baker Estates team.”
Cassandra Codling, Senior Regional Director at NHBC, said: “Congratulations to Baker Estates’ Steve Damerell and Steve Hobden for their outstanding achievements. They have demonstrated incredible dedication, passion, commitment and leadership to produce homes of exceptional quality.
“The Pride in the Job inspires site managers to make their mark on the industry, earning the respect of their peers and leaving a legacy of homes built to the highest quality standards.”
The recognition reinforces Baker Estates’ commitment to delivering high-quality homes across the South West, with its site teams playing a central role in maintaining the standards and attention to detail for which the company is known