Swindon & Wiltshire News
Wiltshire construction firm crowned Britain’s Master Builder
A Wiltshire and Gloucestershire-based construction firm has been named Britain’s Master Builder by the Federation of Master Builders.
Stonewood Builders won the title for the restoration of Codrington Court, a medieval hall house in South Gloucestershire.
The ten-month restoration of a medieval hall house once owned by Henry V’s standard bearer at Agincourt also won the builders the title of Large Renovation Project of the Year.
Structural works included replacing a late 20th century stone staircase with a period appropriate panelled oak one, restoring a 16th century fireplace, and removing the telegraph pole that was propping up a damaged beam in the Great Hall.
The makeover included the installation of underfloor heating and fibre optic broadband, and builders uncovered a hidden priest hole and a 100-metre escape tunnel.
The company won its first Federation of Master Builders regional award in 2007 for a small renovation project when its staff numbered 25 and its turnover was under £1 million.
Today, the firm sits within a group with a near £60 million turnover and 350 employees.
The group comprises housebuilders Stonewood Partnerships and Stonewood Homes, groundworks arm Earthstone and architects Stonewood Design, based in offices at Castle Combe and Corsham in Wiltshire, Tormarton in Gloucestershire, Castle Carey in Somerset, Kidlington in Oxford and Exeter in Devon.
Chief operating officer Ben Lang said: “In 2007 chief executive officer Matt Aitkenhead and I both said it would be an amazing achievement to win a national award one day, so to win the overall award is pretty special for us.
“It is indicative of how far we have come as a company and a team. We set out to deliver the sort of projects that would be regarded highly by the judges.
“The award is a lovely moment and special, and something that 14 years ago we would have said would remain aspirational. With all that is happening across the group it is reassuring to know that we are getting better as a result of the growth and haven’t had to sacrifice, compromise or dilute anything to get to this level.”
Pictured: Stonewood Group chief operating officer Ben Lang and the Isuzu D Max truck that was part of the Federation of Master Builders Master Builder Award prize
