Kent developer wins gold at Oscars of the UK housebuilding industry

A Kent housebuilder has been named the best in amongst its peers at the 2020 WhatHouse? Awards.

Esquire Developments was presented with the Gold Award for Best Small Housebuilder of the Year at a virtual ceremony, for what is considered to be the Oscars of the UK housebuilding industry. This builds on last year’s Bronze.

Paul Henry, Managing Director of Esquire Developments, said: “We are delighted to win the Gold WhatHouse? Award for Best Small Housebuilder of the Year. We believe in the quality of what we do and feel strongly about the importance of having community-led developments.

“It’s a recognition of the whole Esquire Developments team and everyone who we work with in the housebuilding community, and we pass on our thanks to them all.”

Founded by childhood friends Paul Henry and David Braddon in 2011, the Longfield-based developer has proved friendship is a good foundation for commercial success as the company has grown to develop a projected 95 homes this year.

David Braddon, Director of Esquire Developments, added: “This award reinforces our reputation and position in the market and demonstrates to home buyers that they don’t necessarily need to go to a big name to get the best quality new home.”

The judges were impressed by Esquire’s collaborative work with local councils and residents, as well as the establishment of an SME Developer Network to enable housebuilders to work together. The judges noted the bespoke design of each development, commenting on the “fresh, bright, architectural innovation, be it building brand new, or sensitive restoration projects”, which has led to high customer satisfaction. They also applauded Esquire’s ambition, as well as the “qualities and attitudes, vital to the industry’s future”.

Esquire’s portfolio includes developing a range of sites, each with bespoke homes of two- to five-bedrooms, which have continued to sell remarkably well during the pandemic.

The virtual ceremony was broadcast on Friday, 27 November.

For more information on the WhatHouse? Awards see www.whathouse.com/awards or visit www.esquiredevelopments.com find out more about Esquire Developments.