Although it has been in operation since 2020, the creators of Isle of Wight-based Meadow View Contractors Ltd, Roy Churchill and Clive Gissing, have years of experience behind them. This knowledge has not only helped the timber-frame housebuilder to quickly build a strong reputation in the marketplace, but has also seen it enjoy industry recognition in the shape of a LABC Warranty Bricks Award for its high standards of workmanship and site management.
“We were delighted with the award win, as it’s justification of our approach and shows that we’re doing things the right way,” explains Roy. “We strive to use all the innovative ideas available to us to make our houses as good as they can be and as energy efficient and as sustainable as possible. It’s not only about the properties themselves, as we also work hard to ensure that we create communities that people want to live in. We therefore provide ample parking and plenty of garden space. We’re not just selling houses; we’re selling a lifestyle.”
Meadow View Contractors earned its place at The Bricks by receiving many of LABC Warranty’s monthly Site Recognition Awards. Winners of a Site Recognition Award are nominated by LABC Warranty’s risk management surveyors during their regular inspections of building sites.
Site Recognition Awards score building sites for the standards of health and safety, workmanship, site tidiness and site management observed by surveyors. All monthly Site Recognition Award winners for the year are entered into Bricks consideration, with LABC Warranty’s technical specialists producing a shortlist.
This rigorous, evidence-led approach makes the Bricks one of the most prestigious awards that builders and site managers in England and Wales can earn.
LABC Warranty is one of the largest providers of structural warranties in the UK. Working in partnership with Local Authority Building Control (LABC), its combined team of more than 3,700 surveyors work with house builders, contractors and housing associations.
Katie Churchill, Business Development Manager, adds: “Receiving this type of award also demonstrates that our health and safety processes are up to scratch, because looking after our people is our priority. We’re building great houses, which is reflected in the high demand we’re seeing for them from a commercial point of view, but it’s still nice to get external recognition.”
Its quality-led approach has been at the heart of Meadow View Contractor’s ethos since its creation and has been very much modelled around the philosophy of its two directors. “We both left school with just a handful of qualifications between us but through hard work and determination we’ve been able to create a successful company, having pretty much seen it all over the years,” says Roy. “During our previous ventures we’ve taken on housing developments of varying sizes and have had to overcome the effects of financial crashes, as well as Brexit and the Covid pandemic. Throughout the various challenges, both big and small, we’ve remained true to our values, and these have all come together in Meadow View Contractors. As a business we design and build all the houses utilising the skills of our sister companies in which we’re also shareholders.”
As well as its robust infrastructure within the family of companies, Meadow View Contractors has also developed a strong collection of suppliers to support its activities too, including Sydenhams, the timber frame merchants. This has been vital as an island-based business where access to suppliers is more challenging.
Despite its award win and the commercial success it continues to enjoy, there are a number of issues that Meadow View Contractors is having to contend with. “Finding suitable skilled tradesmen is difficult at the moment but this is an industry-wide problem,” outlines Katie. “This is one of the reasons why we’re so committed to providing our staff with training support, which helps to increase our retention rates. We’re also keen advocates of apprenticeships and our emphasis on health and safety training means we have an excellent record in this area.
“Aside from staffing, there’s also the age-old issue of planning, which takes far too long, particularly when ecological and archeological reports are added to the mix. It’s a major hurdle but we have the experience to ensure that it doesn’t overly affect us.”
In terms of ongoing developments, Meadow View Contractors is currently wrapping up a nine-house scheme in Bembridge and has just commenced the latest phase of its Cowes project that will see the creation of 16 houses. Looking further ahead, it has planning approval for a further 117 houses in Cowes and another 56 in Bembridge. “The pipeline of work remains strong so we’re just ensuring the preparations are put in place to help see it through. If we’re able to win some more awards along the way then that would be great too, as it will be further indication that we’re on the correct path, as well as giving our suppliers and our customers further reinforcement that we’re the right people to go for.
“Awards are a great way of raising awareness, but we also want to keep improving our social media to let even more people know about the amazing work that Roy and Clive do. They’re not only creating brilliant houses but they’re all sustainable and highly eco-friendly too.
Roy concludes: “Ultimately, it’s all about the pride we take in our work. When you look at beautiful Victorian houses that have been standing for over a century, it gives me the inspiration for our own work. I love the idea that our homes will still be around in a hundred years. We use natural materials, such as natural slate and natural bricks, so apart from the occasional window replacement, our houses should be around for a long time for future generations to enjoy.”
With this award-winning approach, it is easy to see why Meadow View Contractors has developed such an impressive portfolio of homes and further accolades in the future are a definite possibility.