In a competitive industry like housebuilding, retaining top talent and fostering growth within a company is as vital as the bricks and mortar that create homes. Bewley Homes aims to set an exceptional example in this area by making its employees a central pillar of its success.
The company’s commitment to staff retention and career development is exemplified in initiatives like the ‘Pride of Bewley’ Awards, a programme designed to recognise and celebrate the hard work and achievements of all of its team members and stakeholders over the year, culminating in a glittering event held every year since 2021, attended by over 400 sub-contractors, consultants, suppliers, staff and partners.
Such has been the success of the initiative, the Pride of Bewley Awards has become a cornerstone of the company’s culture. Conceptualised by operations director Peter Carpinelli four years ago, the awards recognise individuals across all departments who exemplify Bewley’s core values of quality, integrity, and teamwork.
What are the benefits of introducing employee and stakeholder awards?
Carpinelli explains: “Monetary rewards, annual salary increases, and bonus structures are excellent tools for attracting talent. However, once employees have joined our team we’ve been faced with the question: how do we nurture their deeper need to feel valued and appreciated?
“The answer to me was by implementing an awards programme that recognises the specific contributions of each employee, team, or stakeholder makes and we appreciate their efforts in an open forum. Thoughtful awards create meaningful moments that forge a stronger connection between our employees, stakeholders, and the organisation. In many cases, such recognition can have an even greater impact than monetary rewards alone.
“We held our third, successful awards ceremony last week – which was another important moment of celebration and camaraderie, honouring outstanding achievements in land & planning, design, construction, sales & marketing, customer service, and administration. Each recipient demonstrated a commitment not only to delivering excellence in their roles but also to fostering a collaborative and positive workplace.
“From site managers ensuring smooth operations to sales representatives delivering exceptional customer experiences, the awards underpin the diverse talents and dedication within the Bewley family. This recognition not only boosts morale but also encourages all employees to strive for excellence in their careers.”
But the awards represent much more, as Carpinelli explains: “It’s also an opportunity for the Bewley Board to say ‘thank you’ to everyone for their dedication, passion, hard work, and effort in helping us forge ahead to be the housebuilder of choice.
“Everyone – no matter what their role and what they do day to day – contributes to this mission. It’s a complete team effort, something I call the ‘Ripple Effect.’
“Hosting a glitzy company awards event during good times is easy; doing so during tough economic conditions is far more challenging. We have been buoyed by the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our partners, subcontractors, suppliers, and key stakeholders. The fact that we had representatives from over 57 companies on the night in some capacity is truly astounding.”
Investing in people: the key to retention
In an industry where skilled labour shortages are a persistent challenge, Bewley takes a proactive approach to retain talent. By providing ongoing training, mentorship, and clear career progression paths, the company ensures that employees feel valued and supported in their professional growth.
The “Pride of Bewley” Awards are part of a larger framework, driven by HR, that includes regular employee feedback, opportunities for skills development, and programmes that foster inclusivity and well-being. This holistic approach creates a workplace where employees are motivated to build long-term careers rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
The importance of team spirit and a motivated workforce
At Bewley, fostering a strong sense of team spirit and ensuring that its workforce and stakeholders remain motivated and engaged are essential priorities. A healthy workplace culture not only drives a winning mentality and a culture of success but also helps the company attract and retain top talent.
Carpinelli explains further: “It is crucial to embed our business values at every level of our organisation, inspiring our team members to uphold and exceed these standards. To move forward with our planned growth in a cohesive and synergistic way, we must clearly define and highlight our Core Values. These values serve as a guiding framework, providing our workforce – our ‘Bewley People’ – with clarity about expectations and their role in driving the company’s success with pride.
“Regardless of a company’s size, its mission and vision must align seamlessly with its values. These attributes should resonate with all current and future employees, serving as a shared foundation and guideline for how we operate and grow.”
Overcoming the outdated image of our industry to attract new talent
Carpinelli comments: “Attracting new talent into the construction industry is critical. At Bewley, like many other housebuilders, we actively collaborate with organisations such as the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) and the HBF (Home Builders Federation) to draw fresh talent into the field. However, to succeed, we must first address the social preconceptions that often surround the industry.
“It’s vital to convey that working in construction doesn’t exclusively mean being onsite – though that can be an excellent starting point. The industry is diverse, encompassing a wide range of roles and opportunities. Hard work and talent are recognised and rewarded, with individuals often progressing rapidly in their careers.
“Still, it’s not enough to simply call for more people to join the industry; we must also demonstrate our commitment to exceeding quality standards. At Bewley, we take immense pride in our dedication to excellence, which is central to changing perceptions and attracting the best talent.
“The introduction of T-level courses in 2020 marked a significant step forward. These courses, equivalent to A-levels, are tailored to vocational subjects, including construction, and are available to 16-year-olds. They not only establish a higher standard of education within the industry but also help expose the next generation to the broad opportunities that construction offers. By embracing such initiatives, we can ensure the future of our industry is both skilled and dynamic.”
Advice for those considering a career in UK housebuilding
Carpinelli adds: “The housebuilding industry thrives on enthusiasm, commitment, and ambition. I believe, that to succeed, you need a genuine desire to learn, a willingness to work hard, and a strong sense of pride in what you accomplish. Empathy for the environment and a drive to make a meaningful impact are equally important qualities.
“In return, the industry offers great rewards. I encourage anyone considering a career in housebuilding—or exploring apprenticeship opportunities—to reach out to us. We are always on the lookout for passionate, driven talent and are deeply committed to investing in the next generation of industry leaders.
“My message: be inspired to give housebuilding a try – I was, and I’m still loving it!”
Pride of Bewley Awards roll of honour 2024
| Award | Winner |
| KEEPING US SAFE AWARD | Willow Fields |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD | Sovereign Gate |
| GREEN & SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR | Sheena Goodenough |
| GOING THE EXTRA MILE AWARD | Andy Langfeld (pictured above) |
| SITE MANAGER & ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR | Willow Fields & Wilton Park |
| CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR | Guest & Fiore Contract Bricklayers Ltd |
| SALES EXECUTIVE / SALES TEAM OF THE YEAR | Sales Support Team Jane Bailey and Roisin Dockrell |
| MARKETING AGENCY OF THE YEAR | ThinkBDW |
| ESTATE AGENCY OF THE YEAR | Hamptons |
| SPOTLIGHT AWARD | Charlie Potter |
| CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR | MJA Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers |
| SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR | Donaldson Timber Engineering Ltd |
| THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD | Kathy Wickens & Kate Bayley (pictured above) |
| CHAIRMAN’S AWARD | Chloe Willman |
| BEWLEY LONG SERVICE AWARD | Andrew Brooks (pictured above, 29 years of service) |
| BEWLEY LONG SERVICE AWARD | Sheena Goodenough (14 years) |
| TEAM OF THE YEAR | Construction Team |
