Longfield developer with projects in Rainham, Cliffe and Chattenden wins UK housebuilding 'Oscar'

By: Nikki White nwhite@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 11:04, 02 December 2020

Updated: 11:09, 02 December 2020

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

Longfield-based Esquire Developments won a 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.

Esquires development at Manor Farm, Cliffe

Esquire Developments' managing director Paul Henry said: “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 developer – which employs 20 staff – has proved friendship is a good foundation for commercial success as the company has grown to develop a projected 95 homes this year.

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Director David 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.

Esquires development at Riverbourne, Chattenden

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.

Sites includes ones in Riverbourne in Chattenden, Foxglove Mews in Rainham, and Manor Farm in Cliffe.