On Saturday evening, renowned housebuilder, Bewley Homes, had a clear message for its 250 guests, made up of staff and partners, external contractors, suppliers, and consultants, who joined them at the very first “Pride of Bewley” Gala event at Reading Football Club in the historic Madejski Stadium. “You have truly made the extraordinary ordinary and made it look easy in what has been a very challenging year!”
With a glamorous setting, not unlike that of the BAFTAS, Bewley unfurled the red carpet to welcome everyone to what had been a much-anticipated event. With its pre-Christmas timing, this was an opportunity for the company to bring together its key players for an evening of celebration, laughter and surprises. The company is a firm believer in the importance of staff well-being and this event was the culmination of many initiatives to ensure that team spirit was always high on the agenda!
After a successful year end for the company in September, the event follows the Hampshire based company picking up a Thames Valley recognition award for Managing Director Andrew Brooks, and a Best Medium Sized Housebuilder Silver Award earlier in the month.
As the opening credits rolled on screen for the evening, there truly was excitement and anticipation in the room as Operations Director, Peter Carpinelli took to the stage alongside two life-sized Oscar statues, for his welcoming address to the audience. “You have all have worked tirelessly, creating new and transforming existing communities, as well as delivering a commendable five-star experience for our discerning customers. The passion and heart we see every day together with the level of innovation, creativity and pride, is truly amazing. That’s why we wanted to show that we all understand and appreciate the remarkable things that get done day in day out. You have truly made the extraordinary ordinary and made it look easy,” said Carpinelli as he handed over to MC Matt Fleming to get the awards officially underway.
From the many award categories and nominations, Board Directors presented headline awards to the winners of the following categories: “Keeping us Safe” – “ Outstanding Customer Service” – “Apprentice of the Year” – “Going above and Beyond” – “Driving Success” – “Team Player” – “Always Growing” – “Best new Initiative” – “Standout Site Manager & Assistant” – “Standout Sales Executive and Sales Team” – Standout Consultant, Suppliers and Contractors Awards all receiving a rapturous applause and cheers from the audience as the winners proceeded to the stunning stage setting.
The company’s Non-Executive Chairman, Greg Locke, presented two Chairman’s Awards to Angela Terrett, Head of HR, and Matt Jenkins, the company’s Health Safety and Environmental Manager. Next came the “Long Service Recognition” which was presented by Andrew Brooks, Managing Director. He recalled his own early start with Bewley some 28 years ago and proudly called to the stage both Contracts manager Mick Heaver and Bill Fisher Senior Site Manager who were at his side in the early days of the company’s history.
In concluding, Andrew went on to say; “When I look back, especially over the past year together with the many nominations and annual winners this evening, I have been both amazed and humbled by the incredible work carried out across all areas of the business. It is further testament to the togetherness we have across our business. I am extremely proud of everyone; this is a fantastic place to work with brilliant people. Many congratulations to all the award winners.”
Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, dancing and a surprise sing along when several “singing waiters” took to the floor to generate a version of Sweet Caroline sang by the whole room and worthy of any World Cup event, football or otherwise!
