Prince of Persimmon leading the way on site at age of 73

A 73-year-old site manager from Weston-super-Mare has been recognised for his quality of work, strong leadership and attention to detail.

Bob Prince and his Haywood Village site has been recognised as the ‘best site’ in the Wales and South West Division, as part of the Construction Excellence category in the company’s ‘Excellence Always Awards’.

The Persimmon Homes’ Excellence Always Awards identifies teams that embraced ‘The Persimmon Way’, and demonstrated initiative and outstanding management skills, encouraging everyone involved on their development to excel.

Bob, who has worked within the company for 33 years, is currently responsible for the management of the company’s substantial development in Weston-super-Mare, which will deliver 2,500 new homes for local families and first-time buyers in the seaside resort, along with two new primary schools and a local centre.

He started his career as an apprentice carpenter at the age of 16, and worked for a number of major housebuilders earlier in his career, which also included a fascinating 12-year stint in the Middle East as a contracts manager in Saudi Arabia.

He received his award last week from Group Chief Executive, Dean Finch, Group UK Managing Director, Paul Hurst, Regional Chairman for Wales and South West, Liam Scott, and Severn Valley Managing Director, Paul Moody.

The Regional Chairman praised Bob’s ‘relentless attention to detail’ which was evident on the site in all areas of the build.

Commenting after the presentation, Bob, who was born and bred in Bristol, said:

“As a team, we set ourselves high standards and we’ve always aimed for Haywood Village to be amongst the best sites in the business.

“Everyone on site, from the contractors upwards, have bought into this vision and have a real pride in the job they undertake.

“Our people enjoy coming to work, both in the good times and the challenging times, and we always keep a smile on our face.

“I’m delighted the team’s efforts have been recognised as we deliver good quality, five-star homes for local people in Weston-super-Mare.”

Bob has been responsible for the delivery of numerous sites across the Severn Valley region, including the marina development in Portishead, which involved the construction of a new head office for the business.

For the past seven years, he has overseen the company’s presence in Haywood Village, as well as the career development of numerous workers and apprentices.

Figures such as Wessex’s Construction Director, Ben Hale, have worked on site under Bob, enjoying successful careers after benefiting from his experience and expertise.

Congratulating Bob on his award, Liam Scott, Regional Chairman for Wales and the South West, said:

“Bob has always led from the front during his fantastic career at Persimmon, and has a relentless attention to detail, which was evident on the site in all areas of the build.

“The Haywood Village site is a fine example of how strong leadership and embracing our Persimmon Way build methods can create a five-star product for our customers. 

“The site is a credit to Bob and the wider Severn Valley business, along with all the contractors and supply chain partners that work together to build these new homes to this award-winning quality standard.”

Paul Moody, Managing Director for Severn Valley, added:

“We are delighted that Bob, his team and our business have been recognised for the excellent build standards at Haywood Village.

“He’s loved by his colleagues and contractors, and he has everyone pulling in the right direction, building good quality homes for local people.

“Bob is the backbone of the site, ensures our high-levels of construction are consistently maintained, and is thoroughly deserving of this award.”