‘I joined Barratt straight from school in 1986 as a Site Clerk on a YTS contract. Since then, I’ve spent my entire career in the York division and I think (someone correct me if I’m wrong!) that I’m now the youngest MD in the Group. So if you ask me what makes Barratt such a rewarding employer, I’d say it is the way we develop our people.
'Throughout my career, Barratt has been always looked to help me progress and grow professionally. They were supportive when I was still learning the ropes and helped me gain formal Building and Surveying qualifications. By 1998, I’d become a Technical Manager and in 2000 I became Technical Director for the York Division.
'My next step was to become Development Director before recently becoming MD. I think there are a lot of myths in the construction industry about how organisations look after their people. In Barratt York, we employ 40 apprentices who we look at as the future of the organisation. We’ve got trainees who are winning awards and people who have stayed with us for twenty years and more. It says a lot about the way Barratt treats individuals.
‘There are lots of challenges for us going forward. Land acquisition is becoming tougher and more competitive; affordability is always an issue. But we’re doing well here at York. We’re aiming to grow to around 700 homes each year and we’re winning national awards for our developments. In fact, I’ve owned three Barratt houses. If you take account of the discount for employees, that’s a significant bonus.’