Poundbury's Steve Walker Wins National Supreme Award – For the Eighth Time!
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
There's something wonderful about someone who can walk through a town with their dog and see not just buildings, but decades of dedication etched into every street corner. For Steve Walker, CG Fry & Son's site manager at Poundbury, those walks with his dog Ria are moments of quiet reflection on an extraordinary 32-year journey. A journey that has just been recognised with his eighth NHBC Pride in the Job Supreme Award.
Steve has been crowned Supreme Winner in the medium builder category at the national housebuilding awards, often called the 'Oscars' of the industry. It's the ultimate prize, and one that celebrates exceptional quality in homebuilding. But Steve's quick to share the credit: "While I am honoured by the title of Supreme Winner, I am most proud of the teamwork and dedication that goes into every single home – I have a truly brilliant team."
For those who don't know Steve's story, it's impressive: he followed his father into housebuilding at just 16 and now has over 50 years of experience. He joined CG Fry & Son in 1990 and has managed the company's development at Poundbury since construction first began in 1993. Yes, he has been here from the very beginning.
The judging process is rigorous, assessing site managers across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety. To win once is an achievement; to win eight times is extraordinary.
Philip Fry, managing director at CG Fry & Son, said: "We are incredibly proud of Steve; he's an exceptional site manager and fully deserves this national recognition. To be singled out nationally for the eighth time is an outstanding achievement."
The win is particularly meaningful because it reflects not just Steve's individual excellence, but the values that CG Fry & Son brings to every project. The company, founded in 1930 and now in its third generation of family leadership, is committed to the communities where they work. Beyond building approximately 340 homes a year across the South West, they actively support local schools through STEM (science, technology, environment and maths) workshops, maintain a steady intake of apprentices, work with local organisations, and donate both money and building services to charitable causes.
Steve wasn't the only CG Fry & Son team member honoured at the NHBC awards. In the South West regional awards: Grant Gibson won a Seal of Excellence Award for Jurston Fields in Wellington, and Brendan Leech received a Seal of Excellence for Nansledan in Newquay.
For Steve, though, Poundbury remains his heart's work. "I love nothing more than walking around Poundbury with my dog, Ria, and reflecting on each building and street scene – it's a very special place to me."
We couldn't agree more, Steve. And congratulations – your dedication shows in every corner of our community.