One name has been highlighted again and again throughout the finalists’ roll call, so it comes as no surprise that Willmott Dixon has claimed this supreme award, sponsored by ODPM

Winner: Willmott Dixon

Willmott Dixon’s name appears in the finalists’ list for six categories in this year’s awards and it is winner of three of them: partnering, innovation and customer satisfaction. That formidable feat made the company the clear choice of the judges for the supreme award. Its business culture and its working relationships with its housing association clients are a model of best practice within the industry, and the company’s 20% increase in profits and record forward order book show that good performance is good business.

Second: Higgins Construction

Its service to affordable housing occupants won contractor Higgins Construction the runner-up prize. Affordable housing occupants have traditionally had little choice about their home, but Higgins is helping to give them a voice and asking them what they want, a factor that really impressed the award judges. The company’s initiative to reduce defects and improve the build quality of the end product is complementary, giving occupants a better home all round.

Third: Circle 33 Housing Group

In its partnering relationship with Willmott Dixon, London and South-east registered social landlord Circle 33 has gone way beyond the industry norm, by introducing a range of joint working procedures and training initiatives. The housing provider develops some 2400 homes a year and sees partnering as central to its strategy, delivering the benefits of cost reduction, fewer defects and improved tenant satisfaction.