The Project Manager in charge of Bellway’s Rectory Fields development in Witham has won a prestigious industry award in recognition of his commitment to delivering high-quality homes for his customers.
Joe Gracey received a coveted Seal of Excellence from the NHBC (National House Building Council) in the 2026 Pride in the Job competition – the first of his career.
Joe, 42, from Basildon, was among a select group of just 11 site managers from the NHBC’s South East region to receive the accolade this year – from a field of 45 candidates who had progressed to this stage of the competition by winning a Quality Award in the summer.
He said: “I am extremely proud to win the first Seal of Excellence of my career. Having won a Quality Award three years in a row now, it feels great to finally go that one step further and claim a Seal.
“The judging process is extremely demanding and I am so pleased that we have been able to achieve the high standards required. I strive for excellence every day and I instil that in my team. I am grateful to them for their hard work and commitment which has made this achievement possible.”
Now in their 45th year, the Pride in the Job Awards are among the most highly-prized in the housebuilding industry. Judging is a rigorous process which encompasses every aspect of a site manager’s responsibilities, including consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise and health and safety.
Paul Feeney, Construction Director for Bellway Essex, said: “A huge congratulations to Joe and his site team for their fantastic achievement in winning a coveted Seal of Excellence. It’s a thoroughly deserved reward for the outstanding quality and consistency that they have demonstrated at Rectory Fields.
“As part of our strategic focus on quality, we have specifically targeted success in the Pride in the Job Awards and Joe has really bought into this, priding himself on delivering homes that he would be glad to call his own. I am sure this Seal of Excellence will be the first of many.”
Joe and his site team are building 230 homes at Rectory Fields, a development which will also deliver two new sports pitches, six acres of parkland, and allotments. Construction work started in the autumn of last year and the development will comprise a mix of houses, apartments and bungalows.
Witham site manager claims industry award for excellence
