Management accountant Lynsey Bell and marketing manager Jenny Harvie, Mactaggart & Mickel Homes, collect their awards from hosts Dougie Vipond and Catriona Shearer

Mactaggart & Mickel Homes triumphed at the Scottish Home Awards 2011 scooping not only the Small Housebuilder of the Year category but also the top accolade of the evening - Housebuilder of the Year. The awards recognise the cream of the housing industry and are judged by a panel of well respected property experts.

The family-owned housebuilder was praised by judges for its strategic approach to tackling tough market conditions which saw a significant positive swing of £7.8m in Group profit, returning from a loss last year. By diversifying into related sectors and creating its Timber Systems, Contracts and Commercial property divisions the company is well placed for the future. 

Housebuilding remains the core of the business and Mactaggart & Mickel Homes’ commitment to quality and exceptional customer service was highlighted in addition to developments in marketing and social media.

The company also recognises the vital role it plays in futureproofing the industry not only through its innovative construction methods and comprehensive CSR strategy but most importantly through its extensive apprenticeship programme.

Dan Macdonald, chief executive of Macdonald Estates Group and member of the Scottish Home Awards judging panel said of Mactaggart & Mickel Homes: "Tonight’s winner of the Scottish Home Awards Housebuilder of the Year has been operating for over 80 years. "Despite its long and successful history it’s of no surprise that even it could not escape the recession that has so badly damaged the industry over the last few years.

"During 2009, like most companies involved in house building, it had to consolidate its workforce through a programme of redundancies yet despite the latter continued to win awards for both the quality of its homes and the positive customer care approach of its employees.

"At the same time and in consideration of the changing economic environment, this company decided to diversify its operations into three new business activities loosely related to its core house building purpose.    

"In their first year of operation all three new businesses generated profit and they have been strategically structured to make the best use of this company’s internal skills base whilst being conscious of future developments in legislation and opportunities in the market place. 

 "House building remains the major activity of this company and although completing a reduced number of homes over the last year, still managed to generate profit from its home division by selling at increased prices, and reducing its borrowings.

"It has a committed apprenticeship strategy in place and also developed a couple of successful initiatives which have assisted first time buyers in the purchase of new homes.

"In its Annual Report it stated that if it was to truly develop it would need to evolve and innovate, something that it has actually done over the last year. This is demonstrated by converting a significant loss in the preceding year to a significant profit last year.

"This company remains a family owned company that prides itself in the quality of the homes it produces.

"The judges wish to recognise the significant contribution that this house builder has made to new homes in Scotland. It continues a consistent approach in the design and construction of quality homes; it has an intrinsic and highly valued mechanism for apprenticeships and training, and its successful business diversification exercise it undertook in the last year shows that it continues to drive forward in its own way."

Joanne Casey, sales & marketing director at Mactaggart & Mickel Homes commented: “It is always gratifying to be recognised for your efforts, particularly by our peers in the property industry, and we’re delighted to have won these awards. 

“This prestigious accolade will be a welcome boost for the entire Mactaggart & Mickel team right across our business, from our office based employees to our on-site workforce, not forgetting our suppliers and customers.”