Suffolk firm 'best builder'

Ellisdale Builders, Suffolk, was labelled "Britain's best builder" last week by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The winning project, a new four-bedroom house in Stoke-by-Clare near Cambridge, was judged to have the highest standards of workmanship, an awareness of time and budget restrictions and a can-do attitude.

Ellisdale's directors, Neville Theobald and Bob Hunt, were presented with a brand new Renault Master van worth £17,000 and a £3,000 holiday at the FMB Annual Conference in Torquay.

Dean Pearce, of Ellisdale Builders designer, said: "We handle every stage of building a new house, from purchasing land to arranging a mortgage. We are particularly proud of the work we have done at Stoke-by-Clare. We have created a real Suffolk home, which uses such traditional materials and craftsmanship that it looks like the building's been there for years."

The four "Master Builder of the Year" category winners, sponsored by Jewson, were Ellisdale Builders, Cheshire-based JC Sheard, Lincolnshire-based Randall and Corder, and Somerset-based KFG House (Builders).



The hand-laid floor, hand-built kitchen, oak fittings throughout the house and the flint wall in the garden all add to the effect.





Neville and Bob, a bricklayer and a carpenter of some 30 years experience, started up Ellisdale Builders five years ago.

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