Freeman Homes, based near Drybrook in the Forest of Dean, has been handed a prestigious silver national industry award as the Small Housebuilder of the Year.

The company, which is currently also building Cinderford's £250,000 skate park , was awarded an 'Oscar' as Small Housebuilder of the Year at the 2023 WhatHouse? Awards - and the new accolade for the developer's cabinet comes as specific recognition for achievements in new projects both in Gloucestershire and neighbouring Herefordshire.

Luke Freeman, CEO of the MF Freeman Group, told Punchline-Gloucester.com: "We couldn't be more delighted with winning such a coveted accolade. This is testament to the passion and commitment of every single person on our team who has worked so hard for Freeman Homes to become the leading developer in sustainable housing.

"To be selected from such a wealth of industry talent and be recognised on a platform like this showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence is simply brilliant."

He added: "We've only just started on our mission to make cleaner, energy efficient living more accessible to homebuyers, and to deliver the many other benefits our developments bring to improve the quality of life for local communities. This award just motivates us further to continue to uphold the high standard we've set."

The WhatHouse? Awards are national, bringing together the very best in the industry and Freeman Homes was picked out for its "exceptional developments prioritise space, style and sustainability to deliver energy-efficient living in unrivalled countryside locations".

The homebuilder has has constructed 94% A-rated EPC homes since October 2021, with 100% B-rated or above.

The judges commended the company for being "another family-owned business shining a light on the quality of SMEs across the UK. Sustainability is Freeman's creed, while communication and events all play their part, backed up by a company Wellness Charter.

"Design, innovation, and customer care sit harmoniously alongside Freeman's sustainability agenda to deliver award-winning homes, embraced by the local communities they serve."

● Launched in 1999, Freeman Homes is a family owned and run South West-based organisation. It is also the largest division of MF Freeman Ltd - a respected construction company that, for 50 years, has built an strong reputation for quality workmanship.