MPR Projects - Testimonials

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MPR Projects - Testimonials

Testimonial from Spencer and Jeanette Clarke: Open >

“We've now been in our house just over a year, and we wanted to drop you a line to say a huge 'thank you' to both MPR and Zelda. The thank you is both for the house itself and the fantastic support that Una and assorted tradesmen have given us over the last year. The decorator came today to finish off the last remaining snagging, and as with all contractors arranged by MPR, he did an excellent job (please pass on our thanks).

Overall, one year on, we just love the house MPR built for us. The fact that you were happy to work with us to make an already amazing house the perfect house for us is what made this truly special for us. We managed to get our 'Grand Design' without the headaches you usually see on TV. I've seen on your website that you have testimonials, and I'd be more than happy to be quoted if you thought that could be useful.

Anyway, thank you once again and good luck with your business over the coming months and years.

Kind regards"

Testimonial from Oakdene, Ashford Hill Road, Headley: Open >

Dear Mark,

We would like to thank you and all at MPR for enabling us to build the house of our dreams at Oakdene:

Prior to contacting MPR we had a design for a new Potten Timber Frame home as a result of meetings with their agent and visits to the Buildstore, self-build, centre at Swindon. 

It was Sept 2011 when we first met with Mark to discuss how MPR could help us after we had searched on-line and found the MPR website.  It was Mark that gave us the confidence and belief to take on the task of demolishing the existing dwelling at the Oakdene plot and completing the new build to the standards required.  We put our trust in MPR to meet our expectations and were not disappointed.

MPR gave us a clear and easily understood set of contractual conditions that set out what they would do to enable us to build our home.  The plan they produced setting out the time-scales against the build activities gave us the timeline to plan our inputs to the project and to react to any delays encountered as would be expected from a project sponsor.

Feasibility and cost discussions with the MPR team generated a workable set of specifications for the required trades to quote against, this enabled MPR to seek the best services to meet our needs and to generate an estimated cost plan.  Once this had been agreed with us MPR dealt with the trades and all invoices went to them for vetting prior to being sent to us for payment.

The assigned Project Manager dealt with the day to day interaction with the numerous trades ensuring that the build progressed through its phases and that the all-important inspections were performed to allow final certification.

We tried to obey the golden rule of not changing our requirements but sometimes you have to as the plans become tangible but with the aid of MPR our wishes were almost always fulfilled without any problems with the trades affected.

The MPR team, Mark, Una, Paul and our dedicated Project Manager Ken have demonstrated a clear desire to see us happy in our new home and having now moved in, to the MPR schedule provided 8 months ago albeit with a slight overspend, we would recommend others in a similar situation to ours to contact Mark Ruckwood at MPR to enable their wish of building the house of their dreams to come true.

Kind Regards

Denise & Bob (proud owners of Oakdene)

Testimonial from Stuart and Keri Barker: Open >

Project at 233 Winchester Road

“We asked MPR Projects to manage our project after initially meeting Mark. We had previously met with other builders tendering for the project, but Mark’s professional approach and turning up to the first meeting with an example project plan was a breath of fresh air. At that point I had started a Blog online to document our progress, having seen the vast number of projects on TV and their trials and tribulations. I thought it would be good to record our own in the hope it would help others avoid any mistakes. However, with the guiding hand of the MPR Projects team and a very smooth build, I quickly ran out of things to write about!

All in all, I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending MPR Projects If we were to build again, it would be Mark and his team who’d be first to find out.”

Testimonial from Justin and Andrea Swain: Open >

Self-Build Project at 33 Cripstead Lane, Winchester

“Dear Mark and Nick

It was good to see you last week to discuss some final minor details with regard to our house build. We just wanted to drop you a line to say how delighted we are with our new home and the way that the project has gone. The project was delivered on time and to budget, the only delay created by the very cold weather in December. We particularly wanted to comment on the professionalism of Nick who guided us through some of the more challenging parts of the project and who managed the different trades efficiently and always with good humour.

We can’t comprehend how anyone could contemplate a first-time self-build without the support of a project manager to guide them through the process. The project management fee was reasonable and to be honest it was easily recouped against the time saved and the favourable contracts you were able to secure for the various trades. At which point, we would also like to thank Paul (your QS) for his help and advice throughout the build process.

All the trades that you recommended to us were hard working and very easy to get on with – a particular bonus when experiencing the stress of a house build. We especially wanted to mention the excellent attitude and helpful manner of Chris the Electrician, Kevin and the rest of the bricklayers, Steve and Jim the carpenters, Paul and the ground-works crew.

We have already recommended your services to a local family who are presently looking for a house build plot and we would not hesitate in providing yourselves, or the tradesmen that contributed to our successful project with excellent references if required in the future.

It may be some time before we would wish to embark on another project, but we will never say never, and we would not hesitate in using your services again.

Kind regards Andrea and Justin Swain”

RTH Projects Ltd, is proud to endorse MPR Projects: Open >

"From help with land feasibility and with first class procurement, Mark Ruckwood, Nick Cuffe and their teams have built for RTH Projects Ltd a first class development of 6 semi-detached properties to the highest standards that they have built their reputation on coupled with a personal service and attention to the smallest details. I have no hesitation in recommending them from the smallest to the largest project."

Kind Regards

Ann Tomlinson
Managing Director.

Proposed new home for clients at 10a High Road, Ashton Keynes, Swindon: Open >

Hi guys,

Just a quick note to say many thanks for the meeting this morning which was really productive and helpful. We appreciate that a lot of preparation went into the meeting and that you, and Una of course, are giving us an exceptional level of service overall. Hazel and I will study the quote pack and see if there are some savings we can make, and we'll get back to you re Paul and Jane next door and the possibility of using their water.

Thanks again.

Paul and Hazel

Reference from Zelda Investments: Open >

Project at Cloughs Road, Ringwood

“It is a pleasure to be invited to act as “Independent Referee” for Nick Cuffe. It also comes as no surprise that Mark Ruckwood, Managing Director for MPR Projects has nominated Nick for such a prestigious award.

Zelda Investments appointed MPR Projects in 2009 to project manage ‘Cedar Gate’ our then proposed housing development in Ringwood. We were first introduced to Nick Cuffe by Mark Ruckwood later that year. He came highly recommended from a variety of industry sources. We were very impressed by Nick’s CV which indicated a high level of achievement and an in-depth knowledge of construction, particularly in housing. This expertise was further reinforced by a variety of National House Building Council awards. Our decision was finally made by learning of his high standing within the Chartered Institute of Building as former Dorset Centre Chairman.

As can be imagined, our requirements of MPR Projects and in particular Nick were very high. We can categorically confirm that our expectations were not only met but greatly exceeded. This was further recognised by Cedar Gate being voted by Premier Guarantee, our warranty provider, as their Best National Medium development for 2010.

Nick’s experience of housing was evident throughout construction. Our requirements for the development were very exacting. However, this was further improved with Nick communicating his professionally considered opinions and suggestions at both pre-contract and during construction.

Zelda Investment deadlines were always exceeded without Nick’s own high standards of construction being compromised. The quality of our housing is further recognised by the occupiers at Cedar Gate. Satisfied customers are always a great barometer to indicate the success of a development and all of this within budget.

It was evident from our weekly site visits that Nick had developed excellent relationships with all those concerned at ‘Cedar Gate’. From the subcontractors and consultants concerned with the project through to the existing local residents of Cloughs Road and occupiers at Cedar Gate. Morale and team spirit on and around the development was always at the highest of levels.

We are due to start a further development in Ringwood later this year and have already requested that Nick is made the Project Manager. What greater way to reinforce our views of Nick and the services provided by MPR Projects"

Reference from Purchaser of one of MPR Projects homes at Cedar Gate: Open >

Nick Cuffe – Site Manager

"Nick was the Site Manager on a development of 12 houses in Ringwood. My wife and I purchased one of them last year. The standard of quality was very high. With all the houses at various stages of completion, it was noticeable that the quality went right the way through the build. The site was always clean and tidy. Having been a Site Manager in a former life, I know how hard it is to achieve the above.

Nick is not just a good manager, but also very personable and always helpful. I wish him all the best for the future."

Kind regards
Tim Gray

Reference from Sam Norton Bsc(Hons) DipSurv MRICS: Open >

District Building Control Surveyor, New Forest District Council

“Testimonial for Nick Cuffe for the Construction Manager of the Year Awards Project: Cedar Gate Housing Development, Cloughs Road, Ringwood.

I was the Building Control Surveyor responsible for the Local Authority plan checking and site inspection with respect to Building Regulations and was in contact with Nick right from the initial submission of the application through to final inspections and completion.

There was a tight time schedule and the project started prior to the plans being fully approved. Although this is not ideal I liaised closely with Nick on site and he ensured that any necessary paperwork and information was provided promptly to ensure the building work was not held up. He also tried to be proactive and rectify any queries prior to starting at that stage. An example of this was a query relating to combustible material close to the boundary (cedar boarding) and the fact that the houses were timber frame. Rather than leaving this to the architect and possibly having to delay work on site, he contacted the manufacturers and looked into the options himself. As a result he quickly came back with a solution that I could accept and this then enabled the project to progress without delays.

Through a combination of phone calls and emails Nick gave me plenty of notice for site inspections and ensured that all statutory inspections and additional inspections were carried out as necessary. These were arranged at mutually convenient times ensuring pleasant and relaxed inspections. I was always welcomed on site even if I called in without notice.

The site was run smoothly and kept tidy so access was straight forward and there were no safety issues for me on site. The tidy site meant that I could easily see what I needed to see and implied that the quality of the work was good. Nick seemed to know exactly what was going on which gave me confidence in his site management skills and any issues raised were dealt with promptly and without fuss. The contractors on site appeared content and also seemed to have an excellent working relationship with Nick.

The quality of the work appeared to be good and the sound and air test results helped to confirm this. I have no doubt that this was due to his excellent management on site.

As the project neared completion Nick was keen to submit the required certification as soon as it was produced to enable me to carry out final inspections and issue completion certificates as soon as possible. This prevented any delays in being able to sell the houses.

It was a pleasure to work with Nick and I believe that he a very worthy candidate for the Construction Manager of the Year Award."

Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards: Open >

Testimonial from Premier Guarantee, Structural Warranty Provider, on being awarded The National Winner in the Medium Development of the Year category for Cedar Gate, Clough’s Road, Ringwood, and published in the CIOB magazine.

MPR ARE WINNERS!

Cedar Gate is a development of twelve contemporary style houses in a mews court setting within the New Forest.

The Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards have been designed to recognise the very best of the UK housing market and inspire others in building outstanding developments. Premier Guarantee are leading providers of structural warranties to the residential new build sector.

Colin Campbell of Premier Guarantee commented:

“We received our highest number of entries this year and the standard has been nothing short of exceptional. Despite the difficult period the construction industry is going through, it is very encouraging to see so many house builders maintaining the high standards needed for the UK market.

After our judges had visited all of the shortlisted entries, they felt that MPR Projects displayed excellence in technical competency, coupled with an ability to demonstrate first-rate project management skills and high levels of customer service.”

Nick Cuffe, Construction Director and Project Manager for the development said:

“It is a pleasure to receive such a prestigious award and it is great that the team has been recognised for all their hard work.”

Mark Ruckwood, Managing Director added:

“This is excellent recognition for our company. However, it has also been a pleasure to work for our client, Zelda Investments. Mark and Ben Richard have provided us with concise goals whilst being receptive to new approaches and ideas. I would like to thank our project management team including Nick Cuffe, Paul Adam (Senior QS) and Una Gillespie (Administration Manager) for all their efforts.”

MPR Projects, based in Hampshire, is a leading provider of professional consultancy services to clients and colleagues in the construction and property industry. They specialise in residential house building, from single luxury houses to multiple developments.

Mark Ruckwood and Nick Cuffe have over 30 years industry experience. Mark has particular expertise in land acquisition, planning, development design and feasibility. Nick complements these skills with his experience in project managing a variety of forms and types of construction and is a former Chairman for the Dorset Centre of the CIOB. Both Directors have a large amount of technical knowledge gained from many years in the industry.”

Construction Manager of the Year Awards: Open >

Letter to Mark Ruckwood, Managing Director of MPR Projects from The Chartered Institute of Building – CIOB on 9th August 2011

“Dear Mark

The Chartered Institute of Building takes great pleasure in inviting you to join in the presentation of the Construction Manager of the Year Awards 2011. Nick Cuffe whom you nominated to enter the Construction Manager of the Year Awards has now reached the final shortlist from which the winners will be announced on Thursday 13th October.

These awards, judged by the CIOB are rightly regarded as the premier showcase for management excellence in UK construction. The combination of the most prestigious – and hard earned – of all awards together with top entertainment ensures that the 13th October is a date to put in the diary.

The Great Room at the Marriott Grosvenor Hotel on Park Lane provides the venue for this gala evening. We would encourage you to invite clients, partners, friends and colleagues (male and female) to share in this important and enjoyable celebration of excellence in our industry.

We are sure you would wish to support and congratulate Nick by taking part in this spectacular evening.”

Yours sincerely
Lesley Curtis
CMYAEvent Manager”