Longevity equals success for contractor partner Chris

- 22 Nov 17

Chris (left) with Supriya Ray, managing director of Bovis Homes Western region. 

Chris Lowe started working on Bovis Homes developments before some of our staff were even born, but he has no plans to stop just quite yet!

The 72-year-old is owner of CC Lowe Carpentry, and a trusted contractor partner of Western region, who has worked on sites across the region for five decades.

"I think I must have worked on over 150 sites in my time with Bovis Homes. There's been a lot of change in that time, but I've enjoyed every minute of it," says Chris.

"I don't do much carpentry these days, but I'm on site every day making sure my team have the materials they need to get the job done," he adds.

It is rare for a home builder to work with any contractor partner for as long as Western region has with Chris, so what is his secret?

"I believe the key is to take the utmost pride in what you do. It's your name on the work and people are relying on you to do the job properly," he says. "I also make a point of not taking on too much work. I know what my team can deliver to the standards expected, and we don't take on more work than that."

As a small token of the company's appreciation for his hard work over the years, Chris was presented with a Bovis Homes hi-vis jacket by regional managing director Supriya Ray.

"Chris is a privilege to work with and it is testament to the quality of his team's work that we have been teaming up with them for all these years. It's only a small token but the jacket reflects the fact that Chris is an important team member for us - an honorary Bovis Homes employee," says Sup.

And not only has Chris been delivering quality work for many years, he has also played a key role in developing the next generation of Bovis Homes talent.

"I've had plenty of apprentices working with me in my time, including Adam Elvin, who's gone on to be a site manager for Bovis Homes. I enjoy sharing my experience with the young ones!"

Adam has used Chris' advice to good effect, going on to win an NHBC Pride in the Job award two years in a row at Philips Lea, Kemble.
But at 72, surely retirement and a well-earned rest is on the horizon for Chris?

"I'm not packing it in just yet," he laughs. "I'll stop when I don't enjoy it anymore, but there's no sign of that just yet!"

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