A Land Manager in her 20s who secures multi-million pound business deals for local homebuilder David Wilson Homes Mercia came top in the Property & Construction category at lBirmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) awards.
Marianne Horton, 27, saw off competition from two other finalists to be named category winner at the prestigious awards, now in its 14th year, which acknowledged her skills on developments such as the £84m Wedgwood Factory site.
“I’m overwhelmed to have received this award and to have been recognised for my efforts in the property and construction industry by Birmingham’s business leaders,” said Marianne at the award ceremony, which took place at the Birmingham ICC, “it’s a real honour for me and an incredible feeling.”
Marianne, an adopted Brummie, secured a £6m development in Birmingham and saw the scheme through the planning process while still in training on the company’s two year Graduate Programme, a unique course developed by the homebuilder.
She now works to source new land opportunities across the West Midlands, and recently helped ensure the legacy of leading British brand Wedgwood by securing planning consent for a new homes scheme near its factory, the proceeds of which will help the firm to invest and remain in the local area.
John Fitzgerald, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes Mercia said; “Marianne has already proven to be an ambitious and highly capable member of our Land Department, and we’re thrilled for her success last night. Awards such as this prove that David Wilson Homes employ the brightest and best in the housing business.”
Outside of work, Marianne enjoys spending time with her two rescued retired racing greyhounds, and takes part in various charity events including the Great North Run. She is also a member of Birmingham Future, an organisation made up of the city’s young professionals.
Claudia Santillo, chair of BYPY and managing director of legal recruitment consultancy Santillo Consulting, said; “The wealth of young professionals that we have in this city is incredibly impressive and I really believe our finalists and winners to be the crème of the crop – I’m excited to see what the future holds for them all.”
David Wilson Homes Mercia has been merited the maximum five star official rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) for the fifth year in a row. The news was announced after more than 20,000 new home buyers across the country took part in this year’s HBF customer satisfaction survey.
