Edinburgh, Midlothian -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/02/2010 -- The independent judging panel, led by Heads of Planning Scotland chairman, Brian Frater, credited the housebuilder for its customer-focused approach to a challenging marketplace and development of practical buyer products, particularly the widely successful First Time Buyer Plan, which helped over 100 new homeowners onto the property ladder.

The prestigious industry award follows an exceptional 100 per cent customer endorsement revealed by a recent independent survey. Stewart Milne Homes’ North Scotland customer services team received a 100 per cent satisfaction rating for the first quarter of 2010, with clients so impressed that every individual surveyed would happily recommend the company to their best friend. Last year, the housebuilder received a 91.4 per cent average satisfaction rating for the whole of 2009.

Commenting on the recent accolades, Mike Cowie, sales director of Stewart Milne Homes North Scotland, said:

“The Homes for Scotland Quality award is a great result for the North Scotland team and a wonderful recognition of our consistent drive to do the best for our customers. In the face of the various market challenges, we have remained committed to delivering what buyers need and providing practical solutions that enable more homeseekers to fulfil their moving plans.

“Our recent customer satisfaction ratings demonstrate that our efforts are making the difference we are aiming for. Homebuyers are much more informed than they have ever been, raising the bar with higher standards of quality and service to which the industry needs to work. We are therefore, especially pleased to see that we are already meeting these expectations, and to such a high degree.

“Any business is only as good as the people it employs, and these achievements are a real testament to the highly skilled and dedicated teams across the company, which continue to deliver the quality and excellence the Stewart Milne brand is built on. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our employees for their ongoing commitment and express my congratulations.”

Stewart Milne Homes North Scotland has introduced a number of new measures, including a Customer Charter, which place the company ahead of the statutory requirements outlined in the Consumer Code for Homebuilders, which are soon to come into force. Buyers will now benefit from a nine point plan to keep them updated on every stage of the build process; regular post-sale check-ups on their new home; and a company promised timescale for the completion of the property.

In addition to the Homes for Scotland Quality Award, the North Scotland division is shortlisted for three categories in this year’s Scottish Home Awards: Apartment of the Year for Ythan View in Ellon; House of the Year for Leathan Meadows’ Noblewood, Portlethen; plus Sales and Marketing Team of the Year.