Essex Housing Awards Fosters a Culture of Innovation and Improvement: Recognises a 2025 Winner

Thirteen Essex Housing Awards 2025 winners were announced across twelve categories during an evening ceremony on Thursday 16 October at Hylands House, in association with Birketts, CHP and Estuary Housing Association. Three case studies have been created exploring the winners’ journeys and thoughts. This is two of three.

In this case study, we hear from John Michael, Development Quality and Compliance Officer – New Homes Programme at Basildon Borough Council, winners of the Smart Working Award and the Meeting Housing Need – Homelessness Award; Danielle Molyneux, Senior Development Manager at Re-Gen UK Construction, winners of the Excellence in Construction Skills Award sponsored by CHP & Estuary; and Dr Theonie Woodley, Senior Commissioning Officer, Essex County Council, winners of the Meeting Housing Need – Specialist Housing Award.

“Winning the Excellence in Construction Skills category was an overwhelming honour for our team,” Danielle says. She explains why Re-Gen (UK), driven by a commitment to improving housing efficiency, inclusivity, and resilience, chose to apply for the 2025 Essex Housing Awards: “The Awards offered the perfect platform to showcase our efforts with local district councils and to stand alongside industry peers who share in the same dedication and passion. Seeing the collective commitment across the sector reinforces just how connected and supportive the Essex housing community truly is.”

Danielle also complimented the application process, which is often the most daunting step. She said: “The entire process—from submitting our entry to attending the ceremony—was seamless and enjoyable. The application was easy to navigate, clear, and engaging, making participation both straightforward and exciting. Thank you for creating a process that is simple yet highly effective.” John adds that it is “helpful that submissions can be returned to as more information becomes available for some entries”.

Reflecting on how the award win has impacted the teams and organisations, Dr Theonie says: “Many stakeholders worked for almost one and a half years to produce this Need Assessment [the project nominated for the award]. Receiving the Award means that all our efforts are acknowledged and recognised. Moreover, the housing community welcomed the SSHANA as a reliable evidence base to inform strategies, plans and decisions to shape supported housing in Essex for the benefit of vulnerable residents.”

Similarly, Danielle adds: “This award validates the dedication of our entire team, the standards we have upheld since 2012 and continue to uphold. More importantly, the positive impact our projects have on communities across Essex. It was both motivating and humbling.”

John describes the Essex Housing Industry as “exciting, fun and celebratory,” Danielle says it is “competitive, elevated, and resilient,” and Dr Theonie shares that it is “budding, innovative and vibrant”.

When asked what she would say to organisations considering entering the awards in the future, Danielle says: “As the Essex Housing Awards continue to grow, so does the community and, in turn, the Essex housing industry! Entering is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your work, connect with peers, and contribute to a shared standard of excellence.” John adds: “I honestly recommend entering. It is a great evening for celebrating everyone in our industry, whether winning awards or cheering on others!”

Dr Theonie describes the award evening as “majestic” and “well subscribed,” adding: “The EHA fosters a culture of innovation and improvement which has a positive impact on morale and benchmarks good practice.”

All our winners have much to look forward to in the coming year. Re-Gen (UK) has an exciting pipeline of local projects across the blue-light sector and education, supporting the future and protecting the public while shaping environments for future generations. They are currently focusing on delivering warmer, more sustainable homes. Essex County Council aims to work with housing authorities, the academic community and social housing experts to think and pursue innovative and cost-effective solutions to meet supported housing demand. Finally, Basildon Borough Council already intend to submit more schemes and projects for next year. John said, “[they] wouldn’t miss it!”