Motivation to go further: Essex Housing Awards 2025 winners in conversation

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 one of three.

In this case study, we hear from Martin Berry, Strategic Housing Manager at Southend on Sea Borough Council, winner of the Housing & Development Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Countryside Partnerships (part of Vistry Group), and Josh Alderton, Housing Sustainability Project Manager at Southend-on-Sea City Council, one of the two winners of the Mo Slade Rising Star Award, sponsored by Anderson Development Group.

Reflecting on the varied work undertaken by those shortlisted, Josh shared that he “was proud and very grateful to have been on the shortlist”. He eagerly added, “If you have someone in your team early in their career who is passionate about housing and consistently demonstrates this through their work, I would encourage you to nominate them. It’s hugely rewarding to have your contributions acknowledged.”

Martin reflected this sentiment saying: “I’ve always been confident in the work my team delivers; we’ve brought forward key projects that provide much needed new affordable and sustainable homes, whilst also improving the quality of our existing stock…What I didn’t expect was a personal nomination. Seeing my own name on the shortlist was a genuine surprise and a proud moment.”

Proud of his team’s retrofit work, Josh said, “I think the award is a testament to our past and future energy efficiency work.” On a personal note, he added: “It is very rewarding to have won” adding that it “helps provide extra motivation to go even further next year.”

Similarly, Martin commented: “Professionally, [the award is] a strong marker of the impact we’re making. Personally, it’s motivating and reinforces the value of the work we do every day.”

He went on to say, “Always put forward the people who are consistently doing the right things. A nomination, whether it leads to a shortlist or a win, is a powerful sign of confidence in their contribution. It gives people a lift, validates their approach, and encourages them to keep raising standards across the sector.” Martin also shared his belief that the Essex Housing Industry is adaptable, resilient and compassionate.

Building on this, Josh described the industry as “collaborative, essential and innovative”. He shared that his team will be expanding their retrofit programme over the next year, and will get on site with an upcoming ground source heat pump project. Personally, he added: “I have recently started a Masters in Building Surveying, so will be continuing to work towards that, looking to graduate and complete the APC in 2028.”

Martin concluded with a simple statement that his intention is to “remain focused on delivering affordable, sustainable housing for Southend. That commitment doesn’t change”.

Click here to read about our other winners and nominees: https://www.housingessex.org/essex-housing-awards-2025/