Churchill Retirement Living (CRL) enjoyed a bumper month as it picked up a clutch of property industry awards.

Churchill, which has just built Mitton Lodge in Stourport, scooped three trophies at the prestigious Housebuilder Awards in early November, which included the ultimate accolade for the evening, Best Medium Housebuilder of the Year, as well as the Best Customer Service Initiative 2012, for its ‘Going The Extra Mile’ programme, and Highly Commended in the Best Retirement Scheme category.

This was swiftly followed by a bronze gong at the What House? Awards, widely recognised as the ‘Oscars of the property world’, in the Best Retirement Development category, and three more awards at the UK’s Over 50s Housing Awards, including Most Outstanding Retirement Housing Operator in the UK – which it won for the fourth consecutive year.

CRL was also awarded Most Outstanding Retirement Housing Operator in the Over 50s Housing Sector in the World – for the second year running, and Man of the Year, jointly awarded to founders Spencer and Clinton McCarthy for their contribution to the development of quality housing and first class customer service to the retirement sector.

Chairman and Group Managing Director Spencer McCarthy said: “We are of course over the moon to receive these accolades, especially as they reflect the quality of our product and service across key areas of our business.

“It would appear that many people in the retirement age group realise that what Churchill offers can result in an exciting new lifestyle, free from worry and cares, in beautiful surroundings.

"To be recognised for our high standard of customer care is also very gratifying as we have always placed high priority on customer service, and thanks to this new programme we have seen a massive improvement in a very short space of time.

“We have also had some highly complementary comments from our owners, proof that what we are doing really is making a difference. Sales through exceptional service is the only way forward for Churchill Retirement Living.”

Churchill Retirement Living’s ‘Going the Extra Mile’ initiative was a 10-day training programme for the company’s customer-facing colleagues, during which customer service performance was reviewed and various new initiatives put into place.

The programme incorporated ideas gleaned during a fact-finding tour to America, where retirement living is a well-established lifestyle choice for those of senior years.

In Churchill’s case, implementing the ‘Going The Extra Mile’ scheme has certainly paid off, resulting in a 20 per cent increase in sales compared to the same period last year.

CRL developments comprise a selection of one and two bedroom retirement apartments with key features including an experienced lodge manager, an elegant guest suite, an owners’ lounge, laundry and 24-hour Careline for owners’ peace of mind. All are located with convenience in mind, very close to local shops, services and public transport.

CRL is a privately owned and family -run British company specialising exclusively in developing attractive, purpose-built one and two-bedroom apartments for the active retired age group, for which it has won multiple awards.

Operating throughout the Midlands, London and the South, the company builds lodges of high specification apartments in landscaped grounds. The ethos of the company has changed from that of a construction company to a provider of ‘lifestyle change’ – a lifestyle that provides security, peace of mind and independence.