Just as it made its bid to become the Evening Press Business Venture of the Year, a Stillington building firm has earned a top Government award for energy efficiency for one of its housing developments in York.

Harvest Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd, based at Newton House, Carr Lane, has received a Department of the Environment plaque plus a special flag to fly over its three town house estate in Queen Anne's Road, Bootham.

In an energy efficiency ratings system in which 65 is considered typical for a brand new house, Harvest Homes (Yorkshire) achieved 90, 92 and a maximum 100 for each of the Bootham homes, thanks to extra energy savings systems and controls incorporated in the properties.

The high Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) ratings are designed to point buyers towards lower fuel bills as well as lower emissions of global warming carbon dioxide.

David Rogers, co-managing director of Harvest Homes with joint shareholder Hilary Linfoot, said: "We are delighted with the award because it shows our commitment not only to the environment but also to purchasers who will benefit from significantly lower fuel bills."

Should David's organisation win our award, he would spend the money on new computer software for accounts.

David, a former quantity surveyor for a housebuilder, will need it if the volume of work expands at the same incredible rate. His latest projects also include building a house near Castle Howard due for completion at the end of this month; a house in Stillington which will be ready by September; three in Tholthorpe, near Easingwold; and one in Easingwold itself which has sold at £165,000 before building has begun.

His greatest achievements over the past year? "Obtaining planning permission on sites where others had failed and securing further land to allow us to expand along with a very good workforce."

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