Can you tell us a bit about Amethyst Homes? What is that makes you stand out from other house builders?

We are a small privately owned regional housebuilder. Fundamentally, we are less focused on the numbers of units being delivered, but on producing a great final product for our customers. This, to us, is more important than pushing for targets and numbers just to satisfy shareholders.

We try to do things a little different to the larger national developers; by having a slightly different specification and using more retail-recognised brands such as Magnet Kitchens and SMEG appliances.

Last year, you decided to take part in Premier Guarantee’s New Homes Survey. What was the reason for taking this opportunity to learn about what your customers think?

This is really the only industry-recognised survey which allows you to see what your customers think. I was therefore keen to participate in the survey as soon as we were able to.

Hearing what customers think of their journey with us via an independent process, whether this is good or bad, helps us to understand our business better and shapes our customer focus going forward.

Developers are given a HBF Star Rating based on the survey. Amethyst Homes have been awarded with a 5-star rating - a great achievement. Can you tell us what this means to you?

We’re all absolutely delighted to achieve this. Given that this is our first year participating in the scheme means even more and it is a real testimony to the whole team and the way they have embraced our customer focus over the last couple of years.

We always thought we did a good job but to have this confirmed through an industry-recognised scheme means even more.

When people think of Amethyst Homes, what comes to mind is quality homes and a house builder that is always striving to reach greater heights. With this in mind, just how valuable is the New Homes Survey in improving on your service and product?

We thought we had a good product and provided a good service but to see this via the completed surveys is so helpful. However you can never sit on your laurels, so we will continue to strive to do the best we possibly can, and having this feedback will help to shape our future strategies.

As valuable as it is to learn about what your customers think about you and your service, it is perhaps an opportunity that other house builders would shy away from. What advice would you have to other developers or builders who are questioning the value of taking part in the New Homes Survey?

I can’t really comment on what other companies think about this but, for me, I would say don’t be afraid of the results. The only way you can move forward is to learn from the results, both good and bad.

The New Homes Survey gives housebuilders and developers an invaluable opportunity to learn that bit more about their own customers. Flipping this idea on its head a bit, what can a homeowner be absolutely certain of when they move into an Amethyst home?

We will certainly try our best to do things right first time. Things will not always go to plan and, given the nature of housebuilding, there will always be issues to address. When things are reported, we’ll try our best to put things right as quickly as we can.

We will always be honest and realistic with customers in our communications and not over promise.

And finally, what does the next 12 months and beyond look like for Amethyst Homes?

This year we have two new developments starting which is really exciting for the business. Hopefully we will continue to see positivity in the market and most importantly try to retain our 5-star status next year which would be another great result.