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One of the most famous names in housebuilding, Barratt won the judges over by virtue of its consistently strong performance. The group's profit continues to climb year after year, by a sturdy 23% in 2000/1, and it is outperforming the market in terms of output and sales. Its "Forward Through Quality" campaign assesses site managers to ensure build quality is consistent, but Barratt's most impressive credentials relate to its commitment to regeneration: more than 70% of its developments are on reclaimed land, and the firm is renowned for its residential conversions. One of Barratt's landmark developments is the recently finished Barrier Park tower in London; an 18-storey block of 44 apartments, built on the former construction compound for the Thames Barrier.

SECOND
Miller

2001's impressive 106% increase in operating profit earned Miller the runner-up slot – a figure that is complemented by a 36% jump in the average sale price of its homes. The firm puts this rise to glory down to its emphasis on quality, demonstrated in its conversion of a 19th-century grain house into apartments at Woodsmill Quay in York. The judges were particularly taken with its customer care initiatives, which are evidently working. Of all the shortlisted firms, it got the best customer satisfaction rates – above 90% overall.

THIRD
David Wilson

This firm has shown impressive dedication to sustainable housebuilding and environmental innovation. It is working with Nottingham University trialling energy-saving solutions on its research project, the Millennium Eco House, and has introduced measures to reduce site waste and increase the use of prefabricated components. But it was the firm's consistently high profit – up 90% over the past three years – that clinched it third place, proving that going green does not have to cost the earth.

They’ve addressed the critics and produced good results while breaking the 10,000 units-a-year barrier