A forklift driver from Miller Homes East Midlands has been presented with the prestigious Operator Performance Award in the national Forklift Driver Awards - for the fourth time.

David Dawson, who has worked on a number of the award-winning housebuilder’s Derbyshire developments, including the Highfields Park and Royal Gate, previously received the award in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The scheme, in which drivers are assessed on a weekly basis by a site manager, is designed to recognise those who demonstrate the highest standards of forklift operation. Weekly results for machine presentation, personal presentation, machine operation and lack of damage to the machine are then collated every six months and the winner is presented with a certificate of recognition.

The Forklift Driver Awards were the brainchild of Miller Homes East Midlands’ production director Malcolm Ceney, and Haydn Davies, divisional director at UK Forks, and were developed to encourage pride in the job in this area and reduce machine repair costs.

Commenting on the scheme, Malcolm said: “The awards have been hugely beneficial to our team as they not only aid in the development of individuals, but also help to increase on site health and safety and decrease costs to the business in machine repair and general damages.

“I would like to congratulate David on this excellent accomplishment and the consistently high standards he has achieved to win this award four times.”

Royal Gate, which has recently opened its sales centre, consists of nine, two-bedroomed apartments, which are located in a private on Ashbourne Road, and benefit from secure audio entry systems and private parking spaces. Its close proximity to the city centre, University of Derby and the green spaces of Markeaton Park, make it an ideal buy-to-let opportunity.