November 2008

Appointment of Executive Chairman

Lakehouse is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Black. Stuart has joined the board and made an investment in the business which is part of the planned strategic development of the group as a support services organisation.

Stuart was previously Chief Executive of Mears Group plc, Director of Mouchel plc, Director of Citex Limited and a Director of Bucknall Group plc.

A record year for award-winning Lakehouse in 2008

Lakehouse is getting it right in 2008 and this has been endorsed by the number of independently assessed awards that we have received so far this year.

The company's achievements in its business operations, its employee well being and the way in which it engages with the community have all been recognised.

Lakehouse had an exceptionally successful evening at the Contract Journal Construction Industry Awards ceremony which saw them walk away with two coveted awards: the 'SME Contractor of the Year Award' and the 'Training Award', beating off fierce competition from within the industry.

Lakehouse has also been confirmed as one of the construction industry's best employers, listed in the top five contractors in Building magazine's Good Employer Guide 2008.

Excellence in its strategic and operational activities was rewarded at the London Excellence Awards, held in July, where Lakehouse was also a finalist in the category of Corporate Social Responsibility.

In May, a Business in the Community Award for Excellence, in the Education category, was won. The Education Award recognises companies that raise the achievement of young people aged 5-19 through building sustainable partnerships with schools.

Furthermore, Lakehouse received the Education Award at the Lord Mayor's Dragon Awards on 21 October. Lakehouse put forward its '141 Programme' which aims to work with at least 12 educational establishments each year and tackles three issues: Safety, Environment and Careers. Since starting in 2005, the project has expanded, recruiting a dedicated manager and visiting 68 schools in partnership with clients, staff, community organisations and involving supply chain and competitors. 20 work experience placements have been offered and 14 people recruited directly from the programme.

Steve Rawlings, Chief Executive, said "I am really pleased that we have been recognised for so many coveted awards and this is testimony to the culture we have developed and the fantastic efforts of all our staff, those in our offices and out on our many sites."