Pioneer of self-build industry marks milestone anniversary
Becky Cousins, Denise Cane, Gemma Hurley and Fae Perkins celebrating 25 years of the Potton show centre - Credit: Archant
A pioneer of self-build homes is celebrating 25 years since the opening of its show centre in Little Paxton with a look back at the changing industry.
Potton opened its centre, in Mill Lane, in 1992, when building your own home was a relatively new concept.
Originally, the company only showcased three types of houses and its centre was opened to introduce the notion of self-build to the public.
Now Potton has become one of the leading names in the industry and is no longer just a manufacturer of timber frame kit homes.
Mark Stevenson, managing director, said: “The self-build show centre has been the jewel in the self-build crown for the past 25 years and we are exceptionally proud that Potton’s founder, Peter Hutchinson, had the vision and belief to create it.
“Over the years, the centre has seen many changes and additions and has shaped trends and innovations within the self-build sector.
“We are constantly rejuvenating the show centre, making it relevant and inspirational for today’s self-builder and have implemented an ongoing programme of refurbishment and renewal.”
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The business has expanded to include five self-build show homes on the site which showcase what can be achieved. It has even invested in the latest approach to energy efficient homes, with Passivhaus energy performance standards in its latest addition to the centre.
As part of its development, the centre has become the company’s self-build academy, where 14 courses are run, along with events, to help self-builders through every aspect of building their own home.
Mr Stevenson added: “The continued success and ongoing popularity of the self-build show centre demonstrates that Potton is still at the forefront of self-building in the UK and we are dedicated to forging ahead with Peter’s pioneering ambitions to inspire a whole new generation of self-builders. We’re ready for, and looking forward to, the next 25 years.”
Last year the company welcomed more than 6,000 visitors to the site.
Potton was originally started as a family-run business in 1964 and was acquired by the Kingspan Group in 2006.
