SHARON Gratton, House Manager at McCarthy and Stone’s Rockhaven Court Retirement Living development in Horwich, has been shortlisted for a special industry award by ARMA (the association of Residential Managing Agents).

The award celebrates her commitment in every aspect, from helping to build a strong sense of community at the development, to sustaining an active and stimulating events calendar for homeowners to enjoy.

The inaugural ARMA ACE Awards were introduced to celebrate excellence and exceptional achievement by the UK's leading residential managing agents, their suppliers and the work of their people in improving the lives of thousands of leaseholders across the country.

Sharon was announced as a shortlisted entry in the On Site Staff Member of the Year category following a rigorous judging process by a panel of independent judges, which will see the winners announced on the 7th July.

Sharon has been the House Manager at Rockhaven Court since it opened in 2012, and since then has made it her primary objective to ensure homeowners there feel welcomed and quickly settle into a new living environment which promotes independence, companionship and community.

Rockhaven Court was also shortlisted for the top prize in the Elderly Accommodation (EAC) awards recently out of 250,000 retirement housing schemes nationwide.

Ties into the local community at Rockhaven Court are also strong thanks to Sharon. Homeowners and staff are renowned for their charity fund-raising exploits, and in particular the development’s on-going commitment to local hospice, Bolton Hospice.

Mark Riddington, Managing Director of McCarthy and Stone Management Services, comments: “We are absolutely thrilled that Sharon has been shortlisted for this coveted national industry award. Only the very best House Managers and support staff are eligible for such an accolade – and this is testament to both Sharon and the team’s exceptional efforts and skill.

“Sharon’s professionalism, empathy, attention to detail and sense of fun shines through in everything she does – she really is a shining beacon of what our House Managers do on a daily basis, which is ultimately delivering a lifestyle not just a place to live. She is loved by her homeowners, respected by her peers and it’s brilliant that she is being recognised for the outstanding job she has done over the past five years.”

Mrs Joan Corrigan, a homeowner at Rockhaven Court echoes this: “Sharon will always go the extra mile to make sure homeowners are happy and comfortable.”

While Mr John Titterington, also a homeowner, puts it: “We feel completely safe and secure. Sharon is an angel, always helpful and extremely pleasant.”

Dr Nigel Glen, ARMA CEO, said: “The quality of entries has been outstanding, setting the standard for companies that wish to be recognised for achieving excellence, best practice in their field, and ultimately leading to the improvement in the lives of leaseholders.”

McCarthy and Stone provides high-quality retirement developments in central locations, which are close to amenities with level access and good public transport links. Rockhaven Court benefits from fantastic shared spaces within the development, including a stunning homeowner’s lounge, ideal for socialising with neighbours, plus a convenient guest suite should homeowners have friends or family to stay.

All the exterior maintenance is taken care of by the expert McCarthy and Stone Management Services team, including maintenance to the communal gardens, while Sharon and her team oversee the day-to-day running of the development and are available should homeowners need a helping hand.

All of the apartments at Rockhaven Court are sold out; however McCarthy and Stone has a number of developments nearby including Lawn Court in Harwood, Broadfield Court in Prestwich and Woodgrove Court in Stockport. Broadfield Court is an Assisted Living development which means it can offer additional support packages and domestic help which can be tailored to homeowner’s individual needs. There is also a restaurant on-site which prepares fresh and nutritious meals for homeowners daily if they choose.

Anyone interested in finding out more about these developments or who wish to arrange a visit, please visit: http://www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk, or call 0800 201 4811.

For more information about ARMA please visit: www.awards.arma.org.uk.