From Cannon Kirk’s very first development to the homes taking shape today, Projects Manager Martin Lott has spent the past quarter of a century helping turn plans into places people call home. As he celebrates 25 years with the company, we look back at a career built on variety, experience and more than a few colourful characters.
When Martin Lott joined Cannon Kirk in June 2001, the company was still finding its feet.
For Martin, it meant swapping the scale and structure of a national housebuilder for something altogether more hands-on.
“It was exciting to move from a large national housebuilder to a company that was starting up from scratch. Quite daunting, but very rewarding.”
Twenty-five years later, Martin is still very much part of the story.
As Projects Manager, his role reaches across almost every stage of the construction process, from planning and getting new sites off the ground to budgets, health and safety, programming, team management and final adoptions.
In other words, there is plenty to keep him occupied.
“No two days are the same!”
And, as Martin explains, that variety is a big part of what has kept him at Cannon Kirk for so long.
Martin’s interest in construction began well before Cannon Kirk.
After developing an interest in building at school, he went on to study Building Studies at Leicester Polytechnic, including a year’s work experience with Wilcon Homes in Peterborough.
That year turned into rather more than expected.
“I enjoyed it so much that I ended up staying there for 16 years!”
After leaving Wilcon in 2000 and spending a period working for himself, Martin was approached by Cannon Kirk the following year to take charge of the construction side of the business.
The timing meant he arrived right at the beginning of a new chapter for the company.
Ask Martin which Cannon Kirk development stands out most after 25 years and the answer comes easily: Riverside Park in March.
It was Cannon Kirk’s first site and, understandably, still holds a special place in his memory.
Since then, the number of developments and homes delivered has grown considerably. For Martin, that accumulated body of work is one of the things he is most proud of.
“To look back and see how many homes we have created over the years.”
It is an easy thing to lose sight of when the working day is filled with programmes, budgets, meetings and site issues. Seen across 25 years, however, those individual projects add up to thousands of decisions and a lasting contribution to the communities Cannon Kirk has helped create.
Housebuilding in 2026 is a very different proposition from housebuilding in 2001.
From Martin’s perspective, one of the biggest changes is simply the amount of work required before construction can begin.
“Everything takes so much more time to plan and get started, so managing budgets becomes even more challenging.”
The homes themselves have evolved too.
Interestingly, some Cannon Kirk house types can trace their roots all the way back to the company’s earliest developments. Rather than being replaced altogether, Martin says many have been refined over time.
Layouts, finishes and features have been updated to reflect the way modern families live, while maintaining elements of designs that have continued to work well.
The team has evolved in much the same way.
Some colleagues have been with Cannon Kirk almost as long as Martin. Others have left, gained experience elsewhere and later returned with fresh ideas.
That continuity, mixed with new thinking, has helped the company change without losing sight of where it came from.
A quarter of a century in construction inevitably produces its share of stories.
Martin is happy to confirm that he has encountered plenty of memorable people during that time, although discretion prevents us from learning too much more.
“Probably just the ‘colourful characters’ I have met in all aspects of the construction industry. It may be better not to mention specifics or people to spare any embarrassment or blushes.”
Some stories, it seems, are destined to remain on site.
Despite the challenges involved, Martin remains enthusiastic about construction as a career.
His advice to anyone considering joining the industry is refreshingly straightforward:
“Just go for it.”
Part of the attraction, he says, is the sheer range of opportunities available. A career can begin in one area and develop in a completely different direction.
Just as importantly, construction remains an industry in which practical knowledge is generously shared.
“There are always lots of seasoned tradesmen or sub-contractors to learn from who are more than happy to give help and advice. It’s always a great community.”
A lot has changed since Martin first walked through the door in 2001.
Sites are more complex to bring forward, budgets require ever closer attention and the homes themselves have evolved with changing expectations.
What appears to have remained constant is Martin’s appetite for the variety that comes with the job.
Twenty-five years after helping Cannon Kirk get its first development underway, he is still solving problems, managing projects and helping create new homes.
And if the past quarter of a century has taught him anything, it is probably that tomorrow is unlikely to look quite like today.
Congratulations to Martin on 25 years with Cannon Kirk, and thank you for playing such an important part in the company’s journey.
