Rose Bowl sponsors, Foreman Homes, are reaching new heights this week as they mark the start of their second year of support by hoisting a new flag, especially produced for the occasion.

Watched by several of the Hampshire Cricket squad, team manager, Paul Terry and Foreman Homes' Chairman Alan Foreman jointly raised the green and white flag to unfurl and fly at the ground's West Gate entrance.

The Hampshire property developers, Foreman Homes, were the first company in the UK to sponsor a bowling end, after similar sponsorships proved highly successful in Australia and South Africa.

"We're obviously delighted that Foreman Homes have decided to mark the continuation of their sponsorship in this way." said Kim Lawford, sales manager. "The flag is a highly attractive and visual way to enhance both the sponsorship and our main entrance."

"It was important to us to be the first UK company to recognise the value and worth of associating the company's name with a bowling end," said Alan Foreman. "We have been delighted by the impact and recognition that the sponsorship achieved last year and we are now very pleased to be marking the start of our second season by flying our flag."

Steve Carrington has recently been made Planning Director at Foreman Homes.

He has worked for Foreman Homes for almost two years, heading up a competent team dedicated to achieving the right outcome.

Steve commented: "The right outcome is not always the most profitable one for us as a developer, but we work very closely with the local authorities to ensure that we build homes that are in keeping with the local plan and what local people expect to see in the area that they live."

Prior to joining Foreman Homes, Steve worked for 11 years as a planning officer for a local authority and so has an insider's understanding of what a council requires from a developer.

The relationship between Foreman Homes and the local authorities is based on a very high level of mutual trust and respect, and it is perhaps this understanding and Steve's previous experience that has lead to a record number of planning approvals. In Steve's first eight months at Foreman Homes he achieved approval on 100 units, and a further 200 further units in the following 12 months.

Managing Director Graham Foreman said: "We don't build house styles that have no place in certain local surroundings we approach each development with a fresh and unique vision and Steve's experience is vital in getting these developments through planning."

He is thoroughly deserving of his new position with the company."

"Foreman Homes enjoyed unprecedented success in 2004, with over 200 units being constructed and together with this the re-launch of the company took place in June, where the company was completely re-branded, together with their extensive fleet of vehicles receiving a new livery to incorporate the new logo.

Looking forward, this year is looking likely to be just as busy as Foreman’s growth continues and it is expecting to build in excess of last year’s figures. This has obviously meant that they have had to expand in personnel and the recruitment of extra staff in all departments has already taken place, but with the added effect that the offices in Hedge End have now outgrown their natural use. Foreman Homes have therefore recently moved into much larger purpose built premises at the Station Industrial Park, Duncan Road, Park Gate. The offices were formally opened by Foreman Homes, Managing Director, Graham Foreman on Monday 24th January and to celebrate this event, over 100 company balloons were released on each balloon a message was attached with the balloon found at the furthest location from the new offices receiving a grand prize.

Managing Director Graham Foreman commented "Last year was a land mark in the company’s growth especially with breaking the 200 unit barrier. I would like to add that the excellent team I have here have been instrumental in making Foreman Homes one of the leading regional house builder, that it is today. The new offices have now given us the much needed space that we required for so long and will allow the company to move forward again in 2005".