Enter the NHIC Annual Awards 2008

EACH INDIVIDUAL AWARD CATEGORY IS SPONSORED BY AN NHIC MEMBER The general sponsors are the CIOB and Interbuild.

The CIOB is the leading body of managers in construction,setting the pace globally for high standards of professionalism in the built environment. The industry's biggest building show,Interbuild is now a yearly event.Interbuild 2007 attracted over 1,100 exhibitors and 44,000 buying visitors.

The prestigious National Home Improvement Council Annual Awards recognise your achievements in the UK housing arena.Each year since its introduction in 1974, our Annual Awards scheme has steadily progressed from strength to strength and is now highly regarded as the nation ’s premier event in the housing modernisation calendar.

In fact,last year this Annual Awards scheme attracted more entries than ever before from right across the spectrum of housing modernisation projects and initiatives. Amongst the categories in our 2008 Awards are those reflecting the current priorities and pressures influencing all housing providers.For example,there ’s the latest requirements for energy efficiency to help reduce households ’ carbon footprints,electric and gas safety in the home and, of course,innovation,which we seem to have in abundance amongst the UK ’s local authorities and housing associations.

To take part in the Awards is really quite straightfor ward. It costs nothing to enter yet,ultimately,the commendation for winners and runners up can be invaluable. What ’s important too is that the NHIC Annual Awards help to ‘recycle ’ the social housing sector ’s best achievements so that ever ybody can benefit from the inherent ingenuity and success existing within this sector.

The NHIC Award Categories are reviewed and updated each year to ensure they keep abreast of the changing face of housing and remain truly representative of the very broadest activities of local authorities,housing associations, private developers and landlords,housebuilders,smaller building companies,contractors,representative bodies, architectural practices,designers and specifiers. Once again,this year there are 12 Award Categories providing a comprehensive cross section of opportunities for your special submission or submissions.As you will see in this brochure,each Category aims to highlight a specific aspect of refurbishment and regeneration providing,we hope, ample scope for you to participate.

In addition,the NHIC may also present the coveted George Plucknett Award if,in the Judges ’ opinion,,there isany one submission that stands head and shoulders above the rest. So whether or not you have taken part before in the NHIC. Annual Awards we look forward to receiving your submission or,if you are particularly proud of more than one project,please submit them all!

LAST YEAR'S NHIC AWARD WINNERS

The prestigious George Plucknett Award went to the London Borough of Barnet.Other category winners included the Luminus Group, Drum Housing Association,Ploughcroft Ltd, Birmingham City Council,Cannock Chase Council,the kitchen designer,Rebecca Dewe, M Camilleri and Sons Roofing Ltd,the Energy Agency,Ocean Services,Manchester City Council and the Evening Standard journalist, Barbara Chandler. There were also 20 runners up across the various Categories.

EACH INDIVIDUAL AWARD CATEGORY IS SPONSORED BY AN NHIC MEMBER

The George Plucknett Award
This Award is made at the discretion of the Judges if they consider there is one submission which stands out beyond all others.

The winners and runners-up in each Category are announced at a special NHIC Awards Luncheon held in the Gladstone Library, One Whitehall Place,London SW1 on Thursday 20 th November 2008,hosted by the NHIC ’s President The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP.The special guest of honour presenting the awards is to be announced at a later date.

TO ENTER
Simply download Entry Form, Then send it with your submission to the Executive Director of the NHIC.The precise format for entries is also outlined on the Entry Form.

The final closing date for complete entry forms and submissions is FRIDAY 22 nd AUGUST 2008.

However,it would be greatly appreciated if a photocopied Entry Form could be returned to the NHIC,by post or fax,even as early as June as this gives us an advance indication of how many entries to expect in each Category.

The Judges will carefully assess the entries early in September. Subsequently finalists will be formally invited to attend the Awards Presentation Luncheon in November.

THE JUDGES
The Judges will be under the Chairmanship of Lester Corney, managing director of Acumen Communications,who is also the NHIC ’s Chairman. The Judging Panel will include a representative from each Category sponsor,plus other experts who may not be connected with the NHIC.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Roman Russocki,the Executive Director of the NHIC will be pleased to advise and discuss any aspect of a proposed submission. He is not a member of the Judging Panel.

THE NHIC ANNUAL AWARDS 2008

CATEGORY 1 SPONSORED BY IDEAL STANDARD LOCAL AUTHORITIES &REGISTERED SOCIAL LANDLORDS
-Completed modernisations Modernisations completed in 2006/2007 showing innovation and providing inspiration for others to undertake similar schemes. Sponsor is Ideal Standard the UK ’s leading bathroom manufacturer which offers a comprehensive range at each level of the market.

CATEGORY 2 SPONSORED BY ECA HOUSING ASSOCIATION MODERNISATIONS
Innovative modernisations and renovations during 2006/ 2007 providing inspiration to other housing associations. Sponsor is the Electrical Contractors ’Association ,which supports the electrical contracting industry and safe- guards the customer.

CATEGORY 3 SPONSORED BY BATHROOM MAUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION TRAINING ACHIEVEMENT
This award is made to an organisaton or individual that has shown exceptional commitment to training and development within the Bathroom Industry during 2007. Sponsor is The Bathroom Academy,a major provider of qualification,education and training to all those employed in the Bathroom Industry.

CATEGORY 4 SPONSORED BY FMB THE BEST BROWNFIELD OR RECYCLED BUILDING PROJECT
Any outstanding private or public development using recycled urban land or buildings. Sponsor is the Federation of
Master Builders which represents over 13,000 member firms in the UK construction industry.

CATEGORY 5 SPOSORED BY CORGI DOMESTIC GAS SAFETY INCLUDING CO AWARENESS
Special initiatives by local authorities,housing associations and private companies that raise awareness of gas safety and CO awareness.Efforts made in education and protection of domestic gas users to the dangers of carbon monoxide will be recognised. Sponsor is the Council for Registered Gas Installers,the national watchdog for gas safety with a register of over 45,000 installation businesses.

CATEGORY 6 SPONSORED BY SCHUCO THE BEST APPLICATION OF A RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM
Innovative solutions using renewable technology to achieve a high standard of energy efficiency Sponsor is Schüco International UK,Europe ’s leading specialist in façade,window and door systems and solar energy products.

CATEGORY 7 SPONSORED BY NFRC ROOFING EXCELLENCE
The best example of upgraded roofing stock that shows compatibility with the environment,plus high quality workmanship. Sponsor is the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, who are dedicated to high roofing standards and a database of competent contractors.

CATEGORY 8 SPONSORED BY CIGA INNOVATIVE INSULATION
Any project which can demonstrate an innovative approach in successfully encouraging the take-up of insulation measures. Sponsor is the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency which aims to uphold the highest standards of workmanship and materials.

CATEGORY 9 SPONSORED BY ARMITAGE SHANKS SPECIAL NEEDS FACILITIES
Innovative projects that make a positive contribution to enhancing the lives of those with special needs. Sponsored by Armitage Shanks which has been creating bathrooms across a wide spectrum of installations since 1817.

CATEGORY 10 SPONSORED BY THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY COUNCIL ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Submissions invited from housing associations,local authorities or other landlords providing the most effective electrical installation,maintenance and safety awareness programme. Sponsor is the Electrical Safety Council ,an independent charity committed to reducing deaths and injuries through electrical accidents at home and at work.

CATEGORY 11 SPONSORED BY BATHROOM MAUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is made at the NHIC ’s discretion to the journalist who has made the most significant contribution during 2007 to the Home Improvement cause. The Sponsor is The Bathroom Manufacturer's Association, the trade association for manufacturers of bathroom products trading in the UK.

CATEGORY 12 GEORGE PLUCKNETT AWARD
This Award is made at the discretion of the Judges if they consider there is one submission that stands out beyond all others. It is awarded in memory of the late George Plucknett,OBE,who was a prime mover in setting up and firmly establishing the National Home Improvement Council in 1975.Under his leadership the NHIC grew and flourished and he became the Council ’s first President.

For further information, guidance and entry forms, write or
telephone:
Roman M Russocki
Executive Director, NHIC
Roofing House
31 Worship Street
London EC2A 2DY

Telephone: 020 7448 3853
Fax: 020 7256 2125
Email: info@nhic.org.uk

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