We’ve announced the winners of our 2017 Building Better Communities competition, giving two Trade Heroes and 24 regional projects from across the UK a share of the £250,000 prize fund.
Addam Smith has been crowned winner of the Trade Hero category, and will now receive £50,000 worth of building materials to complete a community renovation project. Addam Smith and his ‘Band of Builders’ helped to transform the home of their friend, Keith, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In his memory, the team now has plans to help others by extending the scheme.
“I’m still blown away to have won this award,” commented Addam. “The £50,000 gives us a real kick-start on the projects we’re planning, to help people who really need it. It’s a great start to the future of Band of Builders, which we’re already in the process of turning into a charity. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received and want to thank everybody for their help in getting us such a prestigious award.”
Addam will use the £50,000 to help at least four other tradespeople facing hard times. Dan Mackintosh, a carpenter by trade, is one such person. Having been diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, Addam plans to build a ‘man cave’ in Dan’s back garden, so he can take time to relax whenever he needs it.
David Thomas, a Plasterer from Stafford, was named runner-up in the category and has been awarded £10,000 worth of building materials. David and his family set up the Little Laura charity after his other daughter passed away, and he has spent the past year working with Marshlands Special School to build a sensory garden in her memory.
The Trade Hero category was introduced to the 2017 awards to celebrate those in the construction industry who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make their communities better places to live.
Farms for City Children has been awarded a grand regional prize of £50,000 worth of materials and labour, while the 23 other community projects have won prizes of up to £10,000 worth of materials for renovation and new build projects.
The 26 winners were invited to an awards ceremony at the University of Nottingham on Wednesday 5th July where celebrity architect, George Clarke, presented the prizes.
George Clarke commented: “I’ve been so impressed with the projects and amount of causes helped over the past few years, so it’s been an honour to have supported the Building Better Communities competition from Jewson. The funds donated will help the groups and charities make huge improvements to their buildings and, ultimately, make a difference to the communities of today and of the future.”
The competition was launched in March 2017 and saw the prize fund doubled for its third year. More than 2,000 entries were submitted and, with the help of Jewson employees and suppliers, the number was narrowed down to a shortlist of 42. This was then put to a public vote and, following further judging, Jewson announced the winners.
This year the competition was supported by a number of Jewson partners, including Velux, Norbord, Marshalls, Polypipe, Recticel, Tarmac and British Gypsum.
To see the full list of winners, visit: www.buildingbettercommunities.co.uk
