FMB Builds Conservatories Into Home Improvement 'Oscars' With K2 Sponsored Award

Conservatories will this year have a category all of their own in the Federation of Master Builder''s (FMB) Master Builder of the Year Awards, with the introduction of a new category sponsored by K2.

K2 joins an illustrious list of construction ''Oscars'' sponsors. With the introduction of the new ''Conservatories'' category, the leading conservatory systems company plans to ensure conservatories take their deserved place as a specialist home improvement alongside existing categories, including ''New Homes'', ''Small Renovation Project'' and ''Energy Efficiency''. Any installation or building project using a K2 system or components is eligible to enter the Master Builder of the Year awards. The judges will make their decision based on standards of craftsmanship and levels of customer service.

Comments Managing Director of K2, Sally Fielding: "The Federation of Master Builders champions the excellent work of independent builders and small contractors and to win a Master Builder of the Year Award is seen by the industry as the very highest accolade. The skill and craftsmanship that goes into installing a conservatory is very specialised and we thought it should be recognised as part of a high profile awards scheme. We have therefore backed this category to ensure there is a respected channel to applaud installer achievement. I would like to urge as many installers as possible to enter the award as the winner will not only stand to gain excellent prizes but will be rewarded with the prestige associated with these awards, along with the commercial advantages that it brings."

The 2005 Master Builder of the Year Awards were launched by TV property developer, Sarah Beeny, who will be presenting the trophies to the lucky winners on 8th September. Entrants must be nominated by their client, who stands to win a £3,000 holiday if the installer/contractor is successful. Meanwhile, the winning installer will become the proud owner of a brand new Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle of their choice worth up to £20,000.

Ian Davis, Director General of the Federation of Master Builders, comments: "The inclusion of a Conservatories category in The Master Builder of the Year awards 2005 reflects the nation''s growing desire for outdoor living within the confines of our unreliable British climate. The addition of a conservatory is one of the most popular home improvements, and this category, sponsored by K2, will help to raise the status of conservatories as complex home improvement projects requiring specialist construction skills."

The partnership between K2 and the FMB in establishing a specialist Master Builder of the Year Award for the conservatory sector continues the work done by both organisations to help high quality installers shake off the ''cowboy builder'' image generated by rogue traders and poor quality contractors. Last year, K2 launched its Approved Installer Scheme, backed by the FMB and based on its strict regulation criteria. After only a few months, a significant number of installers have already passed the stringent entrance requirements to become K2 Approved Installers, entitling them to a comprehensive range of benefits. Many other installers currently undergoing the qualification process.

Sally Fielding continues: "We know how much high calibre work is undertaken in the sector because we see it, but often consumer perceptions of the industry do not match the level of skill and dedication out there. Installers do not have to be a K2 Approved Installer to be eligible to enter the Master Builder of the Year Awards, it is open to anyone. This is simply the latest initiative from K2 to recognise excellent work and support the installers'' efforts to high standards of quality and increase consumer confidence in the marketplace."

Entries for the Master Builder of the Year Awards must be received by 31 May 2005. Category winners will be chosen in each of the FMB''s regions, and these shortlisted projects will go forward to the National Judging Panel. Any installation that uses K2 products is eligible for entry but installers should first speak with their client and check that they are willing to nominate the project. Entries can then be progressed simply by logging on to www.fmb.org.uk/awards or by telephoning Tom McCarthy on telephone: 08000 152 522.