A national building supply company has urged Bury tradespeople to enter a new free-to-enter awards scheme. 

Jewson, one of the largest building merchants chains in the UK, is calling on tradespeople, builders and installers to enter the inaugural Making Better Homes Awards.

Jewson, of Bridge Street, Bury, launched the free-to-enter awards to celebrate those in the industry who are working hard to create homes that are more energy efficient and comfortable.

It comes as new research from Jewson revealed that tradespeople and builders are the most trusted people when it comes to advising homeowners on improvements to make their homes more energy efficient and compliant with building regulations.

READ MORE:  ‘Knowledge’ test for taxi drivers set to be scrapped in Bury

In a survey of 2,000 homeowners, Jewson found that 38 per cent of homeowners would hire a tradesperson, builder or installer make their homes more energy efficient rather than researching it themselves, using the local council, energy provider, friends and family or an architect or designer.

Of those surveyed, 58 per cent said they would pay more for a tradesperson, builder or installer with the right knowledge and skills to make their homes more energy efficient, but 47 per cent say it is difficult to find the right people.

Bury Times: Jewson is urging Bury tradespeople to enter its inaugural Making Better Homes AwardJewson is urging Bury tradespeople to enter its inaugural Making Better Homes Award (Image: Jewson)

The Making Better Homes Awards scheme is open for entries now. There are three categories – Best Use of Renewable Energy in a Project, Best Building Fabric in a Project, and Best Sustainable Project of the Year – with prizes available for shortlisted entrants and the national winners.

Matthew Handley, Category Innovation Manager at Jewson, said: “We know what a pivotal role that Bury's tradespeople, builders and installers have in improving the nation’s housing stock – whether through retrofit projects or building new homes.

READ MORE: Gary Neville on joining Dragons' Den for next series

“That’s why we’ve launched the Making Better Homes Awards, to recognise those who improve the day to day lives of their customers, as well as build properties that are sustainable and comfortable.

"There are three different categories to choose from, and we encourage anyone in Bury who’s playing a key role in this transformational period for UK housing to enter.”

Entries for the Making Better Homes Awards can be made until the end of November. Finalists will be announced at a later date, and winners will receive a £1,000 prize and industry-wide recognition.