SNIPEF, the trade association for plumbing and heating firms in Scotland and Northern Ireland, has awarded its inaugural Business of the Year Award to LW Haddow of Perth.
The award recognises technical skills and ability, excellent customer service and a commitment to raising standards in the industry.
The judging panel described the winning firm as submitting a 'stand-out application reflecting a professional and progressive business that takes pride in its work'.
Mark Haddow, managing director of LW Haddow, said: "I am delighted that our team has won SNIPEF Business of the Year. We work hard to provide a great service to our customers. We know that they expect both great value and care for their property from our experienced technicians.
"SNIPEF accreditation ensures that our customers can be confident of a high level of service. This award means a great deal, acknowledging the commitment, skill and professionalism of everyone in our team. I am proud of our team, and am grateful to our many customers whom we work with, keeping their homes and businesses warm, throughout the year."
Other firms short-listed for the award were Northern Ireland firm CHC Ltd, and Sugplumb Ltd of Aboyne.
Also announced at the Gala Dinner event was the winner of the SNIPEF Merchant Customer Care Award.
Michael Fraser of William Wilson, Inverness was described as 'extremely efficient, flexible and approachable...someone whose aim it is to make sure we get what we want on time, without any hassle'.
On accepting his award, Mr Fraser said: "I think good service is key to developing longstanding relationships with my customers and I, and my colleagues, always aim to do what's necessary to provide a great service. We will and do go the extra mile, so it's very pleasing to be recognized for those efforts by receiving this award nominated by SNIPEF members."
Also shortlisted for the Merchant Customer Care Award were Brian Duffy, Richmonds Ltd, Paisley, and Karen Millar, Graham the Plumbers' Merchant, Bellshill. These individuals were nominated by SNIPEF members for excellent levels of customer service.
The SNIPEF Merit Award 2015 for outstanding contribution to the plumbing industry was presented to David Osborne, who invented a simple device, the Jompy, based on the laws of conductivity to decontaminate water. In presenting the award, SNIPEF chief executive Robert Burgon described the device as "already recognised internationally, the Jompy has the potential of changing lives" and said that Mr Osborne "has a vision to help the millions of people in our world who do not enjoy the benefits of basic water supply".
Robert Burgon, SNIPEF chief executive, said: "We are delighted to be able to recognise professionalism, commitment and innovation in the plumbing industry with our first annual awards programme. Too often the reputation of the industry is blighted by those who are neither qualified nor licensed. We, like our award winners, represent the very best in plumbing skills and seek to uphold the highest of standards in all aspects of domestic and commercial work."
Pictured: Mark Haddow, director of LW Haddow (centre); is presented with the SNIPEF Business of the Year Award 2015 by SNIPEF President John Leonard (right), and BPEC chief executive, Paul Johnston (left).
If you'd like to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the heating and plumbing industry, why not subscribe to our weekly newsletters? Just click the button below and you can ensure all the latest industry news and new product information lands in your inbox every week.