Chester-Le-Street based building firm Radford Construction Services Ltd has scooped not one, but two prestigious Master Builder Awards, taking home the prize for best Commercial Project while Andrew Radford, owner of the company, has been named Heavenly Builder in the Federation of Master Builders' (FMB) Northern Counties region.

Since 1999, the Master Builder Awards has been a flagship for high-quality building work, showcasing examples of fantastic craftsmanship and building excellence. Organised by the FMB, the awards programme is unique in that any project entered by the builder must be backed up by the customer – giving clients the opportunity to support those building companies that have delivered exceptional results. The awards programme recognises the hard work and contribution that small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms make to the UK construction industry. The Heavenly Builder category is one which the winner really epitomises what the awards are all about as it looks for evidence of professionalism, courtesy and exceptional customer service.

Radford Construction Services Ltd was crowned winner in the best Commercial project for designing a purpose-built, 200-guest wedding venue to extend the popular South Causey Inn. This unique new venue has a reception bar area, brides' dressing room, chapel/ceremony room, own kitchens, hot buffet serving room, large bar and barn hall for reception and evening. The reception space features a dramatic bespoke bar counter designed and built from reclaimed cast fireplaces and railway sleepers, while the fireplace in the entrance bar area uses reclaimed stone, brick and sleepers. All door frames were hand-built, while vast handmade windows overlook a fantastic view. What impressed judges most was that all of this high-quality build was achieved in just six months.


Company owner, Andrew Radford was crowned Heavenly Builder for the Northern Counties region for his ability to take bare-bones ideas and nurture them into innovative designs, executing projects with craftsmanship that never fails to surpass expectations. When asked about working with Andrew, the client Philip Moiser, said: "I feel like Andy has become a much-valued and honest friend and in business these days, that's a rarity. He is a fantastic ambassador for the FMB and sets a high standard that other builders can only aspire to. I'm already looking at new projects to work on with him."

Andrew and Radford Construction Services Ltd was selected by the region's judges to win the Northern Counties awards, which were presented at a gala dinner hosted at The Midland Hotel, Manchester on 08 March. The firm will now go through to compete in the national finals for the chance to win the UK category title. The national ceremony will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane London on 20 September.

Caroline Meehan, Director of FMB North, said: "The Master Builder Awards give the FMB the opportunity to celebrate a job well done and for clients to say thank you to their builders. For the construction industry, it is an opportunity to celebrate all that is good about small local building firms and their contribution to the UK economy.

"Time and time again, we have been impressed with just how far these builders will go to ensure their client is happy. It is this dedication that we want to celebrate. Andrew and his team at Radford Construction Services should feel justly proud of their achievement in winning and we wish them every success in the national competition."

If Radford Construction Services Ltd wins the overall national Master Builder Awards title, selected from all national category winners, the firm will drive away in a new Isuzu D-Max Utah Pick Up truck worth more than £30,000. Their client will also receive a cheque for £1,000 for their efforts.