Jewson launches fund to support people and projects in need

Jewson has revealed details of its fourth Building Better Communities competition, which gives tradespeople the chance to apply for a share of a £250,000 prize fund.

Whether it’s a community project close to their heart or a deserving colleague who needs a helping hand, tradespeople can put forward their good cause to win a share of £250,000 in building materials, with two top prizes of up to £50,000.

The competition launched on April 9 and entrants have until May 9, 2018 to submit their application.

Building Better Communities has a range of categories rewarding both community projects and heroes of the building trade. After launching its Trade Hero category in 2017, Jewson is giving more to the trade this year with £100,000 of the total prize fund put aside to support those in the industry.

Thierry Dufour, managing director at Jewson, explained: “Our Trade Hero award was launched last year and we were overwhelmed by the entries and stories we heard. Working with last year’s winners, Band of Builders, we’ve helped improve the lives of several tradespeople and their families, but it’s also showed us there are many more people out there who need assistance. So, while we’re looking for entries for builders who want to help local projects do important building work, we’re opening up the prize this year to support tradespeople who’ve always helped others but now need a hand themselves.

“The building trade is a great industry to be in but, as many tradespeople are self-employed and the job being physically demanding, hardships such as illness or injury can be life-changing. Through Building Better Communities, we want to try to help as many people and builders in need as we can.”

Addam Smith, was named as the winner of the Trade Hero Award in 2017 and has since used the prize of £50,000 worth of building materials to transform the lives of two fellow tradesmen. Addam and the Band of Builders renovated the garden of Dan McIntosh, a carpenter and father of three who was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Most recently, the team spent eight days revamping the home of Carl Jenkins, a plasterer whose little girl was born with a range of complications.

A further £150,000 of the Building Better Communities fund will be awarded to community groups in need of a boost: whether it’s a new roof for a youth centre or revamped changing rooms for a sports club.

After a shortlisting process and a public vote, the winning projects will be announced on July 3 at a ceremony hosted by celebrity architect, George Clarke.

George Clarke, who is involved in Building Better Communities for the second year running, said: “The funds donated as part of the Building Better Communities competition are making a huge difference to local charities and community groups across Great Britain, and can do the same for others. We know there are groups doing great work on a daily basis, so it’s an honour to be supporting them and I’m really looking forward to learning about this year’s entries.”

Tradespeople and community groups have until Wednesday, May 9 to submit their nomination via www.buildingbettercommunities.co.uk.
The competition is being supported by Jewson supplier brands: Velux; Marshalls; Polypipe; British Gypsum; Tarmac; Recticel and Norbord.