Member Article

Sing it from the roof tops – specialists scoop national awards!

Specialist roofer, Billy Wilson, who started his career 32 years ago as an apprentice with Hodgson Sayers, has been announced the Craftsman of the Year at a national awards ceremony.

There was further high praise for the Stanley-based building and roofing company, as it scooped two further awards at the Intelligent Membrane Association (IMA) Awards, held in London.

This adds to a memorable year for the company having already won an industry award at the LHC Awards held in London, with its client, ISOS Housing and having been recognised in the NE Business awards for developing the careers of talented youngsters in the area through its range of apprenticeship schemes.

The IMA is an association of Icopal specialists in building protection and the Awards are a celebration of the high quality work that IMA roofing contractors undertake every day.

Billy Wilson won Craftsman of the Year and the company won the category of Metal Faced Roofing after undertaking a full roof replacement on the operating theatre of the world famous, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.

Contracts Manager, Dean Goyns’ project was also runner-up in the category of Decra Lightweight Metal Roofing, following works to replace and restore roofs on 14 properties in Thornaby, Teesside, in partnership with Tristar Homes, now part of the Thirteen Group.

John Sayers, Managing Director at Hodgson Sayers, said: “Billy has worked with the company for 32 years, starting his career with us as an apprentice. It shows that with hard work and determination you are rewarded.

“We are always proud to fly the flag for the North East and to also win the category of Metal Faced Roofing is testament to the team which included Billy and Contracts Manager, Colin Howey, who led the roofing project at the Freeman Hospital. To compete in national awards and come out on top reflects the quality that comes out of the North East.

“Billy, Colin and Dean reflect the ethos of Hodgson Sayers. We are passionate when it comes to developing and nurturing the talent of highly skilled individuals and all are great ambassadors for our young apprentices as they learn the trade from highly skilled operatives.”

Operative at Hodgson Sayers, Billy Wilson, said: “I had no idea I was nominated for the award, my Contracts Manager, Colin Howey, put me forward, so to discover I had won it on the day was quite overwhelming.

“I certainly didn’t expect to find myself on the stage with an award in my hand! I would like to thank the company for putting me forward. I started out my career with Colin Howey over 30 years ago and I am sure Colin will agree that to win the awards is credit to the way our skills have been developed.

“Over 30 years at one company is a long time, I work with a great bunch of people and it is because of them I haven’t looked to work elsewhere!”

A spokesperson for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital Trust, which commissioned the work on the Freeman Hospital, said: “The Trust takes great pride in our high quality maintenance regimes and we specify products that are traditional and offer a good lifecycle. We are delighted with the outcome of the project”

Established in 1979, as Hodgson & Allon, the company began primarily as a roofing contractor. Over the years it has developed and diversified considerably to include building works, fencing and metalwork fabrication.

Its ISO 9001 accredited operations are reflected in the consistently high standards of delivery, presentation and all processes.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hodgson Sayers .