Blue Flame, Coastline’s gas and heating contractor, has scooped the prestigious title of ‘Contractor of the Year’ at a national awards ceremony.
The company picked up the prize at the HVR Awards (run by heatingandventilation.net) ceremony in London during October.
With increasing pressure on companies to lower their carbon footprint, The Contractor Award recognises those who, despite exceptionally challenging trading conditions, have gone that extra mile to reduce their impact on the environment.
The judges commented: “Blue Flame’s ability to create a thriving service and contracting business in a rural environment was cited as especially admirable. They’ve clearly got what it takes to be successful in a particularly challenging part of the country.”
The award is a huge achievement for the firm, which was set up in 1988 by two former British Gas engineers, Mark Bolitho and Paul Smith. Mark Bolitho states: “The HVR award is a considerable achievement for a firm of our size. It recognises our commitment to our customers, staff and our Partnering Programme with our Social Housing clients.”
The prize is the latest in a string of accolades for the company following the opening of a new control centre and depot in 2008.
Paul Smith said: “The Company achieved the accolade of being a Corgi certificated company in May 2008 and was nominated finalist in the Corgi awards (South of England Category) 2008 and 2009 respectively. In October 2010, Blue Flame was a nominated finalist for Installer of the Year, (South of England) Green Installer of the Year for the UK, and Tian Peacock was nominated and won Apprentice of the Year. This year we’ve also been Highly Commended in the Commercial Installer of the Year at the Installer Live awards together with reaching the shortlist in the Green Installer, Apprentice of The Year, again, and Contractor of the Year (South). We’re all really proud here of the Industry recognition of our quality and commitment to excellence. It’s very pleasing to see our commitments to apprenticeships and local people being recognised nationally.”
In fact, the company’s commitment to apprenticeships is now stronger than ever. Mark Bolitho added: “From the beginning of our apprenticeship programme, Blue Flame has been able to offer full time employment to all qualifying apprentices. The trade and life skills learned throughout their apprenticeship here will give them skills for life, whether they decide to stay at Blue Flame or not”.
Pictured at the awards ceremony are some of the Blue Flame team with Coastline CEO Robert Nettleton.