Ian Williams have been awarded a 'Highly Commended' certificate within the Industrial category of this year's Painting and Decorating Association's Premier Trophy Awards, following work to the Coquet Lighthouse off the Northumberland coast.
The award, presented at the historic Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London, celebrates the company's outstanding skill and craftsmanship in completing the external redecoration of the 1841-built Coquet Lighthouse under what judges described as "extreme conditions."
Philip Jones, Ian Williams’ Painting Operations Director, says: “We're incredibly proud of our team's achievement on this challenging project.
The Coquet Lighthouse presented unique obstacles, including tides, sea conditions, and weather.
The site is only accessible by boat, so the pre-planning of this project was critical to its success.
As well as planning the work, all the materials and equipment we needed on this complex site and all the extra health and safety requirements, we also had to consider food rationing for the teams living on site in case access or egress were impeded by sea conditions.
This consideration was put to the test during this project as we experienced a swell which made the island inaccessible, and the team had to stay on site for 4 days after the works were completed.
“The project included the internal and external redecoration of the fortress-like main building, which consists of a half-painted 22-metre square tower and residential dwellings, and the holiday cottages and outbuildings on the island.
The lighthouse remained in operation throughout, so special care had to be taken to avoid impeding the lantern, particularly with the localised internal decoration.
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This award reflects the dedication and technical skills of our teams...
“The site is also a bird sanctuary.
With a rich and sensitive ecology, including puffins, there were parties of bird-watchers making occasional visits to the island during our time there.
We delayed works for the duration of these visits to avoid disruption.
“This recognition at the PDA Premier Trophy Awards – now in its 36th year – underlines Ian Williams' commitment to excellence across all sectors, from social housing to heritage and industrial projects.
The awards represent the highest standards of excellence in the painting and decorating industry.
“This award reflects the dedication and technical skills of our teams, whether we're working on homes of the present or preserving landmarks like Coquet Lighthouse, we approach every project with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship.”
Independent judges from The Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate, noted: "The contractor has performed very well under extreme conditions," highlighting the exceptional dedication and technical expertise required to complete the project successfully.
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