Specialist contractor of the year

Hall Fire Protection
It's three times in a row for Hall Fire Protection, having been awarded the prize for this category every year since the awards began.

The company designs, manufactures, installs and maintains fire sprinkler systems, operating from freehold premises and having a staff of 55 in North-West England.

It carries out projects throughout the UK in all industrial and commercial sectors, with contracts being secured primarily through long-term partnering arrangements. Over 80% of the company's work is repeat business or from partnering, with 85% of its purchases being made with partnered suppliers.

Follow-up questionnaires are issued to all clients on project completion, with responses being reviewed on a quarterly basis

and the runners-up...

Smoke Control Services
Formed in 1992, Smoke Control Services is a building services engineering company which specialises in smoke ventilation and pressurisation systems.

The company is based in Caerphilly, South Wales, with offices in the Midlands and London. Its principal fields of operation are specialist contracting, design consultancy and maintenance. It received Investors in People accreditation in December 1999.

Hall Fire Protection demonstrated a commitment to pending and repeat business

Judges’ comment

The company turnover increased by 85% during 1999 with recent projects including the DHL air freight facility at East Midlands Airport and BT Atlantic Quay, Glasgow.

Titan Fire
Titan Fire provides solutions to industry and commerce for the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and associated alarm systems.

The company's partnering policy focuses on the operational service delivery, quality and operating standards, and partners are required to follow this operating agreement.