2020 BPA Awards
Despite the threat of Coronavirus nothing could stop the great and the good of the parking industry gathering at the Royal Lancaster Hotel to hear the winners announced at this years British Parking Awards.
The awards have been ongoing since 2002 the brainchild of Mark Moran, Editor of Parking Review and Makers have been finalists in all but 1 year since its inception.
This year saw a record attendance with over 750 attendees enjoy the subtle humour of Dr Xand Van Tulleken, this years host and his insightive comparisons between the operating theatre and the parking industry. Straight out of the TV Show the “Twinstitute” Dr Xand was at pains to point out he was much cheaper than his twin brother and often referred to as the “fatter” version.
With over 20 awards to be presented in what can only be described on a noisy but engaged audience Dr Xand moved proceedings along at the brisk pace to ensure pre-booked trains were met.
For the past 5 years Makers has been a key supporter and sponsor of the British Parking Awards and this year saw 18 entries for the Parking Technology Award and a final shortlist of 7 nominated candidates.
Darren Wootton; Makers Operations and Technical Director was at hand to present the Award until this year 2 entries being worthy winners. Derby City Council and SEA for their Roadflow Programme of Camera enforcement outside schools and Cornwall County Council for their Integrated Multi-partner Platform with Just Park and WPS.
Makers were also finalists in the Car Park Renewal Category sponsored by InaParc with 2 entries directly submitted for Coptfold Road, Brentwood and Festival Place, Basingstoke. A third interest was Hatfield Road which was undertaken by Makers but submitted by Slough Borough Council.
Despite those 3 magnificent entries the worthy winner was Rotherham Interchange for its complete reinstatement including a full top deck of solar panels, a little trick that a previous winner Allhallows MSCP in Bedford did back in 2015.
“Although we are disappointed our projects didn’t take top prize, we are extremely pleased that we had 3 out of the 4 finalists in the competition which goes a long way to demonstrating the capability of the teams across the board”
Simon Lamb, MD
“Great recognition for the Car Park Refurbishment and all the hard work has paid off as it has certainly made a difference to the visitors to Festival Place, underlined by the increase in footfall”.
Gary Cooper, Centre Manager
“It was good for our project to be recognised nationally in the industry… the project required the expertise of the design team to make it happen and the quality and finished product down to Makers Construction”
Adrian Tidbury, Surveyor, Brentwood Council.
Makers continue to push the industry forward with each and every complex refurbishment and now with our new ISO 45001 standard can push on again with new ideas and designs to ensure our continued position at the forefront of the car park refurbishment arena.