A specialist period restoration company from Canterbury has been acknowledged for its outstanding services at the Constructing Excellence in London & the South East Awards 2012.

Igloo Period Property Specialists was awarded the prize of SME of the Year at the prestigious industry awards, which were handed out at a gala dinner and ceremony held in the heart of Westminster.

The company, which is based in Godmersham, was recognised for its outstanding customer commitment, investment in its people and its professional marketing and communication. It is one of the leading specialist SMEs dealing with the preservation and restoration of listed buildings.

Its skilled tradesmen work to conserve properties that have suffered serious damage to their structure and fabric from previous repairs with improper materials. The company has sent a number of staff and sub-contractors to be trained by Able Skills in both basic and advanced courses, before going on to undertake heritage qualifications.

The company’s managing director, Duncan Worboyes, said that their workforce demonstrates highly-cultivated skills in their every-day services, and all of the company’s workers had played a role in winning the award.

“We pride ourselves in conserving our country’s heritage for future generations to come,” he said. “By the nature of specialist restoration work, the solutions we provide are ever changing and are a combined result of input from all staff involved in a project.”

The judging panel included sponsors of the awards and leading industry procurers, including the Olympic Delivery Authority, BAA, Royal Mail, B&Q and the Environment Agency. The judges said that Igloo had established itself in a position where its process and services were exemplary.

“There is a passion for quality and a commitment to promoting trust and openness throughout the organisation,” the judges said. “We were particularly impressed with their commitment to health and safety through Toolbox Talks, which are not common in an organisation of this size.”