Local steelwork and cladding company AJ Lowther and Son Ltd entered two projects on which they had worked into this year’s RIDBA Building Awards. One was a new winery for local wine producers, Ancre Hill, based just outside Monmouth, and the second was for the refurbishment of a galvanising building in Stoke on Trent. At the awards ceremony, hosted by Kate Humble, they were delighted to be awarded first in their class and highly commended in the overall category.

Managing Director, Antony Lowther was understandably elated. He said: “Both jobs were technically challenging but also completely different and we chose to enter them because they showcase the variety of projects which the company regularly wins.”

The company, which is based in Whitchurch, is enjoying a successful time: last year was one of the best ever for the company, with staff enjoying a record pay out from the profit share scheme; The Royal Warrant, which was granted to the company for its work on the Royal Farms over the last ten years, has been renewed; investment to expand facilities and install more automated fabrication machinery is underway; the company was involved in a BBC DIY SOS programme; they have just been nominated for an award for work carried out on a radical new design of lock gates for inland waterways and next year will be the company’s 70th birthday.

Mr Lowther continued:?“Given the greater uncertainly in the economy since Brexit it is even more important that we increase efficiency by investing wisely and ensure that we become ever more competitive.

“But the recognition that is gained by the awards is just great for everyone at Lowthers and hopefully sends a really positive message to our customers.”