OFTEC's 2014 Awards for Excellence is now open for entries, promising a bigger and better event than ever before.

This year’s celebration of industry achievement takes place on Tuesday 24 June at the Nailcote Hall Hotel and Leisure Club near Coventry. The awards presentation will follow a morning trade show with workshops and seminars focusing on the industry’s hottest topics, and a buffet lunch.

OFTEC is particularly keen for registered technicians carrying out boiler, tank cooker or stove installations to nominate their best work for an award. To enter only takes a few minutes by visiting the OFTEC website.

Additional categories include Trainee of the Year and, for the first time, a Lifetime Achievement award. Nominations for servicing and commissioning awards will be made by OFTEC inspectors, based on their visits.

Award winners will receive a cheque for £500, a recognised endorsement of the quality of their work and significant publicity. They will also be able to use the Awards logo on their vehicle and stationery as further confirmation of best practice.

Commenting on the 2013 Awards, Malcolm Farrow of OFTEC (pictured) said: “We believe that showcasing ‘the best’ helps to raise standards across the industry and encourages everyone to up their game.

“In our experience, technicians are modest and don’t like to blow their own trumpet but the Awards for Excellence presents a golden opportunity for our industry stars to get the recognition they deserve and to boost their business. Entering couldn’t be easier and we’ve got a great day lined up around the awards event so we’re hoping for a record turnout this year.”

Registration for ‘The Big Event’ is now open, with numbers limited, early booking is advised. Attendance at the trade show and seminar programme is free, while tickets for the buffet lunch and awards event are just £10.

All OFTEC registered technicians attending the awards event will be entered in a draw to win an Apple iPad. They will also receive a delegate pack worth £40, which includes a business builder kit, CD14 pad, warning stickers, OFTEC pocket guide, and an OFTEC Direct discount voucher.