We are delighted to announce the launch of the Home Improvement Agency Awards 2009 with new categories and more opportunities for home improvement agencies to gain recognition for themselves and the sector as a whole.

We are once again grateful to Stannah Stairlifts for agreeing to sponsor these awards.

We have seven categories this year:

• Agency of the Year

• Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

• Excellence in Delivering Major Adaptations

• Excellence in Providing Support and Advice

• Excellence in Delivering Handyperson Services

• Excellence in Engaging with Health and Care

• Best Approach to Commissioning HIA Services

For full details, entry forms, guidance notes and criteria visit the Awards page of our website. You can also find descriptions of last year's winning entries on our website for inspiration.

The deadline for entries is 15 December 2009.

Berkshire West HIA Commissioning Partnership being presented with the 'Best Approach to Commissioning HIA services' award by Theresa May MP at the HIA Awards 2008.

The winners will be announced in January 2010 and a ceremony to present the awards will take place in a prestigious London location in February 2010.

Previous winners have benefited from the publicity and prestige attached to winning a HIA Award and many awards have been presented by MPs.

Good luck with your entries!

If you would like to comment on this article, please contact Laura Ripper.