Ivan takes top award

Ivan Burrows, who works at Alwood in Lurgan, beat off stiff competition to win a national ‘kbbreview’ award.

49-year-old Ivan, who is from Stewartstown, has worked for Alwood for 15 years and this is the second ‘kbbreview’ award the company has achieved as well as several other industry awards. Alwood has been going for almost 80 years, has its own on-site manufacturing team and specialises in bespoke kitchen design and installation.

“Winning the award has been a great morale boost for me and the company,” Ivan said.

“I was one of four finalists from across the UK and Ireland and I didn’t know I had won until they announced it at the awards, it was a big surprise.”

Ivan impressed the judges with his design of a bold coloured kitchen, with the colours and textures being the principal feature. His design was assessed not just on the aesthetic and practical results of his design, but also on his use of budget, his problem solving skills and his ability to meet the client’s brief.

“I’ve worked in furniture all my life,” said Ivan. “I worked as a factory manager for most of that, and only moved into sales and design three years ago. The company are very knowledgeable and versatile so it’s been great working here as a designer.”