A WISBECH timber frame family business dating back to the 1840s has received a prestigious national award.

The English Brothers beat off fierce competition from leading names in the industry to be named winner of the Build It Awards 2012 for Best Use of Timber Frame.

Jay Hubbard, who runs the company with his father Mel, said: “It could have a significant impact because we are a relatively small firm in our industry competing against big names on a nationwide level.

“We have a fantastic brand locally and from a PR and advertising perspective getting the award has helped us to get our name out there. We have received a lot of enquiries since we won it.”

The company was recognised for the triple-frame system it created in the home of Jenny and Pete Chapman.

Mr Chapman paid tribute to English Brothers.

He said: “We spent many hours trawling through quotes trying to make our modest budget spread to no avail.

“We are overjoyed with our new home and are so pleased we were introduced to and worked with the English Brothers.”

The judges were universal in their price for the quality of English Brothers’ design.

One judge said that “the design has overcome the restrictions of a tight budget to create a characterful home that will be highly efficient in use”.

The English Brothers company was formed in 1847 under the name ‘Gabriel, Wade & English’. To begin with, it imported timber into the busy Wisbech port.

Back then, the company’s main interests were the importation and preservation of timber, much of it being used to line the banks of the River Thames and for railway sleepers.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the business began to focus on specialist timber engineering and innovation, with their East Anglian location providing a solid market for agricultural buildings and stores.

For more information about the company visit www.eb-bespoke.co.uk