An Essex heating business with offices in Thurrock and Wickford has been crowned East & East Anglia Family Business of the Year 2017 by a panel of expert judges.

Warmer Homes Heating and Renewables, owned by brothers Steve and Andy Pearce, was crowned regional winners of the award during a ceremony at the Mayfair Hotel in London on 8 June.

The Family Business of the Year Awards were open to family firms of all generations, sizes and sectors, and are designed to recognise outstanding family firms throughout the UK. Despite having just nine employees, Warmer Homes Heating & Renewables saw off competition from some much larger businesses in the region.

The company, which specialises in boiler replacement and central heating services, was established in 2014 following the family's desire to create a business that puts the customer at the heart of everything they do, with members of the family involved in every stage of the business.

Managing Director Steve visits all customers' homes to assess their needs regarding their heating and boiler systems, and then his brother Andy takes the lead in installing the heating and boiler systems. Once the installation is complete, Steve and Andy's dad, Dennis, visits the customer to do a complete handover of the equipment and, throughout the whole process, mum Christine is in full contact with the customer by phone to arrange appointments, answer queries about the installation and keep the customer fully in the loop.

Steve said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be the winners of the East and East Anglia Family Business of the Year title. These awards recognise the role families play in business across the UK, and family really is key to the successful running of our business. Members of our family are involved in every aspect of what we do."

Paul Andrews, Founder and Managing Director of Family Business United, said: "Warmer Homes Heating and Renewables is a family firm through and through and although one of the newer family firms in the awards this year, they are focused on customer service with family values at their core. They are keen to make their mark and challenge perceptions of their industry and pride themselves on exceeding the expectations of their clients.

"Their goal is simple - to provide unparalleled levels of customer care and advice, while delivering products at the highest quality but affordable prices. This isn't just a business owned by a family but a real family run business. with members of the Pearce family involved at every stage.”

The staff are all highly trained and vetted and the engineers are all qualified to current City & Guilds, NVQ, BPEC, ACS, Gas Safe & PAS 20:30 Industry recognised standards.