Leading construction equipment hire firm Hewden is the only company from the construction industry to have been nominated in two categories at the prestigious British Excellence in Sales and Marketing Awards (BESMA). Organised by the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management, the awards are regarded as the benchmark for sales and marketing achievement in the UK.

Hewden's South East Sales Manger Paul Wilkes, from Breachwood Green, Hertfordshire, along with his regional sales team were successfully short listed for Sales Manager and Sales Team of the Year Awards respectively. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on February 21st, at the Lancaster Hotel, Hyde Park, London.

Paul Wilkes, South East Sales Manager for Hewden said: "This is great news for our twelve depots in the South East region that my team support. Being recognised alongside blue chip firms including Vodafone and NatWest is a great achievement.

"The team has worked hard to develop the business in the South East region working with the many redevelopment projects in the area and I am proud to be part of such a dedicated team."

Paul and his team were short listed by the judging panel following a demanding application process with tough criteria and panel interviews. Paul was also asked to judge the Sales Person of the Year category.

The Hewden team increased their regional hire revenue by 30% in 2007 against the previous year and worked closely with contractors on key South East developments including Heathrow Terminal 5 and the regeneration of the Wembley complex.