The Construction Development Alliance (CDA) has announced the official launch of its 2014 annual awards, developed to support the growth of young people within the North West property and construction industry.

"The CDA was set up to fulfil a growing need for local businesses, in the property and construction sectors, to showcase the quality of services that can be offered in the area," commented Reid Lewis, Chair of the CDA. "Many young people today face the reality of unemployment, or the uncertainty of which career path to take, so we developed the awards to illustrate the opportunities available within construction and to also recognise the wealth of young talent coming out of our colleges and universities."

The CDA Awards take place on 21 May at St. Mary's Chambers in Rawtenstall and will be hosted by George Clarke, architect and host of Channel 4's Restoration Man and George Clarke's Amazing Spaces.

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George added: "The support and development of our apprentices is a fundamental part of the industry's future success and I'm pleased to have been asked to be part of something that helps young people progress and pursue their ambitions."

With the launch of this year's awards, the CDA is now inviting entrants to submit their applications for all award categories, which include; Overcoming Adversity in Construction, Young Designer in Construction, Young Apprentice in Construction, Young Construction Professional, and Young Construction Environmentalist. An overall winner will also be announced on the night.

Throughout the evening funds will be raised for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which provides educational group-works that challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures. The individual awards are also sponsored by a number of the CDA members and this year's main sponsor is Sika Limited – a manufacturer of products and solutions for the construction industry with offices and manufacturing facilities in Preston.

Whilst recognising the achievements of the area's young people, the event also offers a unique networking opportunity for local businesses within the construction and property sectors, as well as schools, colleges and universities, who are encouraged to support the awards.

For more information or to find out how to enter contact c.pessagno@pooledick.co.uk or request an application by post from Catherine Pessagno, Poole Dick Associates, Waterfold Park, Bury BL9 7BR.