Frequently Asked Questions
Awards Entries
- In what format should we supply our entry?
- Is there a completion date for projects to be entered in the Awards?
- Do we have to supply twelve copies of our entry?
- Do we have to supply twelve CDs?
- Do I need to supply hard copy photos?
- What type of photographs do you need?
- Our client does not allow photographs with staff in them to be published, is this a problem?
- Can we supply CAD instead?
- Can I enter the same project in two categories?
- My client has not yet given permission for the entry to be submitted and the closing date is near. Can I enter and then withdraw the entry if necessary?
- Can I enter a project more than once in the Awards?
Awards Dinner Enquiries
- Can I reserve a table and pay for it later?
- How can I ensure we get a good table position at the Awards?
- Who do I talk to about possibly sponsoring the Awards?
- How early can I book a table?
- I want to book a table but I am not a BCO member myself, however one of my colleagues is. Can I book from 15th May?
- What are the timings for the Dinner?
- Where can I arrange to meet my guests?
- Can I book a hosted bar through the BCO Awards Organiser?
- How do I order wine and extra drinks for my table?
- Do I have to order my wine in advance?
- When will the tickets be sent out?
- One of my guests has lost his ticket, does he need one to get in to the Dinner?
- What is the menu for the Dinner?
- I don't like the menu, can I order anything different?
- Can I choose to have the vegetarian option on the night?
- What do I do if I have a food allergy or special dietary requirement?
- One of my guests requires a Kosher meal, can this be arranged?
- What is the Dress Code?
- Do you have a special bedroom rate at the Grosvenor House?
- Do you have a list of hotel accommodation with special rates near the Grosvenor?
- I haven't got all the names for my Guest List and the deadline is approaching, what should I do?
- One of my guests has just dropped out and I need to change the name on the table, can I do this?
- My guests have all confirmed too late to be in the programme, is it worth my sending their names in now?
Awards entries
In what format should we supply our entry?
A4 spiral bound, printing on both sides of the paper, with all documents and photographs included and Entry Form Part 1 at the front of each entry.
Is there a completion date for projects to be entered in the Awards?
Yes, all projects should have been completed between 1st January 2005 and 1st November 2008. Where possible, a Practical Completion Certificate should be supplied. Projects due to be completed in 2009 should be entered in the 2010 Awards.
Do we have to supply twelve copies of our entry?
Yes, because each judge is sent a copy.
Do we have to supply twelve CDs?
No kosheryou should include copies of photographs in each entry but only one CD with at least 10 high resolution digital photographs is required The images must be saved in JPG format at least 300 dpi resolution and be a minimum size of 20cm wide. The photographs should have no captions but the filenames should clearly indicate the project name and image.
Do I need to supply hard copy photos?
No, but you should supply photos within the project document
What type of photographs do you need?
We need both exterior and interior shots of the building. A selection showing special features of the project as well as some including people if possible.
Our client does not allow photographs with staff in them to be published, is this a problem?
No. We prefer photographs with people in but this is not essential and will not prejudice your entry. Please however mention there is an embargo on this when submitting your entry.
Can we supply CAD instead?
No.
Can I enter the same project in two categories?
You can enter the same project in Commercial and Fit-out or Refurbished but not Corporate and Fit-out. This is because the Corporate category includes judging of fit-out. You must pay an entry fee for each category entered.
My client has not yet given permission for the entry to be submitted and the closing date is near. Can I enter and then withdraw the entry if necessary?
Yes, please contact Morag Allward to clarify the date by which you can withdraw on morag.allward@rbi.co.uk
Can I enter a project more than once in the Awards?
You cannot enter the same project in the same category more than once. If a project is being completed in stages, you can enter Stage 1 the first year and Stage 2 the second year.
National Awards Dinner - 6 October 2008
Can I reserve a table and pay for it later?
No. Table reservations are only confirmed after receipt of payment.
How can I ensure we get a good table position at the Awards?
The front tables are allocated to sponsors and the BCO. Thereafter tables are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis so the earlier you book, the better your table position.
Who do I talk to about possibly sponsoring the Awards?
Please send your enquiry to the BCO at mail@bco.org.uk and details will be sent out to you.
How early can I book a table?
Table bookings open for BCO Members each year on the 15th May, for non-members on 16th June.
I want to book a table but I am not a BCO member myself, however one of my colleagues is. Can I book from 15th May?
Yes if you can supply the name and membership number of your colleague on the booking form, otherwise your booking will not be confirmed till after 16th June.
What are the timings for the Dinner?
The evening will start with a drinks reception in the Ballroom at 6.30. Dinner will be served in the Great Room at 7pm. The Awards will start at approximately 9.30 and will last about an hour. The bars will stay open till 1.30am.
Where can I arrange to meet my guests?
You can book a hosted bar in the Court Suite or a private hospitality room by contacting the Grosvenor direct. Call the Hospitality Manager on 020 7399 8122.
Alternatively you can arrange to meet your guests in either the Grosvenor Reception (access off Park Street) or the Red Bar which is situated inside the Great Room entrance off Park Lane.
Can I book a hosted bar through the BCO Awards Organiser?
No. Hosted bars have to be booked direct with the Grosvenor as payment arrangements need to be made with them. Call the Hospitality Manager on 020 7399 8122.
How do I order wine and extra drinks for my table?
You will be sent a wine order form with your tickets about three weeks before the Awards Dinner. Please note this form should be returned direct to the fax number at the Grosvenor.
Do I have to order my wine in advance?
No, but we always recommend you do so your guests don't have to wait on the night.
When will the tickets be sent out?
Tickets will be sent out three weeks before the Dinner. Please note they will be sent to the person whose contact details are on the booking form unless otherwise requested.
One of my guests has lost his ticket, does he need one to get in to the Dinner?
No, as long as you have provided his name to the organiser, rachael.pattinson@rbi.co.uk he will be allowed in.
What is the menu for the Dinner?
The menu will be sent to you with the Wine Order Form and tickets three weeks before the Dinner.
I don't like the menu, can I order anything different?
Unfortunately the chef cannot provide individual meals just as a matter of choice. You can however order the vegetarian option instead but please note that these must be ordered in advance at least 48 hours before the Dinner, otherwise the Grosvenor will make an extra charge.
Can I choose to have the vegetarian option on the night?
You can but there is no guarantee it will be available and, if it is, the Grosvenor will make an extra charge as these meals should be ordered in advance. You should order vegetarian meals by completing the section on the Wine Order Form and returning it to the Grosvenor at least 48 hours before the dinner.
What do I do if I have a food allergy or special dietary requirement?
On your Wine Order Form, you will find a place to fill in special dietary requirements or requests for vegetarian meals. Please complete this and return it to the Grosvenor at least 48 hours before the Dinner. The chef will then devise an alternate meal for you. Please note we cannot specify exactly what this meal will be.
One of my guests requires a Kosher meal, can this be arranged?
Yes but this needs to be ordered at least 48 hours in advance and the Grosvenor makes an extra charge as this has to be brought in specially. In 2007 the cost of a Kosher meal was over £100 plus VAT. Please contact the Hospitality Department at the Grosvenor House on 020 7399 8122 to check cost and order any Kosher meals.
What is the Dress Code?
Black tie for gentlemen, cocktail or long dress for ladies.
Do you have a special bedroom rate at the Grosvenor House?
Yes, please request a Hotel Accommodation Form from rachael.pattinson@rbi.co.uk.
Do you have a list of hotel accommodation with special rates near the Grosvenor?
Yes, please request a Hotel Accommodation Form from rachael.pattinson@rbi.co.uk.
I haven't got all the names for my Guest List and the deadline is approaching, what should I do?
Send in the names you have, additional names can be added to the main guest list later but will not appear in the printed programme.
One of my guests has just dropped out and I need to change the name on the table, can I do this?
Yes, please send an email to rachael.pattinson@rbi.co.uk with the name of the person who has dropped out and the name of their replacement and we will amend the place card.
My guests have all confirmed too late to be in the programme, is it worth my sending their names in now?
Yes because as well as place cards, we produce a table plan on the night with all the names which will help your guests find their table.


