FAQ’s

The B&Q OPL Awards is one way in which we are introducing the idea of OPL to our customers and their communities. By offering awards to motivated community organisations, environmental groups, schools, charities and sports clubs, we can begin the move towards a change in our society and a one-planet not three-planet way of life.

B&Q has selected a number of themes from the ten OPL principles. Projects must support at least one of the following themes:

• Save energy
• Conserve nature
• Support local culture & heritage
• Grow your own

Where can I find more information on the OPL principles?

Please visit www.oneplanetliving.org

What do the OPL Awards offer?

The awards give the opportunity for community or charitable organisations across the UK and Ireland to win up to £10,000/€12,000 worth of B&Q products to help make a real difference to their premises or community project.

To celebrate B&Q's 40th birthday in 2009, we are looking to support 40 projects as follows:

• 1 winner of £10,000/€12,000
• 4 winners of £5,000/€6,000
• 35 winners of £2,000/€2,400

The 2009 OPL Awards will be open for applications from Monday 26th January to Friday 27th March.

An application form, in pdf format, can be downloaded from www.diy.com/awards from Monday 26th January 2009. Once completed, the application form needs to be sent to the following address:

B&Q OPL Awards 2009, B&Q plc, PO Box 219, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO53 3YY

Alternatively, an application form can be requested by calling B&Q application hotline number on 0845 300 1001 / 0044 845 300 1001 (ROI). The hotline number is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Any community-based organisations such as environmental groups, charities, schools, local sports clubs, disability and youth groups are eligible to apply from the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Please note that we cannot accept applications from private individuals for 'private' projects (e.g. we cannot accept an application from an individual looking to make their home energy efficient)

In line with B&Q's charity policy, we are unable to offer support to projects overseas.

• On www.diy.com/awards
• In-store radio
• Press release to local media across the UK and Ireland
• Mail shot to key contacts including MP's, councils and charities
• Local radio stations

What are the timescales for completing a project?

The work must be undertaken from Monday 22nd June and completed by Friday 25th September 2009.

B&Q is unable to offer wind turbines or solar panels under the OPL awards programme due to the planning application and building assessments required to install them.

I've missed the closing date; can I still submit my entry?

Unfortunately, applications cannot be accepted after the official and published closing date - Friday 27th March 2009. Please note that we are unable to accept faxed or electronic applications.

B&Q trade and diamond cards cannot be used in conjunction with the OPL awards.

The winners will be announced in June 2009 and will appear on www.diy.com/awards

B&Q will make every effort to reply to all applicants but please note, if you have not received an acknowledgement by Monday 15th June 2009 your application will not have been successful for this year

As stated in the terms and conditions section of the OPL Award application form, B&Q cannot enter into any correspondence with any project regarding their application due to the high numbers of applications received.

To celebrate B&Q's 40th birthday in 2009, we are looking to support 40 projects as follows:

• 1 winner of £10,000/€12,000
• 4 winners of £5,000/€6,000
• 35 winners of £2,000/€2,400

If your project requires less than £2,000/€2,400 of products, B&Q has other ways of supporting community groups. For more information, please visit www.diy.com/community

Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. At least two images of the area where the project will take place are required. Please note we will not be able to return these.

If you received a 'You Can Do It' Award in 2006 or 2007 or a OPL Award in 2008, B&Q will be unable to accept your application. 'You Can Do It' Award winners before 2006 are able to apply.