On October 8, 2004, Pearsons Glass Ltd of Liverpool officially announced its takeover of James Hetleys Ltd (N London). This acquisition has made Pearsons the largest supplier of coloured and decorative glass in the country, and has also given them a southern base from which to expand further. The combined histories and expertise of Pearsons and Hetleys (est 1823) now spans over 200 years, and now resides under one roof. Pearsons also marked this occasion by launching a new competition within the glass industry, The Pearson's Prize. The categories for the awards will range from glass art to restoration, best use of glass in shop fitting to architecture. From these categories an overall winner will be chosen by the judges who feel has made the best and most imaginative use of glass. The exact parameters will be announced in January/05.
