MEET YOUR 2026 WINNERS

Business Excellence

Apprentice of the Year

Winner:

Terence Hakurekwi - Crown House Technologies

"Terence started his career at the age of 7, when his mum bought him a screwdriver set. With this set, he proceeded to take apart the remote control of the TV, rebuilding it with fewer screws than there were to begin with - but proving that it worked perfectly well! Terence showed excellent attention to detail and is an impressive communicator: an innovative individual who thinks outside the box and has a clear sense of his future. He gave examples of how he challenges himself to continually improve, and of overcoming shyness by pushing himself out of his comfort zone. Judges identified strong leadership potential, and observed a desire to give back to the sector by helping others."

Highly commended:

Ross Hayward - Kilnbridge

Finalists:

  • Yusuf Adeko - Keltbray
  • Rami Alshaar - Gallaway Construction
  • Brandon Bates - Caxton Group
  • Joe Bennett - Galldris Group
  • Lavinia Darie - Statom Group
  • Teddy Gatsell - Statom Group
  • Mukhtar Mohammed - Lee Marley Group
  • Oliver Wootton - Explore Manufacturing, part of Laing O'Rourke

Excellence in Social Value

Winner:

Zed Pods - Crofts House and Marshall Walk: regenerating places, changing lives

"Social value is in the DNA of everything Zed Pods does. They are tackling one of the main social issues we have in the UK by developing social housing on difficult sites. They are improving community, commercial and environmental impacts on every project they deliver."

Finalists:

  • A&B Engineering - Marple Leisure: Building lives through social impact
  • Aden Contracting - Groundworks in the classroom
  • Careys - From Barriers to Breakthroughs: skills bootcamps
  • Crown House Manufacturing - Community values
  • DWJ Harkin - Access for all
  • Erith Contractors - Embedding community benefit across a construction business
  • Keltbray - Legacy through action: strengthening communities and the future female workforce
  • Lee Marley Group - Collaboration and partnership driving effective social value
  • McGee - Changing perspectives: championing meaningful value at Vista
  • Tilbury Douglas Engineering - Oldham Old Library

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Excellence

Winner:

John F Hunt - Achieving zero harm through safety innovation

"John F Hunt demonstrated a clear strategy for cross-business improvement, utilising innovation, technology and constant learning, with a focus on workforce engagement and communication to drive even greater standards of health, safety and wellbeing. They have created an opportunity to leave a legacy that benefits the industry, with multiple transferable outcomes."

Finalists:

  • A&B Engineering - Driving measurable health, safety and wellbeing excellence
  • Careys - Safe home every day
  • DWJ Harkin - Prevention in practice
  • Equans Sci-Tech - People, safety and wellbeing first
  • Essex Services Group - Health, safety and wellbeing excellence
  • Lorclon Civil Engineering - Mental health: personnel journeys from leadership
  • Statom Group - Safety by ownership

Outstanding Contribution to Specialist Construction

Winner:

Erith Contractors - 75 London Wall

"Erith Contractors' project at 75 London Wall is a "landscraper" project in the City of London for Multiplex, where it was important to reuse post-tensioned ribbed floor slabs to reduce the need for demolition and improve sustainability, with 89% retention of the existing concrete slabs. This is a transformative initiative that required a bespoke methodology to re-anchor, de-stress and remove post-tensioned tendons. The outcome has been impressive, including working around a live sub-station and sharing knowledge to enable the next generation to consider and use the techniques applied on this project. The legacy impact of this work for unbonded post-tensioned structures is impressive."

Finalists:

  • DWJ Harkin - Beyond compliance
  • Lorclon Civil Engineering - Behavioural safety programme
  • Lorclon Civil Engineering - Mental health: personnel journeys from leadership
  • Vislock - Safer digging digital

Rising Star

Winner:

Ibrahim Arshad - Galldris Group

"Ibrahim Arshad impressed the panel with his depth of success on major projects, his leadership and his career progression. He exhibits a wide range of attributes covering problem solving, team building and mentoring. He showed a clear understanding of the leadership skills needed for the future."

Highly Commended:

Maya Gorsia - Permasteelisa Group

Finalists:

  • Harvey Brookes - Knight Build
  • Oliver Bureau - SES
  • Tom Clark - McAleer & Rushe
  • Alex Cocklin - Indevor Bonds and Guarantees
  • Jack O'Brien - Kilnbridge
  • Sam Pym - McGee
  • Sahas Vankadara - Kane Group
  • Robbie Vart - Explore Manufacturing, part of Laing O'Rourke


SPONSORED BY


Specialist Contractor of the Year (turnover over £25m)

Winner:

Careys

"Careys has a clear focus on strategy, with a natural link to project delivery that hit all the judges' criteria. There was strong evidence of processes that drive project delivery and performance, and outstanding investment in people, skills and apprenticeships. A key differentiator is their skills bootcamp (121 places) for homeless people, ex-offenders and the unemployed, helping them return to work. They are also intentionally eliminating diesel from operations, which impressed the judging panel."

Finalists:

  • Briggs Amasco
  • Cognition Land and Water
  • DGP
  • Kilnbridge
  • Menard
  • SES
  • Stanmore
  • Statom Group
  • Tilbury Douglas Engineering

Specialist Contractor of the Year (turnover up to £25m)

Winner:

GLC Projects

"There is a real drive here to improve the reputation and image of the industry. GLC Projects is at the forefront of innovation, developing their own AI use for their works and implementing an IMS in their sector, punching well above their weight as a new, small but impressive business. Behavioural safety messages are very apparent and delivered in real time for immediate impact. All staff members are on an NVQ or training programme, demonstrating progression and advancement. GLC Projects had a clear vision to advance and improve not only their own service delivery but the construction industry as a whole."

Highly Commended:

Roofline Group

Finalists:

  • Aden Contracting
  • Story Decorating Group
  • T&T Facades
  • Ultrabeam
  • V&D Interiors
  • ZedPods

Training Excellence

Winner:

Caxton Group

"Caxton Group have made a big investment in launching their own academy, including the "Get the Edge" management training programme, which covers all levels from entrant to leadership. Offering a third year of the apprenticeship programme, with a 90% acceptance rate, is a success story. Caxton Group showed real investment in their people at all levels, with some great case studies as evidence."

Finalists:

  • DDL Group
  • Equans Sci-Tech
  • Lee Marley Group
  • Maintenance and Contracting Services
  • Roads Academy, National Highways
  • Radius Group
  • Roofline Group
  • West Port

Company Innovation

Digital Construction Excellence

Winner:

DWJ Harkin - Smarter decisions

"DWJ Harkin is a perfect example of how companies are taking risks in investing in digital technology and people to drive change and deliver commercial benefit for their business. They are commended for the investment decisions they have taken in modelling technology, for which they are starting to see reward in new work opportunities."

Highly Commended:

Crown House Technologies - Digital @ Hyperscale

Finalists:

  • Essex Services Group - myProjects
  • Lorclon Civil Engineering - Spotlights Safety Reporting app and accompanying SPOT FOR 5 initiative
  • Ultrabeam Hydrographic - Underwater bridge digital twinning
  • Vislock - Digital excellence delivered

Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability

Winner:

BHC - Steel Fabrication with 100% on-site renewable energy and delivery of sustainability through digital innovation

"BHC demonstrates strong leadership in a traditionally high-carbon industry, with a clear sustainability action plan matched by a thriving internal culture. Using a collaborative approach, they help clients develop and exceed carbon targets.They are transparently achieving their scope 1, 2 and 3 objectives, with performance reporting mechanisms shared with the whole business.They are supporting their local area through employment, training and an excess of renewable energy.The judges unanimously found BHC to be an exceptional entrant."

Highly Commended:

Hyperion Robotics - Low-carbon foundations

Finalists:

  • John F Hunt - From Insight to Impact: Transforming carbon reduction through real-time data
  • Metek - Sustainability at our core
  • Sanctus - Carbon reduction and sustainable remediation
  • Simplicity Specialist Finishes - 155 Drummond Street
  • Zed Pods - Marshall Walk: A social housing development of 12 zero-operational-carbon homes

Specialist Construction Product of the Year

Winner:

Hyperion Robotics - Low-carbon foundations

"The judges were impressed with a solution that delivers a bespoke low-carbon foundation, with great innovation in the use of off-site 3D printing. Hyperion Robotics presented a compelling and technically impressive innovation that addresses several industry challenges at once, including low-carbon performance, improved site safety and operational efficiency, with strong real-world validation and an impressive range of potential applications."

Finalists:

  • Groundforce Shorco  - SheetMaster 2.0
  • Holcim UK - Brew up coffee concrete to support new whale sculpture in Canary Wharf
  • Mensura - Deconstructed consultancy services
  • Obex Protection - RapidTray cavity tray system
  • SMR UK - ReBind
  • SolGen - Solar hybrid power solution
  • Specialist Facade Services - Haymarket Building One inspection and remedial solutions

Specialist Innovation of the Year

Winner:

Spencer Bridge Engineering - AeroTruss

"Spencer Bridge Engineering delivered an outstanding, well-presented and well-structured presentation, supported by a great case study. It was a clear demonstration of innovation and of finding a safer, more efficient way of working. The presenter was clearly a subject matter expert and showed genuine enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, the innovation presented."

Highly Commended:

GenVue Technologies - GenVue Shade

Finalists:

  • Engineered Composites - ENGRail Innovation
  • Essex Services Group - myProjects
  • Stanmore - Design house
  • Statom Group - Proactive assurance
  • UK Connect - Intelligent theft protection
  • Ultrabeam Hydrographic - Black Swan 3D underwater asset inspection
  • Vislock - Digital safety innovation

Technology Supplier Innovation of the Year

Winner:

Buildscout - Smarter lead targeting

"Buildscout's Smarter Lead Targeting project is a platform that allows specialist contractors to easily find suitable work based on data from planning applications. The judges were impressed by the excellent support it gives to the SME contracting market, which is rapidly gaining value from the platform. A unique, innovative idea being realised by impressive people, with excellent clarity of purpose, innovation and value."

Finalists:

  • Eliminox - Cleaner air for construction communities
  • NZC Solutions - Carbon management platform
  • SustainIQ - Complete ESG reporting
  • Vislock - Smart permit technology
  • Zutec - Building AI

Projects

Project of the Year by a Specialist Contractor (subcontract up to £1.5m)

Winner:

Zed Pods - Crofts House: Rural brownfield transformation

"The judges were unanimous in selecting Zed Pods as the winner for its exceptional combination of innovation, sustainability and social impact in addressing the housing crisis. By transforming underutilised land into high-quality, energy-positive homes, Zed Pods delivered measurable benefits for residents, local authorities and communities alike. The judges were particularly impressed by the company's commitment to long-term social value, from creating meaningful employment and training opportunities through its Prisoners Building Homes programme to building strong community support by creating homes for residents with neurodiversity. Delivering significant environmental gains, independently verified social value and a scalable model for future housing delivery, Zed Pods showed that modern methods of construction can be a powerful tool for creating lasting community benefit and reducing inequality."

Highly Commended:

GLC Projects - Wastewater treatment works decommissioning

Finalists:

  • Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding with JDS Properties & Developments - Poldhu Project - Storm Goretti
  • Ecosafe Group - Mary Rose Avenue: Ecosafe & southern housing fire safety
  • Geobear and Ironside Farrar - The Burnet Building
  • Hyperion Robotics - Usk reservoir project
  • Menard - Kettering ground improvement
  • RAAC Consulting Solutions - Remediation at landmark civic building
  • Specialist Facade Services - Haymarket Building One inspection and remedial solutions
  • Tank Consult - Lutterworth wastewater treatment works
  • V&D Interiors - Bilton Grange Preparatory School

Project of the Year by a Specialist Contractor (subcontract from £1.5m to £3m)

Winner:

Allen & Foxworthy - Blenheim Palace roof restoration project

"Allen & Foxworthy's Blenheim Palace roof restoration project is an exemplar of innovation in scaffolding design, meeting a complex and historically significant context that involved public-facing elements. The team's dedication to transferring skills extended to providing a bespoke drainage system that delivered further sustainability benefits."

Finalists:

  • Kilmartin - Salford Rise Frederick Road construction project
  • M R Scaffolding Services - 5 Aldermanbury Square
  • Metek - Moon Street, Bristol
  • Metek - Retirement living for inspired villages group at Sonning Common
  • OCL Drylining - Angel Square drylining
  • Quest Joinery - Specialist joinery fitout of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for Humanities
  • Roger Bullivant - Thurrock battery energy storage systems precast foundation system
  • Story Decorating Group - Everton: The people's project
  • StructureCare - Bell Street’s green transport hub
  • Topan - A30 Partnership
  • Zed Pods - Marshall Walk: A social housing development of 12 zero-operational-carbon homes

Project of the Year by a Specialist Contractor (subcontract from £3m to £10m)

Winner:

Rhodar Specialist Enabling Works - Darwin Tower deconstruction for Edinburgh University

"Rhodar Specialist Enabling Works delivered an exceptional project, transforming a complex tower deconstruction into a landmark benchmark for safety, innovation, community impact, social value and environmental excellence. This was achieved through strong performance, industry-leading sustainability and excellent community engagement, with zero complaints."

Finalists:

  • Caxton Builders - Bendigo Building
  • Caxton Fa çades - Threadworks
  • Cognition Land and Water - King’s Road Park, Phase 4, Block H2
  • James Johnson & Co - Specialist joinery fitout of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for Humanities
  • John F Hunt - Innovation in demolition
  • Lee Marley Group - Oval gas holder
  • Menard - Avonmouth Axis 5
  • PDS Infrastructure Systems - Integrated tunnel control and management system
  • Slipform Engineering - Wymington digester tanks
  • Statom Group - Town Quays
  • StructureCare - Silkstream phase 1a
  • T&T Facades - Facade for Life!


SPONSORED BY


Project of the Year by a Specialist Contractor (subcontract over £10m)

Winner:

Tilbury Douglas Engineering - Stepping Hill Hospital

"Tilbury Douglas Engineering transformed emergency care provision at Stepping Hill Hospital, delivering a new Emergency and Urgent Care Campus within a live hospital environment. Through innovative engineering, digital coordination and close collaboration, the team modernised facilities, increased capacity and improved patient pathways without interrupting clinical services. The judges were impressed by the team's ability to deliver such a technically demanding project alongside a live emergency department while staying flexible to changing client requirements. The project also generated real social value through local employment, apprenticeships and community engagement, including a sector-first visit that welcomed visually impaired children onto site. Co-designed with Bolton Sensory Support Services and the contractor's Disability Network, that visit directly informed the hospital's accessibility features. A deserving winner."

Highly Commended:

Vetter UK - The Stephen A. Schwarzman centre for humanities

Finalists:

  • Careys - The Chancery Rosewood - formerly 30 Grosvenor Square
  • Cognition Land and Water - Meridian Water strategic infrastructure works
  • DGP  - Manchester Airport Terminal 2
  • Durkin and Sons - Delivering security of supply for SSE and their customers
  • Essex Services Group - The LHR21 data centre
  • Kilnbridge - Bridgewater Road Bridge
  • King & Moffatt Building Services - Three Chamberlain Square
  • OCL - West end gate

Specialisms

Concrete Specialist of the Year

Winner:

Slipform Engineering

"The judges were impressed by Slipform Engineering's outstanding technical capability, innovative approach and consistent delivery of complex concrete structures. From exceptional engineering tolerances and bespoke construction solutions to investment in lower-carbon materials and future infrastructure technologies, Slipform Engineering demonstrated both operational excellence and a clear vision for the future. The combination of innovation, quality, safety and international recognition made them a standout winner in a highly competitive field."

Finalists:

  • Careys
  • Expanded
  • Galldris Group
  • Kilmartin
  • Kilnbridge
  • RAAC Consulting Solutions
  • Tank Consult

Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year

Winner:

M R Scaffolding Services

"A very well-balanced submission from a company that showed a clear business strategy. A real passion for social value was demonstrated, along with clear investment and a structure created for their people that is industry-leading. Health and safety was clearly personal, with a good culture being proven. Along with highlighting how they are innovating in the industry, M R Scaffolding demonstrated themselves to be worthy winners of this category."

Finalists:

  • Allen & Foxworthy
  • Brand Access Solutions
  • Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding
  • PHD Access 
  • Spencer Bridge Engineering

Demolition & Enabling Specialist of the Year

Winner:

GLC Projects

"GLC are making an impressive impact on the construction industry for their size in the North East, and have a clear vision and strategy. Their commitment to social value and wellbeing centres on a people-first approach, focusing on transferring heritage skills and growing talent for the future. The chess-based programme gives people "away time" from the day job. The drive to raise industry standards, gain recognition and improve people's lives is creditable. The values emanate from the top of the business and are apparent at all levels. GLC are getting the fundamental foundations right."

Finalist:

  • John F Hunt

Equipment Specialist of the Year

Winner:

Southern Hoist Services

"Southern Hoist Services is a worthy recipient of the Equipment Specialist Award. Their passion and enthusiasm throughout the presentation and Q&A session clearly demonstrated a genuine commitment to continuous business improvement and the advancement of the wider industry. Southern Hoist Services do not just follow standards - they help create them.The judges' questions were answered confidently and comprehensively, providing valuable insight into the company's culture and values. Their strong ethos of continuous improvement, commitment to social responsibility through charitable donations, investment in training, and focus on staff wellbeing were evident throughout and set them apart as an outstanding example within the sector."

Finalists:

  • Groundforce
  • Radius Group

Fit Out Specialist of the Year

Winner:

James Johnson & Co

"The judges were unanimous in their admiration for James Johnson & Co's ability to deliver some of the UK's most technically demanding joinery projects with a high level of craftsmanship and skill. Their innovative approach to off-site assembly and precision stands as an outstanding example of a specialist contractor consistently delivering beyond client expectations. The combination of technical capability, collaborative working and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship makes James Johnson & Co a thoroughly deserving winner."

Finalists:

  • OCL Facades
  • Quest Joinery

MEP Specialist of the Year

Winner:

GW Power

"Judges were very impressed by the passion shown, the incredible impact that GW Power's social value work has had on local communities, and their continued business success and long-term strategy. A very worthy winner!"

Highly Commended:

Essex Services Group

Finalists:

  • Kane Group
  • King & Moffatt Building Services
  • Maintenance and Contracting Services
  • Pensdown
  • SES

SPONSORED BY


MMC Specialist of the Year

Winner:

NG Bailey

"One of the major challenges of the wider adoption of MMC is the need to change delivery models to align with the benefit case and with different responsibilities and processes. NG Bailey have recognised this need and fundamentally shifted their business model and organisational structure to align with it. Their commitment to standardising where possible and customising only where essential is refreshing, and includes recognising the need to allocate cost differently. The development and investment in, and consequent retention of, their staff is exemplary and clearly delivers significant business and client benefits."

Highly Commended:

Zed Pods

Finalists:

  • Explore Manufacturing, part of Laing O'Rourke
  • Hyperion Robotics
  • Remagin by Etex
  • Roger Bullivant

Steel Specialist of the Year

Winner:

BHC

"BHC's entry set out their approach to ensuring high quality in their projects, developing in-house systems and processes coupled with sustainable production. They showed a whole-business approach, with a focus on QA and sustainability - for example, introducing a new anaerobic digestion plant that helps them achieve 100% energy self-sufficiency. The judges were impressed by their innovative business approach, demonstrating a clear focus on sustainability, their people, and the systems and processes to deliver quality projects for their clients."

Finalists:

  • ACS Stainless Steel Fixings
  • ENVFAB
  • Kilnbridge
  • Metek