c.£100m five-year project will provide critical access to Agratas gigafactory in Somerset. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been appointed to design and build a new junction on the M5 motorway. Awarded through the Regional Delivery Partnership (RDP) framework, the contract is worth approximately £100m to Costain over a five-year
AWW Architects, one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary architectural practices, has adopted NavLive’s LiDAR BIM scanning technology to improve survey accuracy, reduce project risk, and meet the growing demands of the Building Safety Act across a range of high-risk and complex developments. With a team of 100 architectural professionals delivering
Façade lighting plays an important role in shaping how buildings are perceived after dark, while also supporting the safety and usability of outdoor spaces. For residential, hospitality and commercial environments, wall luminaires must deliver not only visual impact, but also durability, efficiency and installation flexibility. When specifying exterior wall lighting,
Kubota (UK) has marked one of the largest single equipment deals in its history after securing a major order from GGH Hire. The Enfield-based hire firm has taken delivery of the first machines from a 150-strong order of compact excavators, forming part of a multi-million-pound investment programme. The purchase follows
In the construction industry, advanced roofing diagnostics are becoming essential. New technologies are changing how roofing issues are identified and fixed. Staying updated with these advancements is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Advanced roofing diagnostics are reshaping traditional practices in the construction sector with modern solutions. As buildings become
Planning approvals for housing fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025 to their lowest level since 2019, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The figures sharpen the challenge for housing secretary Steve Reed, whose ‘Build, Baby, Build’ drive and the Government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes is being
Proteus Waterproofing has been shortlisted as a Finalist in three major categories at this year’s Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) Awards, reinforcing its growing influence and technical leadership within the UK liquid waterproofing market. The LRWA Awards recognise excellence, best practice and innovation across the liquid roofing and waterproofing
Nationwide Platforms has donated almost £10,000 to charitable causes and local community initiatives over the past year, continuing its commitment to supporting colleagues, families, and communities across the UK. The UK’s leading powered access provider donated a total of £9,785 during 2025, supporting 25 charitable causes and 10 local club
Retention has become one of the defining challenges for UK construction firms in 2026. Long project cycles, skills shortages, and an ageing workforce are colliding with rising expectations from employees who want more than a competitive payslip. In this environment, simply paying more is rarely enough to keep people on
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) proudly celebrated the industry’s leading innovators at its annual Awards Gala on Friday evening at the Natural History Museum, recognising 16 Rising Stars and 12 major category winners who raise the bar for responsible, innovative and inclusive construction. From climate champions to community heroes, this year’s
c.£100m five-year project will provide critical access to Agratas gigafactory in Somerset. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been appointed to design and build a new junction on the M5 motorway. Awarded through the Regional Delivery Partnership (RDP) framework, the contract is worth approximately £100m to Costain over a five-year period. Junction 22A is a new motorway junction being constructed between Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater, in Somerset. It will provide access to the Gravity Smart Campus and £4bn gigafactory being developed by Agratas, which will be Britain’s biggest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility. The junction will consist of north facing slip roads and will alleviate congestion on the motorway south of the Huntspill river. Costain’s role as the project’s delivery integration partner and main works contractor will see it design and construct the new junction before handing it over to National Highways upon completion. In its role, Costain will provide a range of best-in-class infrastructure services, including design, engineering, programme delivery and supply chain management. WSP will support Costain as design partner. Alex Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer of Costain, commented: “This award is built on our long-established highways delivery expertise and trusted partner relationship with National Highways. We will work closely with our supply chain partners to design and deliver this new junction that will provide access to the new gigafactory and help to drive economic growth in this region of the UK. “This investment, supporting the UK’s growth ambitions, is another example of Costain’s commitment to deliver critical national infrastructure programmes that improve people’s lives.” Costain is a long-term partner to National Highways and last year completed the construction of 41 emergency areas on the M1 ahead of schedule. Costain is also providing specialist technical engineering advice to National Highways under its Specialist Professional and Technical Services Framework (SPaTS3), which will cover the whole of the period for Roads Investment Strategy 3 (2026-2031). The infrastructure solutions company is also National Highways’ delivery partner for the M60/M62/M66 Simister Island Interchange scheme. In addition, Costain was recently added to join the Eastern Highways Alliance’s EH4 Framework, covering a range of civil engineering and construction works across the East of England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AWW Architects, one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary architectural practices, has adopted NavLive’s LiDAR BIM scanning technology to improve survey accuracy, reduce project risk, and meet the growing demands of the Building Safety Act across a range of high-risk and complex developments. With a team of 100 architectural professionals delivering projects across the nuclear, defence, commercial and public sectors, AWW frequently acts as lead consultant under traditional contract arrangements, often assuming full liability under Professional Indemnity insurance. As part of this expanding remit, the practice is increasingly responsible for Clerk of Works and Principal Designer duties, where precise, coordinated information is essential to maintaining a compliant “golden thread” of building data. Maintaining up-to-date survey information, particularly on existing or part-demolished structures, had become time-intensive and costly. To address this, AWW undertook a comprehensive market review to find an in-house solution capable of capturing reliable, high-accuracy site data while accelerating its Revit modelling workflows. Following extensive evaluation, AWW selected the NavLive LiDAR BIM Scanner as its preferred solution, as the system enables AWW’s designers to generate highly detailed point cloud data within minutes. Through NavLive’s software platform, produce Revit-ready outline models that correct, enhance, and validate existing survey and planning information. The technology has now been deployed across five separate buildings by staff at all levels, delivering consistent results and measurable gains in accuracy, speed, and assurance. Nicholas Mulholland, Managing Director at AWW Architects, added: “The NavLive scanner has significantly accelerated our design workflow and achieved measurable cost savings while improving the accuracy and assurance of our model data. The system provides exceptionally detailed point cloud data within minutes and, through the NavLive software, generates Revit-ready outline models that correct and enhance existing survey and planning information.” Chris Davison, CEO of NavLive, said: “Architectural practices like AWW are facing increasing pressure to deliver precise, assured information at every stage of a project. NavLive was designed to give teams immediate access to high-quality building data, reducing uncertainty and supporting the level of rigour demanded by modern regulation. AWW’s adoption of our technology shows how digital tools can remove delays, improve coordination, and strengthen compliance across some of the UK’s most complex projects.” With a long track record of early BIM adoption and a portfolio spanning high-risk and heavily regulated environments, AWW’s integration of NavLive reinforces its commitment to delivering accurate, coordinated design information from the earliest project stages. The partnership is expected to support future projects as industry requirements around digital record-keeping and safety assurance continue to intensify. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Façade lighting plays an important role in shaping how buildings are perceived after dark, while also supporting the safety and usability of outdoor spaces. For residential, hospitality and commercial environments, wall luminaires must deliver not only visual impact, but also durability, efficiency and installation flexibility. When specifying exterior wall lighting, professionals must consider a number of factors, including light distribution, colour temperature, glare control, environmental protection and long-term reliability. Increasingly, there is also demand for solutions that offer adaptability on site, allowing lighting effects to be fine-tuned to suit different architectural styles and changing project requirements. To meet these needs, LEDVANCE has expanded its outdoor luminaire portfolio with the URBAN WALL VARIO – a highly versatile, decorative wall light designed to combine architectural aesthetics with robust outdoor performance. URBAN WALL VARIO is designed to provide upward, downward or combined up-and-down light emission, enabling specifiers and installers to accentuate façade textures, highlight entrances and create depth and visual interest across building elevations. Interchangeable reflectors are supplied as standard, allowing beam angles of 30° for more focused accent lighting or 55° for a wider, softer distribution, making it easy to tailor the lighting effect to the application. On-site adjustability allows lighting effects to be fine-tuned during or after installation, with discreet controls enabling changes to light direction, colour tone and output without affecting the clean external appearance. This allows more sensitive integration of lighting with different façade materials and architectural styles. Built for long-term outdoor use, the luminaire combines robust construction with protection against weather, impact and temperature extremes, making it suitable for a wide range of exterior settings. High durability and extended service life also help to reduce maintenance demands over the lifetime of the installation. Durability remains just as critical, especially in exposed outdoor locations where luminaires must withstand weather, temperature fluctuations and physical impact over many years of operation. URBAN WALL VARIO is rated IP65 for protection against dust and water ingress and IK08 for impact resistance, with a robust aluminium housing and C4 corrosion protection to ensure long-term performance in challenging external environments. A long lifetime of up to 100,000 hours (L70/B10) further reduces maintenance requirements and supports lower whole-life costs. From an installation perspective, efficiency and adaptability are also high on the priority list. With dual cable entries for through-wiring, snap-in connectors and a mounting design that allows installation in either orientation, the luminaire accommodates varied wiring approaches and simplifies coordination on site, helping to reduce installation time on fast-paced projects. For projects requiring intelligent control and seamless integration with building management systems, URBAN WALL VARIO is also available with DALI-2 control gear. These versions enable precise digital dimming, individual addressing and flexible grouping zones. Head of Project Sales at LEDVANCE UK – David Goddard adds, “Architectural lighting should enhance a building’s character while standing up to the realities of outdoor use. Our aim with URBAN WALL VARIO was to create a solution that supports creative façade lighting while also addressing the practical challenges faced by designers and installers on site.” Supported by LEDVANCE’s technical guidance and project support services, the URBAN WALL VARIO range is positioned to help professionals deliver exterior lighting schemes that balance visual quality, reliability and ease of implementation across a wide variety of outdoor applications. For more information, contact LEDVANCE UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kubota (UK) has marked one of the largest single equipment deals in its history after securing a major order from GGH Hire. The Enfield-based hire firm has taken delivery of the first machines from a 150-strong order of compact excavators, forming part of a multi-million-pound investment programme. The purchase follows GGH Hire’s recent acquisition by St Albans-based Herts Tool Company and was completed through local dealer Boss Plant Sales. The order spans a wide range of Kubota mini and midi excavators, from the sub-one-tonne KX008-5 to the 8.5-tonne KX085-5, the manufacturer’s largest compact model. Around 100 of the machines will be used to fully refresh GGH Hire’s existing fleet, while the remaining 50 excavators have been earmarked to support future growth as demand continues to rise. GGH Hire was acquired by Herts Tool Company in December 2025. Both businesses will continue to operate independently, with David Shallow taking full responsibility for the Enfield operation. Former owner Gerry Gardiner remains involved with the business following the acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In the construction industry, advanced roofing diagnostics are becoming essential. New technologies are changing how roofing issues are identified and fixed. Staying updated with these advancements is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Advanced roofing diagnostics are reshaping traditional practices in the construction sector with modern solutions. As buildings become more complex, the need for precise and efficient diagnostic methods grows. Innovations like thermal imaging and drone surveys have made these diagnostics more accessible and effective. By embracing these advancements, you can enhance accuracy and streamline operations across various projects. Companies like NWIR are at the forefront of these innovations, offering cutting-edge solutions for the industry. Technologies driving roofing diagnostic advancements Thermal imaging has revolutionised roofing diagnostics by providing non-invasive methods to detect moisture and insulation issues. This technology allows you to identify hidden problems without dismantling parts of a structure. By analysing temperature variations on roof surfaces, contractors can pinpoint potential leaks or insulation failures with precision. The ability to see beneath the surface without physical disruption significantly improves both speed and accuracy. Drone surveys offer another leap forward in roofing diagnostics, allowing for comprehensive aerial inspections that were previously challenging. With drones, you can capture high-resolution images and videos, offering a complete view of the roofing area. This method saves time and reduces safety risks associated with manual inspections. By combining drone imagery with data analytics, you gain insights into structural integrity and potential problem areas that might otherwise go unnoticed. Moisture meters and infrared sensors complement thermal imaging by providing detailed readings of water infiltration and humidity levels within roofing systems. These handheld devices enable you to conduct targeted investigations in specific areas flagged by broader diagnostic scans. When combined with digital reporting systems, the data collected can be stored and analysed over time to track deterioration patterns and predict maintenance needs. This layered approach to diagnostics ensures that no potential issue escapes detection, allowing for comprehensive roof health assessments that support long-term asset management strategies. Benefits of advanced diagnostics in construction Integrating advanced roofing diagnostics into construction projects brings numerous advantages. Primarily, these technologies lead to significant cost savings by reducing the need for extensive manual labour and minimising material wastage. Identifying issues early through precise diagnostics helps you avoid expensive repairs later. Additionally, the efficiency gained through technology can lead to shorter project timelines, benefiting both contractors and clients. Moreover, advanced diagnostics enhance decision-making by providing detailed data that informs strategic planning and resource allocation. When you leverage these insights effectively, project managers can better anticipate needs and adjust schedules accordingly. This proactive approach fosters a more efficient workflow, enabling you to deliver higher quality outcomes while maintaining budgets and deadlines. Environmental sustainability is another significant benefit of implementing advanced roofing diagnostics in modern construction. By accurately identifying problem areas and enabling targeted repairs, you reduce material waste and minimise the environmental impact of unnecessary replacement projects. These technologies also help optimise energy efficiency by detecting insulation deficiencies and thermal bridging that contribute to heat loss. As building regulations increasingly emphasise environmental performance, the ability to document and improve a structure’s thermal envelope through precise diagnostics becomes invaluable for meeting compliance standards and achieving green building certifications. Real-world applications and future trends The practical implementation of advanced roofing diagnostics has shown impressive results in various construction projects. Large-scale commercial developments have benefited from reduced overheads and improved project delivery times by employing these technologies early in the planning phase. This not only mitigates risks but also boosts client satisfaction by ensuring timely completion. The future of roofing diagnostics is promising, with potential innovations set to further transform construction practices. Emerging technologies like AI-driven analytics promise to enhance data interpretation, offering predictive insights that help anticipate future challenges. You may soon find AI integrated into diagnostic tools to automatically assess risks and recommend preventive measures. Staying informed about these developments will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the construction industry.
Planning approvals for housing fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025 to their lowest level since 2019, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The figures sharpen the challenge for housing secretary Steve Reed, whose ‘Build, Baby, Build’ drive and the Government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes is being tested by a weakening housing pipeline. Residential planning approval value ended 2025 at £35.5bn, down 13% on 2021 and 25% below 2019, even though the wider construction market is up around 20% versus pre-COVID. Fewer approvals today mean fewer sites starting in the months ahead, slowing new supply, keeping upward pressure on prices and rents, and pushing the 1.5 million homes target further out of reach. “Last year, Steve Reed called on the industry to build, baby, build, but we’re yet to see any reaction,” said Ed Griffiths, head of business and client analysis at Barbour ABI. “The approvals pipeline for new homes has shrunk to its weakest since 2019, while money and momentum have shifted to energy infrastructure. “We don’t expect to see new housing spend to return to 2022 levels until 2027 and unless we see planning approvals recovering and contract awards broadening beyond a few large schemes, the 1.5 million homes target is looking increasingly impossible.” Contract awards, a key indicator of market health and future workload that signal the move from planning to delivery, remain broadly flat in housing. The value of residential awards edged up 4% in 2025 but has hovered around £22bn for three years. It’s a similar picture on applications. With no answer to current viability issues, residential remains stagnant increasing only 5% in overall application value with a 13% drop in the number of applications. By contrast, the rest of construction is performing. Overall planning approval value across all sectors rose 22% last year to £112bn, even as the number of approvals fell. Infrastructure is a particular highlight, as planning application value improved 45%, and planning approval value jumped 108% in 2025, powered by government-backed energy investment. Seven of the eight infrastructure projects approved in 2025 above £1bn were in the energy sector. Last year also saw growth across most regions, driven by high value transport and utility orders and urban regeneration in cities like Leeds and Manchester. Despite ongoing challenges like high costs and planning delays there are signs that private investors are committing to signing off on new contracts. But how quickly these can translate to activity on the ground in 2026 remains to be seen Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proteus Waterproofing has been shortlisted as a Finalist in three major categories at this year’s Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) Awards, reinforcing its growing influence and technical leadership within the UK liquid waterproofing market. The LRWA Awards recognise excellence, best practice and innovation across the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector. Being shortlisted across multiple categories highlights Proteus Waterproofing’s ability to deliver consistently high-performing solutions across a diverse range of applications, environments and project complexities. Each shortlisted scheme also demonstrates the company’s commitment to robust system design, technical assurance and collaborative working. From large-scale commercial roofing at M&S Putney, to demanding buried Blue Roof System at Welbourne and the technically sensitive waterproofing of public realm water features at Jubilee Park Fountains, these projects highlight the versatility and reliability of Proteus liquid waterproofing systems. “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted in three categories at this year’s LRWA Awards.,” said Justin Pitman, Sales Director at Proteus Waterproofing. These projects reflect the strength of our systems, the quality of our technical support and, most importantly, the trusted partnerships we have with Proteus Approved Contractors who share our commitment to getting waterproofing right.” The shortlisting also reflects the company’s wider impact on the liquid waterproofing market. Proteus continues to invest heavily in product development, technical guidance and installer support, helping specifiers and contractors achieve durable, compliant and long-lasting waterproofing solutions for clients. Winners of the LRWA Awards will be announced later this year. The 3 shortlisted projects, delivered in collaboration with trusted contractor partners, are: (MAIN PICTURE) Marks & Spencer (M&S) Putney, with APA Roofing & WaterproofingLiquid Roofing Project of the Year – over 1000m² For more information about Proteus Waterproofing visit www.proteuswaterproofing.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nationwide Platforms has donated almost £10,000 to charitable causes and local community initiatives over the past year, continuing its commitment to supporting colleagues, families, and communities across the UK. The UK’s leading powered access provider donated a total of £9,785 during 2025, supporting 25 charitable causes and 10 local club sponsorships. Of the total donated, £6,811 was given to national and local charities, with a further £2,974 supporting grassroots sports clubs and youth organisations. Causes supported ranged from cancer and dementia charities to food banks, Christmas raffles, and disability support initiatives. The single largest donation of £2,075 was made to a JustGiving page set up by colleague Jason Butlin, Business Development Manager for the Midlands region, to help fund a specialist purple wheelchair for his daughter Isabelle, who lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Alongside colleague-led fundraising, Nationwide Platforms supported a number of high-profile charities throughout the year, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer’s Society, Action Bladder Cancer UK, and The British Heart Foundation. Charitable giving was further driven by physical challenges undertaken by employees in aid of causes close to their hearts. These included a 26-mile Peak District Mighty Hike completed by Matthew Barnett, Marketing and Communications Specialist, in support of Macmillan Cancer Support; a 100-mile walk across Lady Anne’s Way by Blackburn-based Depot Support Operative Ollie Smith and his partner Heather to raise funds for Action Bladder Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer UK; and Ann-Marie Pease’s climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, which began on 2 January in support of Alzheimer’s Society. Local community support also formed a significant part of the 2025 donations. Nationwide Platforms sponsored seven junior football clubs, one local sporting club, a Muay Thai gym, and a youth club, helping to fund club kits, facility set-up costs, and travel expenses to ensure young people from lower-income backgrounds could access opportunities otherwise out of reach, including international sporting travel to the USA. Reflecting on the year’s giving, Nationwide Platforms said the donations highlight the power of colleague-led initiatives and the importance of supporting causes rooted in local communities. “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and that extends far beyond the workplace,” said Karen Maguire, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms. “Whether it’s supporting a colleague’s family, backing life-saving research, or helping local clubs keep going, these donations reflect the compassion and generosity that exists across Nationwide Platforms.” Nationwide Platforms will continue to support colleague-nominated charities and community initiatives into 2026, building on a year that has seen hundreds of lives positively impacted through collective action. For more information about Nationwide Platforms, visit:https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/en-gb Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Retention has become one of the defining challenges for UK construction firms in 2026. Long project cycles, skills shortages, and an ageing workforce are colliding with rising expectations from employees who want more than a competitive payslip. In this environment, simply paying more is rarely enough to keep people on site or in the office. What’s changing is how firms think about value. Wellbeing, once treated as a “nice to have”, is now being folded into core business strategy. Contractors and developers are discovering that the right mix of support, flexibility, and trust can be just as powerful as financial incentives when it comes to loyalty. Retention Pressures Across Construction The labour market remains tight, particularly for experienced trades and technical professionals. Projects are becoming more complex, while the pipeline of new entrants struggles to keep pace. When skilled workers leave, the cost isn’t limited to recruitment fees; productivity dips, knowledge walks out the door, and programmes are disrupted. Many firms have realised that churn is often linked to burnout rather than pay alone. Long hours, unpredictable schedules, and time away from family all take their toll. Against that backdrop, wellbeing has shifted from a peripheral HR concern to a frontline retention tool. Broadening Definitions Of Wellbeing Wellbeing strategies in construction are no longer confined to physical safety or occasional toolbox talks. They now extend into mental health support, flexible working arrangements, and a more open approach to how people balance work with life beyond the job. That broader definition reflects changing attitudes to autonomy. Employees increasingly expect employers to respect how they manage their own time and leisure, whether that’s choosing when to work remotely or how they unwind digitally. From fitness apps to online entertainment options like non GamStop online casinos, flexibility and self-directed leisure are increasingly becoming the norm. Workers value control over how they switch off and employers are beginning to respect and recognise that. Within construction, this mindset has encouraged firms to offer benefits menus rather than one-size-fits-all packages. Support might include access to counselling, adjusted start times, or additional leave during quieter periods. The common thread is trust, and that trust can be a powerful retention lever. Impacts On Productivity And Loyalty The business case for wellbeing is becoming harder to ignore. A growing body of industry reporting shows that firms investing in structured programmes are seeing tangible returns. It was found that 71% of UK construction employees found employee benefit schemes such as gym memberships appealing. Retention is only part of the story. Morale and productivity tend to rise when people feel supported rather than stretched to breaking point. Higher satisfaction often translates into fewer absences and more consistent performance on site. In fact, it’s thought that employers can expect to see up to a 20% increase in productivity if they offer employees effective wellbeing programmes. There’s also the benefit of lower turnover across sectors, including construction. For project-led businesses, even marginal gains in consistency can have an outsized impact on delivery. What This Means For Employers For employers, the message is clear: wellbeing is no longer a soft issue. It sits alongside safety, quality, and programme certainty as a driver of competitiveness. Firms that embed wellbeing into everyday operations are better placed to attract scarce skills and keep them engaged over the long term. That doesn’t mean copying generic perks from other industries. Construction has its own rhythms and pressures, so effective strategies tend to be practical and grounded. Clear communication around workloads, genuine flexibility where roles allow, and visible leadership commitment often matter more than flashy benefits. There’s also a reputational dimension. As clients and partners place greater emphasis on social value, how a company treats its workforce increasingly shapes how it’s perceived. Wellbeing initiatives can therefore support bids and frameworks, not just internal culture. Ultimately, retention in UK construction is being reshaped by a simple idea: people stay where they feel valued. Pay will always matter, but in a crowded labour market, it’s the everyday experience of work that often makes the difference. For firms willing to invest thoughtfully, wellbeing is proving to be less about cost and more about long-term resilience.
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) proudly celebrated the industry’s leading innovators at its annual Awards Gala on Friday evening at the Natural History Museum, recognising 16 Rising Stars and 12 major category winners who raise the bar for responsible, innovative and inclusive construction. From climate champions to community heroes, this year’s winners prove that construction isn’t just about building structures, it’s about building a better future. Highlights from the Winners’ Circle Community Engagement Award (sponsored by Male Allies UK) – Gallaway Construction Gallaway Construction is turning construction into a catalyst for change. Through its Construction for Women programme, the company has empowered over 400 girls and women with hands-on skills and mentoring, while raising tens of thousands for local causes. A true example of how construction can be a force for good. Climate Champion – General Demolition General Demolition is rewriting the demolition playbook with bold circular strategies, recycling hundreds of tonnes of materials and slashing carbon emissions. From Northampton to London, their work sets a new standard for sustainability. Employer of the Year (sponsored by the National Federation of Builders) – John Sisk & Son With leadership programmes, apprenticeships and inclusion initiatives, John Sisk & Son is shaping a workplace where people thrive. Over 3,000 young people supported – proving that the future of construction starts with investing in talent today. Social Value Leader – Christina Nichols, John Sisk & Son Christina Nichols has delivered measurable impact: 3,600+ hours of career support and £54.6 million spent with local supply chains. Her work ensures construction leaves a lasting positive mark. Considerate Client – Marks & Spencer For 18 years, M&S has championed safety, sustainability and respect for communities, influencing contractors and setting the gold standard for client leadership. Supplier Recognition – O’Neil & Brennan (ONB) ONB’s seamless logistics and proactive problem-solving make them an indispensable partner, elevating every project they touch. Excellence in Construction (Large) – McLaughlin & Harvey From carbon monitoring to mental health support, McLaughlin & Harvey delivers excellence on every front. Excellence in Construction (Small) – Harmonix Construction Ltd Harmonix combines community engagement, environmental responsibility and workforce wellbeing – building with care and integrity. Legacy Award – Pevensey Bay Coastal Defence Two decades of protecting communities and managing coastal flood risks across 18,000 properties – a legacy of resilience. Innovation of the Year – Curo Construction AI meets safety: Curo’s real-time monitoring system sets a new benchmark for tech-driven site safety. Icon Award (sponsored by Building a Safer Future) – Luke Hands, Ardmore Group A mental health champion reshaping how construction cares for its people. Rising Stars 16 Rising Stars were celebrated, showcasing the next generation of leaders driving the future of construction: Matthew Barnes (VolkerHighways), Joel Blanchflower (Laing O’Rourke), Liam Cater (Ardmore Group), Nicol High (Octavius), Daniel Hilton (Kier Transportation), Liam Jackson (McLaughlin & Harvey), Megan McDonald (KPH Deconstruction Services), Chris O’Hagan (McLaughlin & Harvey), David Okorhi (Knight Build Limited), Kate Parsons (Kier Transportation), James Preston (McLaren Construction), Kit Robinson (Kier Transportation), Megan Smith (McLaughlin & Harvey), Cian Webb (Clegg Construction), Katie Webster (Kier Construction), Abigail Wilkinson (Sir Robert McAlpine). Champion of Construction (sponsored by Construction Industry Council) – Colin Robinson With 50 years of service, Colin Robinson, Senior Site Manager at GRAHAM Group, has demonstrated leadership and compassion that have transformed lives – from saving a colleague to creating safer spaces for children. Desiree Blamey, Managing Director for Considerate Constructors Scheme, said: “The winners represent the very best of our industry, proving that construction can be innovative, inclusive and a powerful force for good. Their achievements set a standard that inspires us all to build responsibly and leave a lasting positive impact.” The event was supported by our sponsors, with Build Warranty as headline sponsor and Mates in Mind as the evening’s charity partner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals