The imposing Grand Connaught Rooms formed the setting for this much anticipated event at which the guest of honour was Lord Cecil Parkinson. More than a hundred members and guests came together from all over the country to see eight national winners and nine highly commended finalists collect their awards.
The ceremony was hosted by NFB Chief Executive Julia Evans, and individual awards were presented by nine sponsors. The NFB Chair Alison Perry welcomed guests to the event, followed by some words of encouragement for the industry from Graham Wren, new Chief Executive of the main sponsor CSCS.
Alison Perry told the audience: "As I come towards the end of my year as Chair, I have been privileged to represent such an amazing profession, and such dedicated members. I am proud that the NFB is at the forefront of influence, and is able to lead on the changes required to support the industry, and also the economy.
"We all want to play our part in improving the built environment, to harness new technologies and innovation, and work towards a sustainable future. The deficit has been difficult for many. A shrinking public sector, a barely growing private sector, and increasing competition for work, has meant we have all had to rethink how we work, and how we stay ahead."
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Graham Wren then commented in his speech: "We are proud to be sponsoring the NFB’s first annual awards scheme and congratulate the companies that have been shortlisted and those that have won for their commitment to producing high quality work for their clients.
"We are only too aware in these difficult times the construction industry is more competitive than ever, and providing a better product by a skilled and appropriately trained workforce is our best defence in maintaining and ultimately growing the industry."
Following lunch, the awards ceremony began in earnest, and guests were able to show their appreciation and celebrate the high quality work and commitment delivered by members across the country.
Julia Evans told the audience: "The standard of entries received has been extremely high, reflecting the excitement amongst members for the awards scheme. The awards not only reflect the quality of work members carry out but also the dynamic nature of the construction industry and provide a unique opportunity for members to showcase and be recognised for their work. We are delighted to offer NFB members the chance to be recognised for the contributions they make to the UK construction industry."
The results were as follows:
Apprentice Scheme of the Year 2011 - sponsored by NFB Training
WINNER - R G Carter
Highly commended - Gus Robinson Developments Ltd
Commitment to Health, Safety and Welfare - sponsored by Construction Industry Publications
WINNER - Henry Boot Construction Ltd
Highly commended - Herbert H Drew & Son Ltd
Commitment to Environmental / Sustainability - sponsored by Gamma Business Communications
WINNER - Baxall Construction Ltd – St Peter’s Vicarage, Surrey
Highly commended - Lockwoods Construction (Liverpool) Ltd
Corporate Social Responsibility Project of the Year 2011 - sponsored by Westfield Health
WINNER - R G Carter
Outstanding individual special award - Adam Berry, Lead Resident Liaison Officer,
Emanuel Whittaker Ltd
Heritage Project of the Year 2011 - sponsored by Total Merchandise
WINNER - Beardwell Construction Ltd – Prittlewell Chapel, Southend-on-Sea
Highly commended - I B Construction Ltd – Old Hall, Sandbach
Craftmanship special award - Ornate Interiors Ltd – Stockport Plaza, Stockport
New Build of the Year 2011 - sponsored by Design House Media
WINNER - Baxall Construction Ltd – Sea Gem, Camber Sands
Highly commended - R G Carter – Peter’s Bridge, Norwich
Highly commended - O Seaman and Son Ltd – The Balancing Barn, Thorington
Refurbishment of the Year 2011 - sponsored by the British Safety Council
WINNER - J H Hallam (Contracts) Ltd – St Martins House, Leicester
Highly commended - T Manners & Sons Ltd – White House Farm, Greatham
Housebuilder of the Year 2011 - sponsored by Show House Magazine
WINNER - Bennett Homes
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