The National Federation of Builders (NFB) held its first glittering awards gala luncheon in central London recently, to celebrate some of the best talent in the construction industry.

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."


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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