Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson celebrated a hat-trick at the National Federation of Builders’ Construction Awards of Excellence in Birmingham, securing titles for Rising Star, Innovation in Construction Technology, and the Remarkable Heritage and Conservation Project.

The NFB's annual awards recognised standout achievements across the UK sector, highlighting excellence in delivery, innovation, sustainability, collaboration and individual contribution.

In the Rising Star category, two of the four finalists were from G F Tomlinson — Amy Kelly and Harry Gilsenan — selected from 300 applicants. Kelly took the prize, noted for her progression from Technical Trainee to Assistant Site Manager in under six years, and for her technical capability, environmental focus and community leadership.

Kelly's work included mentoring young people, advancing on-site sustainability and improving operational efficiency. Her social value outreach connected hundreds of local students and residents with live projects, including the Sherwood Observatory scheme.

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The Innovation in Construction Technology award recognised the firm’s work on the Sherwood Observatory in Sutton-in-Ashfield — a £6.8 million world-class STEM facility created by transforming a disused Victorian underground reservoir into a contemporary education and community venue.

Blending heritage, science and technology, the project showcased 3D laser scanning, Building Information Modelling (BIM), off-site manufacturing and real-time digital engagement tools to drive precision, quality and sustainability. Project Manager Stephen Spiegelhalter accepted the award.

The Remarkable Heritage and Conservation Project award honoured the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Central Building at the University of Nottingham’s Castle Meadow Campus.

The scheme transformed a distinctive 1990s tensile-roof structure into a modern education and events hub, carefully renewing around 4,500 sq metres of PTFE roofing, undertaking extensive structural repairs and refinishing more than 900 sq metres of glass and aluminium cladding. Through innovative engineering, collaborative heritage stewardship and a commitment to carbon reduction, the team delivered programme, cost and sustainability benefits for the university while revitalising a building of architectural significance.

Site Manager Lee Roberts, who had worked at the company for over 30 years, received the award on behalf of the project team.