At the National Federation of Builders (NFB), we are proud to unveil the shortlist for the 2025 Construction Awards of Excellence.
These awards stand as a clear reflection of the strength, diversity, and innovation that characterise our industry today.
Each year, the awards give us an opportunity to highlight the remarkable achievements of contractors, tradespeople, designers, and innovators across the UK. 
More importantly, they serve as a reminder of the contribution construction makes to society. Behind every project on the shortlist lies a story of skilled people building schools, hospitals, homes, heritage sites, and infrastructure that communities rely on.
A rigorous and fair process
Our judging process is designed to ensure credibility and fairness. An independent panel, made up of experts with years of experience, evaluated entries against clear and transparent criteria.
These included leadership and management, technical delivery, environmental and social impact, and contribution to the wider industry.
This approach means that every finalist has met a high standard, not only in the quality of their work but also in their values and approach.
Whether it is embedding sustainability, protecting heritage, or investing in training and apprenticeships, our finalists represent construction at its very best.
A broad picture of the industry
What makes the shortlist particularly exciting this year is the diversity of projects and people represented.
From multimillion-pound healthcare facilities to carefully restored heritage landmarks, and from specialist trades to large-scale infrastructure, the entries reflect the breadth of our sector.
This year’s finalists also demonstrate how construction is adapting to modern challenges.
Sustainability features strongly, as does innovation in technology and design. Equally important is the recognition of people, through categories such as Rising Star, Diversity and Inclusion Champion, and Outstanding Tradesperson.
Support from across the sector
We are grateful to our sponsors who make these awards possible and who share our vision of celebrating excellence. The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) supports the Best Building Contractor category. People’s Partnership is sponsoring the Diversity and Inclusion Champion.
GLP Training is behind the Outstanding Training Initiative category. Citation is supporting Health, Safety and Wellbeing Excellence.
While the Scottish Building Federation is recognising Excellence in Sustainable Construction.
Their backing helps ensure the awards continue to grow and remain credible within the industry.
The 2025 Shortlist
Best Building Contractor, sponsored by NASC
Contractors over £30 million turnover:
- F Parkinson
- G F Tomlinson
- Interclass
- Kind & Company
Contractors under £30 million turnover:
- Alfred Flett
- Carnegie Group
- Parker & Son
Excellence in Sustainable Construction, sponsored by the Scottish Builders Federation
- Evo Energy
- Farrans Sacyr JV
- Oscar Acoustics
Innovation in Construction Technology, sponsored by Considerate Constructors Scheme
- Alconex
- G F Tomlinson
- Shape Construction
Excellence in Educational Building
- John Perkins Construction – Ashcombe Primary School, Weston-super-Mare
- Morgan Sindall – Limebrook Primary School, Maldon
- Simpson – Centre of Excellence, York
Exceptional Healthcare Facility
- Meldrum – Cobalt Park, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Meldrum – Northumbria Health and Care Academy and Drive Through
- P-H-D – Woodland House, Birmingham Women’s Hospital
Outstanding Residential Development
- Grace Homes – Chestnut Edge, Stoke Albany, Northants
- Pearce Construction – Market Gardens, Great Torrington
Outstanding Housebuilder, sponsored by The Bletchley Group
- Bennett Homes
- Grace Homes
- Skipton Properties
- Thakeham Homes
Rising Star, sponsored by City & Guilds
- Jacob Dove, Brickhill
- Amy Kelly, G F Tomlinson
- Harry Gilsenan, G F Tomlinson
- Charles Lawton, JB Construction
Diversity and Inclusion Champion, sponsored by People’s Partnership
- Fir Construction
- Gallaway Construction
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Excellence, sponsored by Citation
- Capital Sky
- F Parkinson
- Farrans Sacyr JV
Outstanding Training Initiative, sponsored by GLP Training
- Bakers of Danbury
- Gen Carbon
- Interclass
Outstanding Tradesperson
- Paul Hewison, Casey Construction
- Matt Ashby, Constructionarium
- Paul Loveday, Constructionarium
Remarkable Restoration and Renovation / Heritage and Conservation Project, sponsored by Crosby Media Associates
- Allen & Foxworthy – Blenheim Palace Roof Restoration Project
- Bakers of Danbury – St Mary’s Church, Stebbing
- G F Tomlinson – University of Nottingham
- Hutton Construction – Grimes Graves, Thetford
- Pearce Construction – The Guildhall, Barnstaple
- Simpson – Hull Maritime Museum
Inspiring Infrastructure Project
- Farrans-Sacyr – Belfast Grand Central Station
(sole finalist due to the specialised nature of submissions)
Why these awards matter
For us at the NFB, the awards are about more than recognition. They provide a platform for the industry to demonstrate its value to the wider public. Construction is often judged by the finished building, yet behind every structure lies years of planning, collaboration, innovation, and resilience.
Take, for example, the healthcare projects on the shortlist. They show how contractors are working closely with NHS trusts to deliver facilities that meet complex clinical needs while also creating welcoming, people-centred environments.
The heritage conservation projects demonstrate another side of the industry, where specialist skills are used to protect historic buildings for future generations.
Similarly, the residential and housebuilding categories highlight the importance of creating not just housing units but high-quality homes and communities. And in every case, we see evidence of companies investing in sustainability and low-carbon solutions, reflecting the responsibility the industry has in addressing climate change.
Recognising people as well as projects
The personal awards are especially important. Categories such as Rising Star and Outstanding Tradesperson celebrate the individuals who are shaping the future of the industry. Many of these nominees are at the start of their careers or working directly on site, and their recognition shows that excellence in construction is not confined to boardrooms or design studios.
The Diversity and Inclusion Champion category reflects another vital shift within the industry. Our sector has long been seen as traditional, but these finalists demonstrate how construction can be inclusive, representative, and welcoming to all. Likewise, the focus on training and wellbeing acknowledges that the best projects are delivered by companies that invest in their people.
Looking ahead to November
The winners will be revealed on 6 November 2025 at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham. This ceremony will bring together contractors, tradespeople, clients, sponsors, and industry leaders in a shared celebration of achievement.
Tickets for the event are selling fast and we have had a strong interest from across the sector. Beyond the celebration, the evening provides an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.
A moment for the industry
Construction in the UK is facing significant challenges, from skills shortages to environmental targets. Yet the 2025 shortlist proves that the industry is responding with creativity, determination, and professionalism. These finalists are not only delivering excellent projects today, they are also setting the standard for the future.
As the NFB, we are proud to showcase their achievements and to provide a platform where excellence is celebrated. The Construction Awards of Excellence remain one of the few award programmes that bring together every part of the industry, from small family-run firms to national contractors, and from individual apprentices to experienced project leaders.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to Birmingham in November, to celebrate the people and companies who continue to shape the built environment, deliver for communities, and demonstrate the very best of British construction.
