The Construction Awards of Excellence 2026 are now open for entries, inviting contractors, housebuilders, project teams and construction professionals from across the industry to showcase the work, leadership and innovation shaping the built environment.
Organised by the National Federation of Builders (NFB), in conjunction with Build News- the awards recognise achievement across business performance, project delivery, sustainability, skills development and individual leadership.
Following a strong response in 2025, entries are expected from firms of all sizes, from regional SMEs to national contractors delivering major infrastructure and housing schemes.
READ MORE: NFB and Build News confirm partnership for Construction Awards of Excellence 2026
This year’s programme spans four key areas.
Best Business Categories
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Best Building Contractor (up to £10m turnover)
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Best Building Contractor (£10m to £50m turnover)
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Best Building Contractor (£50m+ turnover)
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Outstanding Housebuilder
These awards recognise commercial performance, quality delivery, client satisfaction and commitment to industry standards.
Project Categories
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Public Sector Project of the Year
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Private Sector Project of the Year
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Excellence in Sustainable Construction
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Remarkable Renovation and Restoration / Heritage and Conservation Project
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Outstanding Housing Development
From major public infrastructure to complex heritage restoration and housing delivery, these categories celebrate projects that demonstrate technical excellence, collaboration and measurable impact.
Individual Recognition Categories
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Rising Star
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NFB Special Recognition Award
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Excellence in Heritage Craft
These awards shine a light on the individuals driving standards across the sector, from emerging leaders to highly skilled heritage specialists safeguarding traditional craft.
Business and Innovation Categories
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Future of Construction Award for pioneering use of Digital, Data, Technology and AI
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Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Excellence
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Outstanding Training Initiative
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Construction Employer of the Year
These categories reflect the changing priorities of the industry, recognising digital transformation, workforce wellbeing, skills investment and responsible employment practices.
Building on the Success of 2025
The 2025 awards highlighted the breadth of talent and capability across the NFB membership and wider construction community.
Winning organisations demonstrated strong performance in sustainable delivery, housing development, digital innovation and workforce development, underlining the sector’s continued resilience and adaptability.
The 2026 programme aims to build on that momentum, offering a platform for organisations to benchmark their work against peers and gain recognition at a national level.
Why Enter?
Entering the Construction Awards of Excellence provides an opportunity to:
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Showcase projects to clients and industry leaders
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Highlight innovation and technical expertise
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Demonstrate commitment to sustainability and safety
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Recognise and reward staff achievement
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Strengthen brand credibility across the sector
With categories designed to reflect the full breadth of construction activity, organisations of all sizes are encouraged to submit entries.
Further details on eligibility criteria, submission requirements and deadlines are available via the National Federation of Builders.
