The National Federation of Builders (NFB) and Build News have confirmed a new event partnership for the Construction Awards of Excellence 2026, as preparations get underway for this year’s biggest celebration of excellence across the UK construction industry.
The awards will take place on Thursday, November 12th at The Burlington Hotel, bringing together contractors, housebuilders, developers and industry leaders to celebrate excellence, innovation and best practice across the construction industry.
As part of the partnership, Build News will support the promotion, awareness and engagement of the Awards, helping to amplify participation and shine a spotlight on the businesses, projects and individuals shaping the future of construction.
Entries for the awards are open until the 30th of April 2026.
Further details about the event can be found here:
Nominations now open for expanded 2026 awards programme
Nominations are now open for the Construction Awards of Excellence 2026.
The 2026 programme also sees the launch of 16 award categories, reflecting the evolving priorities of the construction sector – from business excellence and major projects to sustainability, training, digital innovation and individual achievement.
Full details of the new 2026 award categories are available here, on this link: https://builders.org.uk/awards-conferences/construction-awards-of-excellence/2026-awards-categories/.
Build News – a fast-growing platform for the construction sector
The partnership comes as Build News celebrates its first anniversary, following a standout debut year which saw the title pass one million page views and deliver sustained audience growth across the UK construction and built environment community.
Over the past six months, Build News has recorded 56% traffic growth, supported by an expanding editorial remit covering construction, development, infrastructure and the wider built environment.
The brand has also recently launched its daily Build News newsletter, providing readers with a regular briefing on the stories shaping the sector.
Build News is published by Crosby Associates Media, which already partners with the NFB across print and digital media, including Britbuild magazine and Heritage & Traditional Building. Crosby Associates Media became part of Finelight Group in 2025 and continues to invest in growth across its specialist B2B portfolio.
Industry leaders welcome extended partnership
Nick Fellows, Managing Director of Crosby Associates Media, said: “We’re delighted to be extending our partnership with the National Federation of Builders through the Construction Awards of Excellence 2026.
“Build News has quickly become a strategically important brand for us and for the construction sector more broadly. Supporting these prestigious awards is a natural fit, and we’re excited to help grow awareness, engagement and participation behind an event that celebrates the very best of the industry.”
James Butcher, Deputy CEO at the National Federation of Builders, added: “The Construction Awards of Excellence are an important opportunity to recognise the quality, innovation and commitment that exists across our industry.
“We’re looking forward to extending our partnership with Crosby Associates Media and the Build News brand as we continue to grow the reach and impact of these awards and encourage more businesses and individuals to take part in 2026.”
Construction Awards of Excellence 2026 – Award Categories
Best Business Categories
- Best Building Contractor (up to £10m turnover)
- Best Building Contractor (£10m – £50m turnover)
- Best Building Contractor (£50m+ turnover)
- Outstanding Housebuilder
Project Categories
- Public Sector Project of the Year
- Private Sector Project of the Year
- Excellence in Sustainable Construction
- Remarkable Renovation and Restoration / Heritage and Conservation Project
- Outstanding Housing Development
Individual Recognition Categories
- Rising Star
- NFB Special Recognition Award
- Excellence in Heritage Craft
Business & Innovation Categories
- Future of Construction Award (Pioneering use of Digital, Data, Technology and AI)
- Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Excellence
- Outstanding Training Initiative
- Construction Employer of the Year
