Specialist Contractor of the Year

BAM Ritchies

Since 2020, BAM Ritchies has grown in revenue and profitability by focusing on high-barrier-to-entry markets and customer needs. In 2024, we exceeded revenue forecasts by 14%, reaching £92M with a double digit EBITDA, and reduced accident rates by 30%. Starting 2025 strong, with over 60% of our order book secure, we aim to improve margins and invest in our people. Our unique market position delivering nine Ground Engineering disciplines, commitment to training, sustainability, and community support, along with 18 Ground Engineering Awards entries, highlight our success and ambition to be the Specialist Contractor of the Year.

Caxton Façades

Established in 2008, Caxton Façades partners with tier 1 contractors to deliver high-quality façade installations using the latest modern construction methods. Our success is driven by one core principle: investing in our people. A skilled, motivated team ensures exceptional quality, safety, and client satisfaction.2024 was a milestone year—we launched Caxton Academy to train the next generation in bricklaying and façade installation and achieved ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications, reinforcing our commitment to quality and sustainability. Through continuous innovation and workforce development, we are shaping the future of façade construction while maintaining the highest industry standards.

Connolly Scaffolding

Connolly Scaffolding is growing sustainably with a scalable infrastructure to support growth and uses data as the bedrock for driving our efficiency and productivity.Staff investment is matchless: we see yard operatives with no qualifications being trained and developed into qualified scaffolders running muti-million-pound projects. We give ex-offenders the chance to build long-term careers with a sustainable company.The last year represents a period of peak performance with the company’s vision, strategy and culture combining with expertise, innovation and commitment to collaboration to produce our best year yet, with the solid foundations to continue delivering industry-leading projects and strong growth.

Fugro

Fugro's entry showcases its innovative approach and excellence in ground investigation, with significant contributions to renewable energy projects and decarbonisation efforts. Key highlights include advanced geotechnical and geophysical work on major offshore wind farms, pioneering 2D ultra-ultra-high resolution technology, and supporting Equinor’s CO2 highway project. Fugro's commitment to sustainability is evident through its net-zero target, green methanol fuel conversion, and expanding uncrewed surface vessel fleet. The company also excels in workforce development with programs like U.Gro and U.WiL, and its new sustainable headquarters in the Netherlands reflects its dedication to business improvement and innovation.

Lloret Control Systems

2024 has seen Lloret set new benchmarks, continuing to grow as a BMS specialist, whilst becoming a leader in delivering smart systems and our newly established ELVS packages to clients. We increased our revenue by 50% in 2024, working with new clients and Main Contractors. Relationships with our current clients have strengthened due to their confidence in our ability to provide the infrastructure needed for smart buildings to emerge while also supporting their sustainability and social value objectives for each project. We look forward to continuing to deliver smart, safe, sustainable and healthy buildings, now and for the future.

McGee

We stand out for our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and innovation in carbon engineering. We’ve pioneered solutions like demountable façade retention systems and reusable modular props, cutting emissions while promoting circular economy principles. We invest in electric machinery and safety innovations that reduce environmental impact. Our Carbon CPD sessions share knowledge industry-wide, driving collective progress. By relentlessly pushing boundaries and embedding sustainability into every decision, we don’t just build structures we prove that construction can be both innovative and sustainable.

ME Contracting

MEC provide leading specialist electrical contracting services on complex High Voltage and Low Voltage projects across critical infrastructure. In 2024, MEC undertook projects including specialist Testing and Health Trending of HV & LV Cables for the MOD, installing multiple dual UPS systems and the replacement of a live Substation for the NHS. With a 60%+ increase in turnover, a growing apprenticeship programme and an evolving team, MEC excels in safety, innovation, client satisfaction, and technical excellence. As an SME the business continues to grow and has been recognised with industry awards, cementing the position as a standout specialist contractor.

Menard UK

Menard, a market leading ground improvement company, has continued its upward trend of revenue growth whilst maintaining profitability. Our people take pride in the way we meet challenges and our success is undoubtedly built on our ability to deliver technical solutions, which provide cost, programme and carbon footprint benefits for our clients. We embed our positive culture across a diverse range of employees, where passion, creativity and ownership are encouraged, so that we can sustain our growth. Our staff have embraced our behavioural safety programme which has helped us maintain high safety and well-being standards in our work environment.

MWH Treatment

Water is the UKs most environmentally critical sector. Efficient wastewater recycling creates healthier rivers and coastal waters. Wholesome water production supports growth and minimises global warming impact. MWHT are expert solution provider in both areas. As contractors limit their sector exposure, MWHT choose to remain singularly dedicated to sector challenges, reflected in our 2024 successful close out of 210 AMP7 projects and our 50% AMP8 growth. As part of RSK MWHT have introduced £75m of additional critical capability. This sector leading AMP7 outperformance, AMP8 growth and continuing commitment to future sector challenges summaries why MWHT should win CNs Specialist Contractor.

Pro Steel Engineering

Through the use of new technology and kit-of-parts approach, Pro Steel Engineering was the specialist contractor that saw the following results from its Manchester Airport project:- A simplified design reduced components from over 5,000 to just 67 per node.- The reduced on-site crane lifts, vehicle movements, and work at height, improved safety and efficiency.- 125 tons of CO2 emissions being prevented.- A 50% reduction in manhours on-site compared to traditional methods was achieved, due to continuous improvements during node assembly and installation.- Enhanced visibility and credit to the female workforce working on the project

Zed Pods

ZED PODS is an innovative SME pioneering zero-carbon off-site volumetric MMC housing solutions that tackle social inequality while mitigating climate change. Collaborating with over 30 public sector clients, they unlock challenging brownfield sites - spanning flood zones and environmentally contaminated land - to deliver truly exemplar energy-efficient homes. ZED PODS leads the sector in sustainable development, achieving top energy ratings and strong airtightness, while fostering a diverse workforce, local supply chain partnerships, and robust training programs to ensure significant, lasting social and environmental impact.