MORE than 30 construction businesses in the north east of Scotland are celebrating as the finalists for this year’s Trade Awards have been announced.
Hosted by Mearns & Gill, the event is now in its twelfth year and brings together over 400 professionals to celebrate construction businesses of all sizes and disciplines – from new ventures and skilled tradespeople to innovative projects and sustainable practices.
Mike Wilson, MD of Mearns & Gill, said, “Each year, the Trades Awards brings a renewed sense of excitement, and 2024 is no different. The diversity and calibre of this year’s finalists reflect the dynamism and resilience of our industry. It’s a testament to the hard work and passion that continues to drive the north of Scotland’s construction sector forward. It’s a privilege to meet so many talented people, and we’re very much looking forward to meeting this year’s finalists in person”
This year’s event sees the continued support from longstanding sponsors such as W M Donald, along with many new partnerships, in what Mearns & Gill said will ensure that the celebration of excellence is as robust as ever.
The creative marketing agency added that the judging panel faced a ‘particularly challenging’ task this year due to the number and quality of applications. With finalists ranging from innovative start-ups to established industry giants, the competition is fiercer than ever.
Isla Stewart, account manager at Mearns & Gill, added, “The Trades Awards are a vital platform for recognising and rewarding excellence. It’s inspiring to see so many businesses, many of which have never entered before, stepping up to showcase their achievements. We’re proud to support an event that highlights the incredible work being done in the North of Scotland.”
Among the standout categories, the Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by CITB, features individuals at the start of their career who already having a big impact on the industry, whilst the winner for Outstanding Contribution will be revealed on the evening. Meanwhile, the Sustainability in Construction category, sponsored by AtkinsRealis, highlights the growing importance of eco-conscious practices, with finalists such as Camphill Architecture, Glulam Solutions, and KR Group leading the charge towards a greener future.
Elaine Donald, director of W M Donald, commented, “Supporting the Trades Awards aligns perfectly with our commitment to nurturing talent and excellence in construction. It’s brilliant to see so many deserving finalists, each contributing to the integrity and sustainability of our industry.”
This year’s winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on November 1 at Ardoe House in Aberdeen, and the entire construction community is invited to celebrate the achievements of their peers.
Magician scientist from Britain’s Got Talent, Kevin Quantum, will be providing the entertainment for the evening. The event will also be raising money for STV Appeal, which support outstanding projects across Scotland to help children, young people and their families living in poverty and difficult circumstances.
The Trades Awards 2024 finalists in the following categories are:
Best New Business, sponsored by W M Donald
- SJA Property Solutions
- Stork Roofing
Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes
- Bancon Homes
- Nicol of Skene
- Rosie Stewart, Cala Homes
- Rubicer Scotland Ltd
- iProtech
- Thistle Home Improvements Group
Excellence in Health & Safety, sponsored by Safety Scotland
- Glulam Solutions
- Nicol of Skene
Sustainability in Construction, sponsored by AtkinsRealis
- Camphill Architecture
- Glulam Solutions
- KR Group
Home/Building Improvement
- Rachel Walker Architects – West Kinharrachie Farmhouse
- BoConcept – Baile An Or House, Harris
- Rectify Carpentry – Bothy Bar
- SJA Property Group– Bastille Apartment
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by CITB
- Kian Stephen, W M Donald
- Murdo Reid, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
- Angus Webb, WM Donald
- Dan Glennie, Nicol of Skene
- Amber Kordakis, Barratt Homes
Tradesperson of the Year, sponsored by Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
- Simon Cadger, WM Donald
- Rui Pinto, Rubicer
- Darren Buddo, Rectify Carpentry
- Chris Harper, Chris Harper Joinery
- Alistair Anderson, Anderson Stone
Rising Star, sponsored by Joe Boyle Ltd
- Caitlin Bremner, KR Group
- Graeme Reilly, WM Donald
- Ella Neish, Glenmoir Construction
- John Cambell, CHAP Group
Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by James Gibb
- Colin Cosgrove, Bancon Homes
- Brian Gibb, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
- Jack Taylor, CHAP Group
- Russell Robertson, CHAP Group
Best Small Trades Business, sponsored by Nicol of Skene
- Glenmoir Construction
- Kyle Sutherland Joinery
- Rachael Walker Architects
- Rectify Carpentry
Best Large Business, sponsored by Bancon Group
- CHAP Group
- Goldstar Cleaning Services
- Thistle Home Improvements Group
Construction Project of The Year
- Bancon, Cloverhill
- Chap Group, Tillydrone Housing Programme
- Chap Group, Mannofield Clean Water Project
- Glulam Solutions, Michelin Scotland Innovation Centre
- Maskame & Tait, National Gas, St. Fergus
