EXCITEMENT is building in the north of Scotland as the finalists for the 2025 Trades Awards are revealed.
Now in its 13th year, the annual event is hosted by Aberdeen-based marketing and communications agency Mearns & Gill.
Bringing together around 400 construction industry professionals, the awards recognise and celebrate the talent, innovation, and achievements driving the sector forward.
From inspirational apprentices and ambitious start-ups to impactful community engagement and industry stalwarts, this year’s finalists showcase the breadth, skill, and resilience that define construction in the north of Scotland, Mearns & Gill said.
Mike Wilson, MD of Mearns & Gill, said, “The Trades Awards have always been about recognising the people and businesses that make our industry thrive, and 2025 is no exception. The standard of entries this year has been outstanding, reflecting not only the talent we have here but also the drive to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and build a stronger, more sustainable future. It’s inspiring to see, and we can’t wait to celebrate these achievements in November.”
The 2025 Trades Awards continue to enjoy the support of main sponsors, W M Donald, alongside a range of new partners committed to championing excellence. This year’s judging panel is said to have faced its toughest challenge yet, with record-breaking number of first-time entrants, and a level of competition that demonstrates the strength of the region’s construction community.
Standout categories this year include Rising Star, sponsored by Joe Boyle Consulting, which recognises emerging talents who have demonstrated outstanding performance and potential in the construction industry, and received the highest number of applications in a single category.
The Community Engagement Award, sponsored by STV, is new for 2025, and celebrates companies or projects that have made significant positive impacts on local communities through engagement, consultation, and social value initiatives.
The Construction Project of the Year award celebrates an outstanding project that demonstrates excellence in design, execution, sustainability, and overall impact on the community or industry.
Elaine Donald, director of headline sponsor W M Donald, said, “We are proud to support an event that reflects the very best of our industry. The Trades Awards not only recognise success but also encourage collaboration, growth, and innovation across the sector. Seeing the next generation come through is particularly rewarding and gives us great confidence in the future of construction in the region.”
Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday 7th November, hosted by Chris Harvey from STV at the Ardoe House Hotel & Spa. Fundraising across the evening will go to Somebody Cares, a local charity that delivers practical support, dignity, and empathy to individuals facing hardship, and collaborates with local agencies to provide essentials free of charge.
The Trades Awards 2025 finalists in the following categories are:
Health, Safety, and Wellbeing, sponsored by Safety Scotland
- Diversity Energy Solutions
- Alan Little, Kirkwood Timber Frame
- Brian Gibb, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
- Munro Access Services Ltd
Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes
- Keith Builders Merchants
- NEREC Ltd
- North East Services
- Square Lettings Management
Sustainability in Construction, sponsored by CHAP
- Cerretti Electrical
- Diversity Energy Solutions
- Norframe Ltd
- Ogilvie Construction
Construction Consultancy of the Year
- AtkinsRéalis
- Joe Boyle Ltd
- Safety Scotland Ltd
Community Engagement, sponsored by STV
- Baxter Design Company
- K R Group Scotland
- Robertson Construction Eastern
- W M Donald Ltd
Home/Building Improvement, sponsored by JKR Contractors
- Annie Kenyon Architects – Sea Haven
- CHAP – Fraserburgh Annexe Affordable Housing
- CHAP – Lighthouse Charity, Tillydrone
- V G Willox Ltd (Michael Allardyce) – Macduff Pavilion
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by CITB
- Ryan Lovie, Diversity Energy Solutions
- Murdo Reid, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
- Daniel Knowles, WM Donald
Rising Star, sponsored by Joe Boyle Consulting
- Aimee Mckechnie, AtkinsRealis
- Nicolas Matthew, CHAP
- Scott Thomson, Hazlewood Gardening
- Emma Munro, Munro Access
Tradesperson of the Year, sponsored by Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
- Dominic Clutterbuck, Bancon Homes
- Glen Thomson, Glen Thomson Building Services
- Andrew Bisset, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by Abby Life Facilities Management
- Paul Chew, CHAP
- Russell Robertson, CHAP
- Kevin Camphill, Ogilvie Construction
Best Trades Business (0-50 employees), sponsored by NFU Mutual
- Cerretti Electrical
- Diversity Energy Solutions
- NEREC
Construction Project of the Year, sponsored by KR Group
- Bancon Construction – Cloverhill
- CHAP – Operations & Maintenance Base in Buckie
- Ogilvie Construction – Camphill School
