The journey
After a slightly longer than expected application period, The Trades Awards 2020 finalists have now been revealed, and our team are working away on the plans for the virtual awards ceremony on Friday 9th October.
The Trades Awards were launched eight years ago to celebrate excellence within the North East construction industry, and each year the black-tie ceremony brings together over 400 people from all disciplines. This year’s winners were due to be announced on Friday 5th June, but with the Covid-19 lockdown starting just as the application process closed in March, we took time to review the process and timeline for this year’s event.
Though the changes come in response to government restrictions concerning the containment of Covid-19, our events team welcomed the opportunity to open the awards up to a potentially larger audience.
A word from the top
Mike, our Managing Director said “We have thoroughly enjoyed hosting The Trades Awards at some of the best venues across the North East and nothing will replace the feeling of being a room with your industry peers to celebrate the best and brightest in the industry. However, our mentality has always been to have the best celebration we can and the virtual Trades Awards will be no different. The change to online allows us to plan safely and responsibly, whilst opening up the celebrations for even more people to attend.
“This also means that entire companies are now able to experience the exact moment their colleagues pick up a trophy. Family members and friends of our outstanding individuals can share in their success, and we do hope that everyone will still dress up for the occasion! As always, we’ll be pulling out all the stops to ensure we’re giving our finalists the night they deserve, and that all attendees the best party in the industry.”
This year's finalists
Sustainability in Construction, sponsored by Ledingham Chalmers
- Forster Group
- Glulam Solutions
- K R Group
Rising Star, sponsored by Glulam Solutions
- Freya Eardley, Waterloo Quay Properties
- Victoria Gray, Barratt Homes
- Gemma Kelly, KelDecor
- Chris Reid, Forster Group
Home/Building Improvement, sponsored by Flexistore
- Hyve Architect
- Kishorn Insulations
- MJS Landscaping
- Dontay Contracts
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Nicol of Skene
- Ethan Thompson, Barratt Homes
- Ryan MacIsaac, Stewart Milne Homes
- Steph Barron, Stewart Milne Homes
Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Barratt Homes
- Kore Technology Solutions
- Stewart Milne Homes
- CALA Homes
- MJS Landscaping
Tradesperson of the Year
- Phil Kerr, Stewart Milne Homes
- Gavin Strachan, GJS Joinery
Best New Business, sponsored by STV
- Bespoke Decorators
- Kishorn Insulations
- Trade Secrets
Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by CALA Homes
- Graeme Mann, Stewart Milne Homes
- John Dawson, Barratt Homes
- Ryan Fenton, Stewart Milne Homes
Excellence in Health & Safety, sponsored by Safety Scotland
- Nicol of Skene
- Stewart Milne Group
- Space Solutions
Above and Beyond
- Chris Snee, Stewart Milne Homes
- Grant MacAllister, Barratt Homes
- Michelle Forth, Safety Scotland
Small Trades Business of the Year
- 1 Call Property Maintenance
- Hyve Architects
- K R Group
Large Trades Business of the Year
- Barratt Homes
- Nicol of Skene
Construction Project of the Year
- Places for People, The Retirement Village, Chapelton
- RJM Architectural Design, Seomar, Ury Estate
- RJM Architectural Design, The Haughs, Rothienorman
- Glulam Solutions, Merkinch Primary School
- CMB Builders, Cragietocher Tower
- Barratt Homes, Riverside Quarter Muggiemoss
What happens next?
Traditionally, all finalists would now be invited to attend a 20-minute interview with the judges of their category, to discuss their application in more detail. These interviews will take place as a video call, across two days at the end of July. We will be organizing a training session for all finalists who would like to know more about how to use the video platform, and make the most of their 20 minutes with the judges.
Those interested in attending the virtual event on Friday 9th October 2020 can reserve their place by contacting us on isla.stewart@mearns-gill.com.
