2025 Winners

Building Project of the Year Over £5M

Sponsored by


Keynsham Recycling Hub

Organisation
SRA Architects
Project name
Keynsham Recycling Hub
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Submission overview
Keynsham Recycling Hub is a state-of-the-art, c.£40m facility that consolidates waste and recycling collections, disposal and fleet management services for B&NES. The proposals consolidated the disparate operations of five existing sites into a single, highly efficient and future-proofed hub. The facility is permitted to process over 150,000 tonnes of waste for reuse, recycling and disposal within a purpose-built recovery facility. It includes a Public Recycling Centre and Reuse shop, vehicle maintenance workshop (public and commercial MOTs), and a 1000 tonne salt barn. Staff welfare and office facilities provide a modern, clean environment for c.250 staff, meeting spaces and a large training room. Three stand-out facts: - Sustainability design is embraced holistically. Designed in light of the climate and ecological emergency declared by B&NES, the design is operationally efficient and the buildings are designed with a fabric-first approach and out-perform the required standards. Additionally, there are 210+ new-native trees, 500m of hedgerow, a BNG of over 17%; 3,800m2 of solar panels generate 780+kwp of clean energy; SUDs including a large attenuation pond and wildlife-protection zone, and RWH capacity of 70,000l. - Sustainability in society is the premise of the development. This is achieved through improved access to public recycling, increased capacity and material variety for recycling, reducing waste to landfill, educating the public and promoting re-use. - The pre-construction design was developed through covid, collaboration was critical. This attitude of collaboration, mutual accountability and shared purpose was carried through with the contractor and post-contract team, resulting in a hugely successful project.
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Building Project of the Year Up To £5M

Sponsored by


Stepnell Ltd

Organisation
Stepnell Ltd
Project name
New Kingsland Housing Scheme
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Project overview
The New Kingsland project is a landmark scheme, delivered by Stepnell on behalf of Bristol City Council. The scheme transforms a former Church site into 16 sustainable homes, addressing an urgent need for affordable housing, while setting a high standard for sustainable construction. New Kingsland stands out as a beacon of sustainable and community-driven development. It's not just about building homes, it's about creating a thriving, environmentally responsible community that enhances the lives of its residents. This project demonstrates how innovative thinking, collaborative partnerships, and a focus on social and environmental value can lead to exceptional results. Three Key Facts That Make New Kingsland Stand Out: • Radical Sustainability: Achieved a dramatic reduction in carbon footprint through the innovative switch to timber frame construction and the seamless integration of Air Source Heat Pumps and integrated solar PV roof panels setting a new benchmark for energy efficiency in affordable housing. • Community Transformation: Replaced a derelict site with a vibrant residential community, including a dedicated community garden, fostering social connection and improving the quality of life for residents. • Innovative Problem Solving: Overcame initial design challenges by proactively proposing and implementing a timber frame solution, demonstrating exceptional adaptability and a commitment to delivering superior outcomes. (The front block of houses were built on a curve which required innovative thinking around the foundation and roofing solution.)
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Client of the Year

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Plymouth Crematorium in The Park

Organisation
Kier Construction
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Submission overview
The client recognized the need for a new, purpose-built crematorium replacing outdated facilities. ‘The Park,’ provides a high-quality experience for bereaving families in a beautiful, natural setting. The design includes calming arrival, waiting areas, ceremony spaces, and surrounding landscapes, ensuring intuitive movement throughout. Featuring three spacious ceremony rooms inspired by Scandinavian crematoria, offering a minimal and tranquil aesthetic. Large windows provide natural light and reflective views. Latest AV technology for livestreaming services and color change lighting settings. The modern crematory houses three cremators with space for a fourth. The 17-acre site includes a memorial meadow, dedicated children's memorial area, and other thoughtfully selected memorials. The development also includes offices, a reception, waiting areas, a family room, a meeting room, an administration area, and car parking for mourners. A separate café building with two flexible function rooms is positioned near the main entrance with its own car park. This new project replaces outdated facilities with a modern one, maintaining in-house service delivery. The unique design, using local and natural materials, provides a different architectural style rooted in the local vernacular. The project was landscape-led, with careful consideration of the building’s location, topography, and natural drainage elements to enhance initial brief requirements. • Purpose and Design: A high-quality experience for bereaving families with calming areas. • Modern Facilities and Technology: Three cremators, a memorial meadow, dedicated children's area, modern AV for livestreaming services. • Landscape-Led Approach: Use of local materials, consideration to location, topography, and natural drainage, ensuring it blends seamlessly
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Climate Action

Sponsored by:


voco Zeal Exeter

Organisation
RED Construction Group
Project name
voco Zeal Exeter
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Project overview
The voco Zeal Exeter is the UK’s first net zero carbon branded hotel, designed to exceed future sustainability standards. Developed by Zeal Hotels in partnership with RED Construction, this 5,000m², 142-room hotel demonstrates how sustainability and luxury can coexist. Key features include: • Zero carbon Balance: The hotel generates the equivalent renewable energy that is required by the hotel through a roof top PV array comprising some 384 panels and 1,465m² of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), providing an intelligent active façade system, and a high-performance building envelope. • 46% reduction in the whole life cycle embodied carbon compared to a benchmark new build hotel This was achieved through sustainable material selection including reinforced concrete (RC) with 60% GGBS and verified by real time carbon tracking and lifecycle assessments. • Zero on-site combustion: A fossil fuel free building services solution ensures no reliance on gas thus aligning with future carbon neutrality targets. The hotel integrates passive solar design, biophilic elements such as brown roofs and creation of ecological habitats contributing towards a biodiversity net gain, as well as an innovative energy management system. With a BREEAM Outstanding rating of 89.2% achieved at design stage and a final 87.5% post construction score submitted to the BRE, this far surpasses the 85% threshold and sets vocoZeal Exeter as a replicable precedent for sustainable hospitality worldwide. As a replicable, scalable model, this project accelerates net zero adoption across the hospitality sector, proving that climate action and commercial success can go hand in hand.
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Delivering Value

Sponsored by:


Chelleram Sports Complex

Organisation
Speller Metcalfe
Project name
Chelleram Sports Complex
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Project overview
Delivering Value Through Smart Decision-Making The Clifton College Sports Hall project exemplifies value-based decision-making, delivering a high-performance, sustainable facility that enhances student experience, supports professional athlete development, and provides wider community benefits. The project replaced an energy-intensive inflatable dome with a state-of-the-art sports hall, designed to maximise quality, sustainability, and long-term impact while remaining on time and on budget. From the outset, value was clearly defined through collaboration between the client, delivery team, and key subcontractors. The project focused on outcome-based decision-making, ensuring budget was directed towards high-quality equipment and user experience, rather than unnecessary structural elements. This enabled Clifton College to invest in best-in-class sports flooring, multi-use facilities, and top-tier equipment, reinforcing its legacy of producing professional athletes, including Olympians. Sustainability was a core driver, with the hall designed to BREEAM Excellent standards, incorporating a fabric-first approach, high-performance insulation, and on-site renewable energy. Social value was embedded throughout delivery, with £3.26M (40% of project value) generated through local employment, apprenticeships, supply chain investment, and community initiatives. Top 3 Facts That Demonstrate Value: 1. £600k cost savings vs. competitors, delivered without compromising quality or performance. 2. Value-engineered solutions redirected budget to world-class sports facilities, supporting both student athletes and the wider community. 3. Long-term impact prioritised, with sustainable design ensuring reduced operational costs and a lasting legacy for professional sports development at Clifton College.
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Environmental, Social and Governance

Sponsored by:


Nevada Construction

Organisation
Nevada Construction Ltd
Project name
Nevada Construction Ltd
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Project overview
We don't just build; we shape sustainable futures and inspire communities and businesses across the Southwest. Our ESG driven approach sets us apart, transforming projects into powerful catalysts for positive change. Our relentless passion for excellence and authentic commitment to social value attracts clients and talent, driving our rapid growth and distinguished reputation in the industry. What truly makes Nevada Construction stand out is our dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance excellence, embodied through three core pillars: • Environmental Excellence: We champion cutting-edge technology and processes with a proactive integration of sustainable systems at both project sites and our head office to significantly reduce carbon emissions, paving the way toward net-zero construction. • Social Commitment: We actively build lasting social value through initiatives that transform lives and communities. Our strategic use of the TOMS calculator, alongside partnerships with influential regional networks such as Building Greater Exeter, Build Plymouth, and Build Torbay, generates meaningful employment, promotes education, and enhances community well-being from planting wellbeing gardens to facilitating educational workshops. Additionally, we proudly support numerous local charities, grassroots teams, and major Southwest sporting clubs, reinforcing our deep-rooted commitment to community development and enrichment. • Governance Strength: Our unwavering governance integrates ESG principles deeply into every aspect of our business strategy. Regular board level reviews, transparent ISO audits, and inclusive decision-making processes empower all employees to contribute to our continuous improvement and innovation. Nevada Construction exemplifies excellence through sustainability, community enrichment, and impeccable governance, making us the clear choice as leaders in responsible.
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G4C Future Leader

Sponsored by:


Yasmin Caddick

Organisation
BYLOR
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Submission overview
Yasmin is a highly driven and passionate professional with a relentless work ethic and a strong commitment to both personal and collective success. Over the past nine years in the industry, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to growth by graduating from university, achieving her RICS chartership through the APC route, and progressing to a leadership role. Yasmin is deeply committed to empowering females in the profession, advocating for equal opportunities and representation within the industry. She actively encourages young people, especially those from underrepresented groups, to consider careers in the built environment. In her current role as the Somerset Chair for G4C, Yasmin works tirelessly to foster a network of young professionals and provide them with the resources and support needed to succeed. She is also an RICS ambassador, visiting schools and engaging with students to inspire the next generation of talent. Her involvement in graduate assessments within her company highlights her dedication to guiding and mentoring the future leaders of the profession. Yasmin’s passion for improving diversity and encouraging young people into the profession is evident in her proactive efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment. She leads by example, balancing a strong career with her ongoing contributions to empowering others, ensuring that the industry continues to thrive through mentorship and inclusive leadership.
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Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Sponsored by:


Speller Metcalfe

Organisation
Speller Metcalfe
Project name
Speller Metcalfe
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Project/initiative overview
Weaving the Golden Thread is Speller Metcalfe’s company-wide initiative to meet—and exceed—the requirements of the Building Safety Act (2022). As Principal Contractor, we recognised the urgent need to lead with clarity, competence, and care in a regulatory landscape still finding its feet. With no clear precedent across the industry, we took a proactive and collaborative approach—working with clients, the supply chain, professional bodies and our own teams to develop robust, practical systems that embed compliance, enhance safety, and protect mental wellbeing. The initiative spans the entire project lifecycle, from RIBA Stage 2 design through to occupation, and applies to all projects—not just High-Risk Buildings. It includes: • A Project Competency Passport system, matching staff to projects based on verified skills and experience; • Training of over 190 staff in Building Safety Act compliance, including Level 3 Passive Fire Protection and CIOB awareness; • Development of a digital Golden Thread, geotagged and recorded via Fieldwire, ensuring future building managers inherit meaningful safety data; • Ongoing mental health support, including 25 Mental Health First Aiders, open dialogue with the board, and regular safety stand-downs. ________________________________________ Three key facts that make this submission stand out: 1. A company-wide transformation, not limited to regulatory minimums or specific project types. 2. Tangible systems and training that ensure safety is delivered competently and sustainably. 3. A uniquely human approach, balancing safety demands with a deep commitment to staff wellbeing.
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Infrastructure Project of the Year

Sponsored by:


Public Realm Project: Old Town Street, New George Street, Plymouth

Organisation
Morgan Sindall Construction
Project name
Old Town Street and New George Street
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Project overview
A complex public realm project that has transformed a tired and run-down part of Plymouth city centre into a vibrant hub, attracting visitors, boosting local businesses and encouraging new brands to the city. Delivered safely and early in a live, complex and historic environment, to a happy client. The project provides improved and sustainable public access to the main high street and has helped to increase shop rental interest by 25% and footfall within the city centre by 20%. Fact: Approximately 700m³ of concrete and 618 individual K-Form slabs were expertly poured into the sub-structure for the paving, with much of the work executed seamlessly during peak city centre activity, demonstrating exceptional planning and precision in a challenging urban environment. This innovative concrete solution, exceptional logistics and operational excellence were key to the project’s success. Fact: Zero health and safety incidents. The project team were awarded the Morgan Sindall Construction National Health and Safety Award because of their efforts, working in a live public space where weekly footfall exceeds 200,000 in addition to the attention to detail, required working safely around buried services and obstructions. Zero service strikes occurred. Fact: The new ‘Sustainable Urban Drainage’ system (SuDS) provides protection from future flooding incidents through a new rain garden and storm water sewer. This project will contribute to reducing the pressure on the combined sewer and will also reduce outputs into Plymouth Sound by 78%.
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Innovation

Sponsored by:


SoilDri Ltd

Organisation
SoilDri
Project name
JB1 Construction
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Submission overview
SoilDri Ltd is an industry leader in innovative soil management solutions, delivering high-performance drying agents that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Our advanced technology outperforms conventional methods by of exporting soil to landfill that is replaced by imported aggregates, reducing waste, and improving operational effectiveness across many construction sectors. This submission highlights our commitment to innovation, sustainability whilst being the most commercially viable. SoilDri’s groundbreaking technology transforms how the construction and utility sector work with innovative soil drying solutions, cutting downtime and costs while supporting environmental responsibility. With proven results and a competitive edge, we set new benchmarks in achieving optimum moisture content for compaction and re-use. 1. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly – Our Non Caustic agents achieve an average 96% reduction in transport associated carbon and 75% less in embodied carbon to traditional Quicklime as the usual alternative. 2. Versatile & Cost-Effective – Designed for multiple applications, SoilDri lowers costs up to 60% compared to traditional methods whilst also reduces waste, and improves operational outcomes. 3. Compliant to regulations - SoilDri meets and exceeds the regulatory compliance in civils infrastructure and utility activities adhering to the requirements of Chapter 4.6 of the NHBC Standards and The Streekworks UK Protocol / Environment Agency EPS298 for waste. SoilDri is a product that revolutionises in sustainable moisture management, driving efficiency and environmental responsibility forward.
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Integration & Collaborative Working

Sponsored by:


Public Realm Project: Old Town Street, New George Street, Plymouth

Organisation
Morgan Sindall Construction
Project name
Old Town Street and New George Street
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Submission overview
A complex public realm project that has transformed a tired and run-down part of Plymouth city centre into a vibrant hub, attracting visitors, boosting local businesses and encouraging new brands to the city. The improved public realm has increased shop rental interest by 25% and footfall within the city centre by 20%. Delivered safely and early in a live, complex and historic environment, for an engaged and happy client. Our delivery team describe this project as ‘One team’ – personified. Fact: Approximately 700m³ of concrete and 618 individual K-Form slabs were expertly poured into the sub-structure for the paving, with much of the work executed seamlessly during peak city centre activity, demonstrating exceptional planning and precision in a challenging urban environment. This innovative concrete solution, exceptional logistics and operational excellence were key to the project’s success. Fact: Zero health and safety incidents reported. The project team were awarded the Morgan Sindall Construction National Health and Safety Award as a result of their efforts, working in a live public space where weekly footfall exceeds 200,000 in addition to the attention to detail required working safely around buried services and obstructions. Zero service strikes occurred. Fact: Vital local supply chain collaboration achieved £4.2m local spend. 82% of local labour was sourced within 20 miles of site. Overall SVROI = £5.5m. The team engaged with the University of Plymouth to deliver quarterly lectures, workshops and site tours. A dedicated Community Liaison Officer, Traffic Marshall and Night Manager were employed from the local community.
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Modern Methods of Construction

Sponsored by:


Isambard AI

Organisation
Oakland Construction Ltd.
Project name
Isambard AI
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Project overview
Isambard-AI is a Government-funded supercomputer, putting the UK at the forefront of AI advancement and safety. The project is for the delivery of the modular data centre (MDC) to house Isambard-AI; purpose-built for AI research. This new capability has already contributed to ground-breaking UK research and AI safety research. Through collaboration, shared goals and risk management, Isambard-AI phase 1 was up and running within 5 months. The deployment of MDC’s of this scale and in this timeframe is innovative for the industry, with projects typically taking between 3 and 5 years. This has only been achieved through the collaborative approach across the team. 1 – Innovative approach to delivery, for supplier and contractor – Performance Optimised Datacentre and modular deployment. 2 – Funding required expedited delivery. 3 – Phased approach enabled deployment of UK’s fastest supercomputer - a new capability - within 5 months, enabling world leading research to happen faster. Isambard-AI (phase 1) was commissioned March 2024 and listed as the UK’s most powerful supercomputer, appeared in global power rankings for the fastest, and is now the most sustainable supercomputer in the UK. It is second greenest in the world in the Green500. (May 2024) Once operational Isambard-AI aims to be the most powerful supercomputer in the UK. First conversations were held with the UK Government in Aug 23, with agreements reached by November 23. The Initial phase was commissioned in March 24. Isambard-AI will be fully operational in circa 20 months from inception; an unprecedented speed of delivery.
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People & Culture

Sponsored by:


Nevada Construction

Organisation
Nevada Construction
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Submission overview
Nevada Construction is an award-winning regional contractor renowned for its vibrant people-first ethos (#TEAMNEVADA). We promote a positive culture of collaboration, wellbeing, and continuous development so that every employee feels truly valued, supported, and inspired. This holistic people strategy has boosted employee engagement and delivered measurable business success. As a result, we have earned prominent industry accolades, including the "Dream Team" award at the Nottys SW Business Awards 2024, as well as "Best Contractor," "Transformation," and the coveted "Winner of Winners" titles at the Exeter Property Awards 2023. Three standout aspects underscore why Nevada Construction is a winning entry: • Innovative Team Culture: An inclusive, collaborative environment that fosters creativity and productivity. This culture enabled rapid project delivery under challenging conditions – exemplified by completing the £15 million NHS Nightingale Hospital project in just 14 weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Commitment to Sustainability and Safety: A proven track record of exceptional performance in these areas. We maintained zero reportable safety incidents for over a year and achieved a 93% recycling rate across projects, far exceeding industry standards. • Investment in Our People: Comprehensive professional development pathways, private healthcare, and tailored reward programs support our team’s growth. We enjoy staff retention consistently above 90%, significantly higher than sector norms, highlighting our success in employee wellbeing and career development. Through our people-driven approach, Nevada Construction continues to lead the industry, consistently excelling in quality, innovation, and social responsibility.
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Regeneration & Conservation

Sponsored by:


York House, Penzance

Organisation
Bailey Partnership
Project name
York House
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Submission overview
York House in Penzance, Cornwall, is a Grade II listed building constructed in 1825 as a rural home for John Pope. Over the years, York House has served various purposes: In 1929, it became the West Cornwall School for Girls, and later, in 1974, it was repurposed as offices for the Penwith District Council. We have transformed the Grade II listed late Georgian building and its equestrian stables into 11 elegant one and two-bedroom apartments. The project began back in 2017 alongside the construction of the wider St. Clare housing development. The building was to become the centrepiece of the development, inspiring the surrounding material palette and design choices. The objectives of the restoration were to preserve the building's rich heritage while adapting it for contemporary living. This involved meticulous restoration to maintain original architectural features, such as traditional sash windows and granite façades, while integrating modern amenities and energy-efficient designs. - The project sought to revitalise the historic structure, contributing to the local community by providing high-quality housing and ensuring the building's legacy continues into the 21st century. - The restoration preserved the original character and proportions of the historic structure, employing traditional craftsmanship from stonemasons to traditional decorative plasterers, metalworkers, and artisan joiners. - In February 2018, a fire damaged a significant proportion of the property, closely followed by the theft of the roofing leadwork, resulting in additional extensive efforts having to be made before restoration could take place thereafter.
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Residential Project of the Year

Sponsored by:


Weavers Way

Organisation
Grainge Architects
Project name
Weaver's Way
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Project overview
Weavers Way demonstrates how thoughtful contextual design, strong sustainability values, close attention to detail and robust collaboration can be combined to produce an outstanding place to live. The development provides 13 new high-specification dwellings, including affordable homes, in the village of Sandford, Devon. As well as crafting individual homes with exceptional build quality, the project took great care over integrating the development with the village and surrounding landscape. Key standout aspects: 1. The development has excellent sustainability credentials, exceeding statutory requirements for thermal performance and airtightness and creating homes that are healthy to live in and efficient to run. 2. The design demonstrates a successful sensitive response to its context, achieved through rigorous contextual analysis, meaningful community and stakeholder engagement and a collaborative design development process. At a macro scale, the architecture and landscaping is designed to create a positive, characterful edge to the development in long views. The use of stone, render and timber respects the heritage and identity of the village, while window proportions are inspired by the Georgian sash windows of nearby properties. 3. A considered approach to placemaking and social value is at the heart of the scheme. The site’s layout is designed to maximise permeability and integration with the village’s urban and social fabric. As part of the project, a generous portion of the site was donated to a local trust for community use.
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Retrofit

Sponsored by:



Crescent

Organisation
Kier Construction Western & Wales
Project name
Crescent
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Submission overview
Commercial Estates Group (CEG) was appointed as Development Manager in 2018, with the vision of transforming the Crescent into a contemporary office space. The goal was to substantially refurbish the building to create a range of high-quality suites within a highly amenitised building, with strong sustainability credentials. These small, premium suites are designed to meet the significant demand in Bristol's city centre market. Crescent is a unique workplace with community and sustainability at its heart. Repurposed and reinvented for a brighter future, this project stands out for several reasons: 1. Sustainability Credentials: BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and Net-Zero Carbon in Construction and Operation. 2. Collaboration: Relationships fostered with Bristol City Council (Highways, Planning, Environmental) and engagement with immediate neighbours - Avon Fire Service and other contractors, to minimise public inconvenience. 3. Quality of Completed Project: Featuring a rooftop green space, an array of outdoor amenities, and a strong focus on workplace wellbeing, this project stands out as a key landmark in the city's skyline. These factors make the project an exemplar of modern office accommodation that prioritises sustainability, energy efficiency and high-quality design, while creating a healthy and sustainable work environment. The successful outcome of the project demonstrates that taking the more challenging path can yield remarkable results.
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SME of the Year

Sponsored by:


Coreus Group

Organisation
Coreus Group
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Company overview
Coreus is an award-winning, dynamic company, originating and operating in the South West. Our energy and drive, combined with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude means we never fail to look for ways to go above and beyond for our clients, people and community. Our purpose is “to be exceptional in everything we do” and we place people at the heart of that. We go much further than standard, off-the-shelf solutions instead, looking to positively disrupt the industry in how we deliver our service and provide opportunities as a national employer through our regional offices. Key facts we are proud of: 1) This May Coreus will be celebrating its 6th anniversary. During this time the team has delivered over 300 commissions, increasing turnover by over 70% In the past 2 years, now exceeding £4 million. 2) Such growth, through the variety of sectors and locations we operate in, has created employment opportunities across the region, with the team increasing in size by 30% just this year alone. 3) Our people-centric focus means we continuously strive to create the best possible employee experience. We want to make our team’s work environment flexible and inclusive, so have several initiatives to help achieve this ranging from unlimited leave, and enhanced maternity/paternity pay to peer-to-peer recognition awards. We are proud of our diverse team, with apprentices now making up over 8% of the team and women 33.3% - well above the industry average.
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