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CENE Awards 2026 – Category information

The Constructing Excellence in the North East Awards are a celebration of everything the North East Built Environment has to be proud of.

Over the last twenty one years the Awards have grown to become one of the highlights of the business year, with over 500 people regularly turning out to witness the best of construction in our region.

These prestigious awards will be held on Friday 12th June 2026, at the Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park and are designed to showcase excellence and reward achievement for organisations or individuals successfully pushing the industry forward. This event is a great opportunity for companies who wish to be seen as proactively supporting and leading innovation within the Built Environment.

Winners are selected across 12 categories including Innovation, Integration, Climate and Value and go on to compete in the National Constructing Excellence Awards against winners in other English regions and Wales. The final is held every year in the autumn in London.

Will you triumph in 2026?

To request a booking form for the Awards ceremony taking place on Friday 12th June 2026 at the Grand Gosforth Park Hotel, please email leanne@cene.org.uk

**Shortlist of finalists will be announced by Friday 10th April**

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Reasons to enter

Totally inclusive, our Awards are open to the whole sector, from buildings to infrastructure, all parts of the supply chain, all disciplines, professions and trades. The Constructing Excellence North East Awards mirror what drives innovation, improvement, and success in the sector.

  • Celebrate & reward your team
  • Free to enter
  • Raise your profile & attract new clients
  • Drive change in our industry – connect, learn & improve together
  • Attend the Award ceremony in June 2026

If your organisation is interested in sponsoring, please contact Leanne

Before you enter

Have you read the important information about entering the awards.

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Categories

Integration and Collaborative Working

Sponsored by Centurion Fire Safety Solutions 

Integration and collaborative working are key to overcoming challenges, managing risk and delivering better outcomes. We are looking for projects and practices that exemplify this approach with evidence of how all parties have been engaged, from clients to contractors and all across the supply chain. Applicants must demonstrate the benefits that have been achieved through a collaborative and integrated working.

Judges are looking for projects or initiatives that demonstrate:

  • Better decision making through effective collaboration.
  • Use of collaboration to overcome challenges and manage risk.
  • Use of collaborative delivery models.
  • Early supply chain involvement.
  • Clear supply chain strategy and good supply chain management.
  • Fair supply chain practices.
  • Prompt payments.
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People & Culture

Sponsored by Wates Construction

“Our people are our greatest asset” – so attracting, motivating, supporting, developing and retaining the most diverse of human talent to our organisations and the sector is critical to ensure we totally understand and meet our customers’ and wider communities’ needs. Strong constructive cultures, effective leadership, health & wellbeing, and psychological safety at every level are vital to ensuring we positively challenge and continuously improve, as is Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and ensuring functional competence through progression pathways and continuing professional development.

Judges are looking for organisations, projects or initiatives that demonstrate:

  • Clear strategies.
  • Effective implementation of plans.
  • Clear evidence of success. Measures are likely to include staff motivation scores and retention data, time and cost invested in people development plans (in-house activities, external programmes or other) at all levels of the organisation or project.
  • Community engagement activity that attracts the most talented people to our sector’s diverse roles.
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**NEW FOR 2026** Social Impact

SPONSORED BY ROBERTSON CE

The Constructing Excellence Social Impact Award aims to celebrate organisations and projects that take an active role in delivering a positive impact for the communities and stakeholders they work with, placing the society they serve at the heart of what they do.

We are looking for organisations and projects that demonstrate a measured impact on societal outcomes, fair and responsible employment practices, progression opportunities and a commitment to their local communities. Applicants should demonstrate strategies that serve as a model for the future of the organisation and/or future projects to continue improving outcomes for society.

Judges are looking for organisations that demonstrate:

  • A positive impact on society such as labour practices, human rights, community relations and customer satisfaction.
  • Initiatives to deliver assets that support communities to thrive e.g. mobility, creation of well-used community spaces, etc.
  • A drive to provide high quality employment to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Work with stakeholders and supply chain to develop awareness of local community needs.
  • A plan to identify and tackle societal challenges.
  • A range of measures to evaluate and understand the social impact delivered and how to improve upon in the future.
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Sustainability

Sponsored by Northumbrian Water Group

All of us, within the construction industry and beyond, have a responsibility to deliver a sustainable build environment. It is a key driver behind many innovative tools, techniques and processes and impacts everything we do. Constructing Excellence would like to celebrate those projects or organisations that seek to deliver a positive impact, or a reduced negative impact, on the natural environment and demonstrate whole life sustainability in their approach to construction. Successful applicants will exemplify the use of organisational culture, high quality design, effective procurement practices and innovative tools and techniques to provide improved environmental performance and outcomes.

Judges are looking for organisations, projects or initiatives that demonstrate:

  • Readiness and progress to move towards zero emission vehicles and onsite plant.
  • Commitment to reducing waste and transport to sites via improved logistics and MMC.
  • Use of low carbon manufacture, transport, heating, lighting, or processing solutions.
  • Measurements or metrics to evaluate carbon and enable informed decision-making for carbon reduction.
  • Use of circular economy.
  • Use of innovation to reduce impact on the natural environment or enable positive environmental outcomes.
  • Support of the development of low carbon materials and solutions.
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Outstanding Contribution / Achievement

**THIS AWARD IS A NOMINATION – PLEASE EMAIL LEANNE@CENE.ORG.UK FOR FURTHER DETAILS**

This award recognises outstanding performance or influence by an individual who has been inspirational in the opinion of the sector peer group during their lifetime in the industry. The winner’s exemplary actions will have changed the behaviour and performance of others and delivered disproportionate benefits for, and left a legacy in, the outputs of the built environment sector.

The award winner will naturally show all the hallmarks championed by Constructing Excellence, such as best practice and a wholehearted commitment to the Construction Strategy.

The key is that this commitment needs to be visible – i.e. adopted and adapted to make a real difference within the sphere of the applicant’s own operation, influence and community. The character of the nominee is crucial – we are looking for leaders, opinion formers and champions of change. Submissions from third parties are encouraged and this is an award open to individuals of any age, discipline, or sector.

Retrofit

The UK has Europe’s oldest building stock and retrofit is crucial to deliver a net zero built environment and the high-quality homes and buildings our society needs.  The Retrofit Award aims to highlight projects or programmes that apply the Constructing Excellence principles to deliver better performance of an existing asset.  These principles include procurement, innovation, collaboration, culture/people, productivity, client satisfaction, HS&W and Digital. Applicants must demonstrate how they achieve improved performance against these principles.

Judges are looking for projects or programmes that demonstrate:

  • Successful delivery of client / community goals and expectations.
  • Improved performance of the existing asset.
  • Collaborative practices within the delivery process.
  • Use of digital through the project.
  • Employment of innovative techniques.
  • Measured impact of the solutions and end result including reduced carbon emissions.
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Conservation & Regeneration

The Regeneration & Conservation Award aims to highlight projects or programmes that apply the Constructing Excellence principles to deliver better outcomes for an existing asset. These principles include procurement, innovation, collaboration, culture/people, productivity, client satisfaction, HS&W and Digital. Applicants must demonstrate how they achieve improved outcomes against these principles. Applicants should demonstrate the use of specialist skills and techniques, where appropriate, to ensure any works are in keeping with existing historic/ heritage features.

Judges are looking for projects or programmes that demonstrate:

  • Successful delivery of client / community goals and expectations.
  • Improved performance of the existing asset.
  • Collaborative practices within the delivery process.
  • Use of digital through the project.
  • Employment of innovative techniques.
  • Use of traditional/specialist skills, where appropriate.
  • Measured impact of the solutions and end result.
  • Excellent outcomes and high standards in the repair, re-use and revitalisation of sites and buildings.
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Delivering Value

SPONSORED BY ISOLER LTD 

Construction and the built environment play a huge role in underpinning our society and economy. To unlock better societal outcomes, we need to take an informed view of value and not simply make decisions based on cost.

Clients need to work with their stakeholders to consider how to unlock wider benefits throughout the construction project and the lifetime of the asset. Tools such as the Value Toolkit enable clients and design teams to take a more informed view of value across four capitals – Produced, Natural, Social and Human.

Whilst value can mean something different to everyone, what it shouldn’t be is solely focused on cost. We are seeking projects that clearly demonstrate value-based decision making and the benefits in can bring.

Judges are looking for projects that demonstrate:

  • A robust approach to defining value with buy-in from stakeholders leading to a clear definition of the outcomes and values the project is seeking to achieve.
  • A delivery team empowered to come up with the right solutions to deliver those outcomes.
  • Successful delivery against the outcomes and value the client wanted.
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Innovation

SPONSORED BY WEIGHTMANS LLP

Innovation more than invention is critical to every sector to deliver outstanding results, break through productivity barriers and address our customers, communities and global needs. Our sector solves problems every day, yet rarely are we systemic in our organisations and projects to drive and embed a culture for innovation in our teams or our supply chain partners.

Successful applicants will demonstrate how they foster a culture for innovation and  systematically solve quantified problems with new or repurposed tools and techniques used by other sectors or organisations – to deliver quantified better productivity, profitability, sustainability or any other critical element  with the use of an innovative product or approach that can/will be repeatedly used within the organisation or wider sector.

Judges are looking for organisations, projects or initiatives that demonstrate:

  • Proven improvement in outcome through innovation.
  • Clear ambitions, strategies and action plans which intentionally drive positive change.
  • Progressive procurement policies to enable and reward supply chain innovation.
  • Outreach programmes that actively seek out different approaches from very different sectors with the intent to find better solutions or processes.
  • Clear evidence of action taken, and results achieved, that show a positive significant step change in performance compared to previous years and most others in the sector.
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Residential Project of the Year

Sponsored by DAC Beachcroft

The Residential Project of the Year category celebrates inspirational projects that deliver outstanding outcomes. We are looking for projects that exemplify the Constructing Excellence principles, which fully align with the collaborative work we are undertaking with the Construction Leadership Council. Projects must demonstrate the successful implementation of better ways of working and so help to provide a template for others to learn from.

Judges are looking for projects that demonstrate:

  • Commercial practices that reward and incentivise the supply chain through collaborative procurement and delivery and fair payment practices.
  • High levels of productivity and a rigorous approach to measuring performance.
  • A robust digital strategy, embedded within the project.
  • A positive culture that embodies respect for people and an excellent approach to health safety and wellbeing.
  • High levels of sustainability including demonstrable actions to cut carbon.
  • Strong commitment to social value.
  • A drive to change the culture of the industry.
  • Adherence to the principles of the Building Safety Act and implementation of the Golden Thread
  • Excellent levels of client satisfaction, delivering against client outcomes and expectations
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SME

SPONSORED BY ATKINSREALIS

The UK government definition of Small to Medium Enterprises encompasses; micro (less than 10 employees and an annual turnover under €2 million), small (less than 50 employees and an annual turnover under €10 million) and medium-sized (less than 250 employees and an annual turnover under €50 million) businesses.

SMEs are a core part of the supply chain and are the backbone of the construction industry. Constructing Excellence are seeking to showcase examples of organisations that embody best practise. Applicants should model the Constructing Excellence principles of procurement, innovation, collaboration, culture/people, productivity, client satisfaction, HS&W, Digital.

Judges are looking for organisations that demonstrate:

  • Continual professional development i.e. training, developing competence, pathways to progression, leaderships & successor development.
  • A culture of inclusivity, psychological safety and mental health support.
  • A safety-first culture, with the correct culture, systems and processes in place.
  • Good staff retention and team satisfaction – recognised as being a good place to work.
  • Commitment to addressing the skills shortage – actively encouraging diverse new entrants to the industry and nurturing emerging talent.
  • Financial sustainability with a future focus and strategy.
  • Engagement with the community, providing support and getting involved with events and initiatives.
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**Regional Award only** Micro SME of the Year

SPONSORED BY ATKINSREALIS

In the UK, a micro-business is typically defined as a business with less than 10 employees and an annual turnover under £2 million.

This award recognises outstanding micro businesses in the construction industry that demonstrate exceptional skill, innovation, and resilience, and honours companies that have made a significant impact despite their small size. Whether a sole trader, specialist team, or dynamic startup, this award celebrates the big achievements of small construction businesses driving quality and progress in the built environment.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

  • Innovative approaches to projects, processes, or business growth
  • Strong relationships with clients, suppliers, or the local community
  • Commitment to health and safety, sustainability, or upskilling
  • Clear plans for future development or scaling
  • Commitment to employee wellbeing and development
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Client of the Year

SPONSORED BY GENNORTH

Construction clients have an important role to play in transforming the way the industry operates. How and when projects come to market significantly impacts the ability of the construction industry to provide innovative, whole life value-for-money solutions.

We are looking for a construction client that has been actively involved in delivering the construction programme and developed strategies for encouraging and rewarding excellence. It goes without saying we expect a culture of collaboration and transparency to be at the heart of how the client operates and empowers the wider team.

Judges are looking for clients that demonstrate:

  • Effective leadership
  • Fair and prompt payment to all involved (at every level)
  • A drive for continuous improvement.
  • Commitment to building with the future in mind.
  • Effective communication.
  • A procurement strategy that puts fairness and transparency at its heart.
  • Decision-making based on quality rather than price.
  • Support those involved to bring their best ideas and enable collaboration on every level.
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Infrastructure Project of the Year

SPONSORED BY CDM Recruitment

The Project of the Year category celebrates inspirational projects that deliver outstanding outcomes. We are looking for projects that exemplify the Constructing Excellence principles, which fully align with the collaborative work we are undertaking with the Construction Leadership Council. Projects should demonstrate the successful implementation of better ways of working and so help to provide a template for others to learn from.

 Judges are looking for projects that demonstrate:

  • Commercial practices that reward and incentivise the supply chain through collaborative procurement and delivery and fair payment practices.
  • High levels of productivity and a rigorous approach to measuring performance.
  • A robust digital strategy, embedded within the project.
  • A positive culture that embodies respect for people and an excellent approach to health safety and wellbeing.
  • High levels of sustainability including demonstrable actions to cut carbon.
  • Strong commitment to social value.
  • Excellent levels of client satisfaction, delivering against client outcomes and expectations.
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Building Project of the Year

Sponsored by CDM Recruitment 

The Project of the Year category celebrates inspirational projects that deliver outstanding outcomes. We are looking for projects that exemplify the Constructing Excellence principles, which fully align with the collaborative work we are undertaking with the Construction Leadership Council. Projects should demonstrate the successful implementation of better ways of working and so help to provide a template for others to learn from.

Judges are looking for projects that demonstrate:

  • Commercial practices that reward and incentivise the supply chain through collaborative procurement and delivery, and fair payment practices.
  • High levels of productivity and a rigorous approach to measuring performance.
  • A robust digital strategy, embedded within the project.
  • A positive culture that embodies respect for people and an excellent approach to health safety and wellbeing.
  • High levels of sustainability including demonstrable actions to cut carbon.
  • Strong commitment to social value.
  • A drive to change the culture of the industry.
  • Adherence to the principles of the Building Safety Act and implementation of the Golden Thread
  • Excellent levels of client satisfaction, delivering against client outcomes and expectations
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OUR HEADLINE SPONSOR

CDM Recruitment

A big thank you to all our sponsors

CDM Recruitment
Weightmans
Centurion Fire Safety Solutions
GenNorth
Wates Construction
H Malone & Sons Ltd
Robertson
Northumbrian Water Group
DAC Beachcroft
AtkinsRealis
Isoler Ltd
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