G4C 2025 - Winners Announced

Sponsored by Northern Counties Builders Federation

Winner – Alex Philpott, employed by AtkinsRealis

Alex exhibits a rare combination of technical expertise, proactive leadership, and a strong commitment to excellence. Their exceptional project management skills have enabled them to successfully deliver complex schemes, demonstrating both capability and confidence in high-pressure environments. They actively integrate sustainability into their work, implementing effective carbon reduction strategies and successfully securing funding for key environmental initiatives. Their focus extends beyond environmental efforts to encompass social and economic sustainability—demonstrated through meaningful community engagement and the development of cost-saving solutions.

Sponsored by Bowmer+Kirkland

Winner -Amelia Bewick, employed by Turner & Townsend

Amelia demonstrated exceptional commitment both within and beyond their professional role. They are actively involved in numerous initiatives outside of their day-to-day responsibilities, including leading training sessions, and serving as Co-Chair of their Young Professionals Forum. Colleagues speak highly of their contributions, offering strong testimonials to their impact and leadership.

They have shown a consistent drive to develop their professional network and personal growth, while also collaborating effectively with others. They have a strong passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion that shines through in their efforts to engage young people and promote the sector to a broader audience.

Sponsored by Tilbury Douglas 

Winner – Lewis Johnson, employed by SES Engineering Services

Lewis has demonstrated outstanding career progression, bringing extensive knowledge and skill to every aspect of their role. With a comprehensive understanding of the built environment, they take ownership of projects and consistently overcome challenges with innovative and collaborative solutions.

Their work leaves a lasting mark, underpinned by a strong commitment to mentoring others and sharing expertise across all levels. Known for a calm, considered approach, they champion sustainability by integrating greener solutions and carbon reduction into their work. Their dedication to social sustainability is further reflected through meaningful outreach, community involvement, and external mentoring—making a significant impact beyond their immediate projects.

Highly Commended – Matthew Huxtable, employed by Bowmer+Kirkland 

Sponsored by RED Engineering 

Winner – Tom Smith, employed by Turner & Townsend

Tom has demonstrated an exceptional trajectory since joining their organisation. Their rapid progression is a testament to their unwavering positivity, dedication, and innovative mindset.

They play a key role in advancing their organisation’s corporate social responsibility initiatives—most notably by organising the annual charity dinner and coordinating various volunteering activities that have positively impacted both colleagues and the wider community.

Innovation is another hallmark of their contribution, particularly through active involvement in an AI working group for Real Estate Project Managers and supporting the rollout of a new AI tool. Their commitment to supporting others is further demonstrated through their role as a ‘buddy’ for new starters, offering mentorship and guidance to help colleagues thrive.

Sponsored by Sir Robert McAlpine 

Winner – Tanja Smith, employed by Bowmer+Kirkland

Tanja’s impact reaches far beyond their current and former employers. Through involvement industry bodies, they have consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of each mentee’s individual aspirations—offering tailored guidance to help them achieve their goals. Their support includes one-on-one mentoring, delivering workshops, creating networking opportunities, and sharing valuable resources that foster personal and professional growth.

Their dedication to mentoring spans the entirety of their career, with tangible evidence of guiding individuals into, and through, the construction industry. Their efforts have also significantly contributed to promoting inclusivity and social mobility, particularly through expanding educational access. As a result of these efforts, the number of learners in construction has grown dramatically strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in the sector.

**unfortunately Tanja was unable to join us on the evening, Lee Mason collected the Award on her behalf**

Sponsored by Northumbrian Water Group 

Winner SME – DPP Planning

This organisation that has recently established a set of ‘People Values’ to align with their mission and business objectives. These values were crafted by the leadership team and the organisations employees, ensuring that they are integrated into everything the organisation does. Over 50% of the directors within this organisation joined as juniors and, through strong leadership and upskilling, they have risen through grades to their current positions. This commitment to professional growth has resulted in high retention rates, with junior employees being mentored by senior employees to support them through their qualifications.

Winner – Turner & Townsend

T&T has created a strong workplace culture by introducing a robust recognition system and ensuring outstanding performances are celebrated. This reinforces employees’ sense of value and drives enhanced performance across the board.

This organisation’s CSR initiatives have had a significant impact, in 2024 they supported numerous local charities by delivering an increased amount of volunteering hours. Additionally, they have raised funds for a national charity, with a relationship that has been in place a number of years.

The company’s early career programmes alongside partnerships with local educational establishments, are pivotal in nurturing the next generation of talent. Furthermore, they have delivered numerous targeted Diversity and Inclusion campaigns, which has resulted in an increase in female representation within the organisation.

Sponsored by Caddick Construction 

Winner – Catherine Sinclair, employed by Space Architects

Through research and mentorship, this individual is driving innovative sustainability practices that aim to create a regenerative and resilient built environment. They are a vocal advocate for change, using their platform to inspire and educate others on the importance of sustainable design. They have delivered lectures at university, mentors young professionals, participates in industry roundtables, and has presented at regional and international conferences. Consistently championing carbon-conscious design within architectural education and practice.

What truly sets them apart is their ability to effectively communicate complex sustainability concepts, ensuring that innovative ideas are not just theoretical but are actively adopted across projects. This approach is already evident in the impactful projects they are currently leading.