Recognising that ‘construction is all about people’, a panel of HR and talent experts from inside and outside of the construction industry scrutinised entries from every corner of the UK, before announcing the winners at a glittering ceremony held in London’s Mayfair on December 8th.

In a competitive category to identify the UK construction industry’s Best Recruitment Consultancy, Contract Scotland was singled out as clear winners, thanks to its continued “emphasis on quality” across its entire operation.

The judges were also impressed by the firm’s commitment to diversity amongst its candidate base and its work supporting graduates and those wanting to return to the construction industry, via its social enterprise Constructing Futures.

John-Paul Toner, operations director at Contract Scotland, said: “While we’ve been recognised at recruitment and general business awards in the past, what makes this one special is recognition from the construction industry itself. Being acknowledged by the industry sector we serve as delivering ‘best in class’ recruitment services is testimony to the years of work and commitment of the team we’ve built at Contract Scotland.

“Talent attraction and retention are of increasing importance to our clients, and to be endorsed by the industry as its recruiter of choice for our approach to addressing those challenges is very rewarding. This award comes at the end of what will be the most successful year in our history, and sets us up nicely for further success in 2017.”

Associate director Alan Shave added: “The judges asked us to demonstrate how we deliver successful outcomes for all of our candidates & clients, evidence of strong client feedback, a track record of repeat business and long-term success, so we’re thrilled to be recognised. It’s a huge team effort that everyone at Contract Scotland can be proud of.”

Contract Scotland is now in its 27th year and employs 40 staff at its headquarters in Stirling. 2016 saw turnover grow for the 7th consecutive year to in excess of £20m for the first time.

Further expansion of both headcount and turnover are planned as the company aims to take advantage of increased demand in its core sectors and in the various support functions such as Finance, Marketing, IT and Administration, as construction firms increasingly turn to it for assistance for these disciplines.