Hosted by the creative marketing agency Mearns & Gill, the event continues to shine a spotlight on the remarkable people, projects, and companies working across the region.

Now in its twelfth year, the Trades Awards have become a cornerstone of the construction calendar, bringing together over 400 professionals to celebrate businesses of all sizes and disciplines. From new ventures and skilled tradespeople to innovative projects and sustainable practices, this year’s finalists represent the very best in the industry.

Mike Wilson, managing director of Mearns & Gill, expressed his enthusiasm: “Each year, the Trades Awards brings a renewed sense of excitement, and 2024 is no different. The diversity and calibre of this year’s finalists reflect the dynamism and resilience of our industry. It’s a testament to the hard work and passion that continues to drive the North of Scotland’s construction sector forward. It’s a privilege to meet so many talented people, and we’re very much looking forward to meeting this year’s finalists in person.”

This year’s event sees the continued support from longstanding sponsors such as WM Donald, along with many new partnerships, ensuring that the celebration of excellence is as robust as ever. The judging panel faced a particularly challenging task this year, as the quality of applications reached new numbers and heights. With finalists ranging from innovative start-ups to established industry giants, the competition is fiercer than ever.

Isla Stewart, account manager at Mearns & Gill, added: “The Trades Awards are a vital platform for recognising and rewarding excellence. It’s inspiring to see so many businesses, many of which have never entered before, stepping up to showcase their achievements. We’re proud to support an event that highlights the incredible work being done in the North of Scotland.”

Among the standout categories, the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ category, sponsored by CITB, features individuals at the start of their career who already having a big impact on the industry, whilst the winner for ‘Outstanding Contribution’ will be revealed on the evening. Meanwhile, the ‘Sustainability in Construction’ category, sponsored by AtkinsRealis, highlights the growing importance of eco-conscious practices, with finalists such as Camphill Architecture, Glulam Solutions, and KR Group leading the charge towards a greener future.

Elaine Donald, director of WM Donald, reflected on the significance of the event: “Supporting the Trades Awards aligns perfectly with our commitment to nurturing talent and excellence in construction. It’s brilliant to see so many deserving finalists, each contributing to the integrity and sustainability of our industry.”

This year’s winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on Friday, 1st November, hosted at the prestigious Ardoe House, and the entire construction community is invited to celebrate the achievements of their peers. Magician Scientist from Britain’s Got Talent, Kevin Quantum, will be providing the entertainment for the evening. The event will also be raising money for STV Appeal, who support outstanding projects across Scotland to help children, young people and their families living in poverty and difficult circumstances.

Organisers say this year’s event promises to be another unforgettable evening, filled with inspiration, recognition, and the celebration of the people who are building the future of North Scotland.

The Trades Awards 2024 finalists in the following categories are:

Best New Business, sponsored by W M Donald

• SJA Property Solutions
• Stork Roofing

Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes

• Bancon Homes
• Nicol of Skene
• Rosie Stewart, Cala Homes
• Rubicer Scotland Ltd
• iProtech
• Thistle Home Improvements Group

Excellence in Health & Safety, sponsored by Safety Scotland

• Glulam Solutions
• Nicol of Skene

Sustainability in Construction, sponsored by AtkinsRealis

• Camphill Architecture
• Glulam Solutions
• KR Group

Home/Building Improvement

• Rachel Walker Architects - West Kinharrachie Farmhouse
• BoConcept - Baile An Or House, Harris
• Rectify Carpentry – Bothy Bar
• SJA Property Group– Bastille Apartment

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by CITB

• Kian Stephen, W M Donald
• Murdo Reid, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
• Angus Webb, WM Donald
• Dan Glennie, Nicol of Skene
• Amber Kordakis, Barratt Homes

Tradesperson of the Year, sponsored by Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

• Simon Cadger, WM Donald
• Rui Pinto, Rubicer
• Darren Buddo, Rectify Carpentry
• Chris Harper, Chris Harper Joinery
• Alistair Anderson, Anderson Stone

Rising Star, sponsored by Joe Boyle Ltd

• Caitlin Bremner, KR Group
• Graeme Reilly, WM Donald
• Ella Neish, Glenmoir Construction
• John Cambell, CHAP Group

Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by James Gibb

• Colin Cosgrove, Bancon Homes
• Brian Gibb, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders
• Jack Taylor, CHAP Group
• Russell Robertson, CHAP Group

Best Small Trades Business, sponsored by Nicol of Skene

• Glenmoir Construction
• Kyle Sutherland Joinery
• Rachael Walker Architects
• Rectify Carpentry

Best Large Business, sponsored by Bancon Group

• CHAP Group
• Goldstar Cleaning Services
• Thistle Home Improvements Group

Construction Project of The Year

• Bancon, Cloverhill
• Chap Group, Tillydrone Housing Programme
• Chap Group, Mannofield Clean Water Project
• Glulam Solutions, Michelin Scotland Innovation Centre
• Maskame & Tait, National Gas, St. Fergus