The Trades Awards were launched eight years ago to celebrate excellence within the North East construction industry, and each year the black-tie ceremony brings together over 400 people from all disciplines. This year’s winners were due to be announced on June 5, but with the COVID-19 lockdown starting just as the application process closed in March, event organisers Mearns & Gill took time to review the process and timeline for this year’s event.

Though the changes come in response to government restrictions concerning the containment of COVID-19, the team behind the Trades Awards has welcomed the opportunity to open the awards up to a potentially larger audience.

Mike Wilson, managing director of Mearns & Gill, said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed hosting The Trades Awards at some of the best venues across the North East and nothing will replace the feeling of being a room with your industry peers to celebrate the best and brightest in the industry. However, our mentality has always been to have the best celebration we can and the virtual Trades Awards will be no different. The change to online allows us to plan safely and responsibly, whilst opening up the celebrations for even more people to attend.

“This also means that entire companies are now able to experience the exact moment their colleagues pick up a trophy. Family members and friends of our outstanding individuals can share in their success, and we do hope that everyone will still dress up for the occasion! As always, we’ll be pulling out all the stops to ensure we’re giving our finalists the night they deserve, and that all attendees the best party in the industry.”

Finalists for the Trades Awards 2020 are:

Sustainability in Construction, sponsored by Ledingham Chalmers

• Forster Group
• Glulam Solutions
• K R Group

Rising Star, sponsored by Glulam Solutions

• Freya Eardley, Waterloo Quay Properties
• Victoria Gray, Barratt Homes
• Gemma Kelly, KelDecor
• Lynsey Gilbert, Forster Group

Home/Building Improvement, sponsored by Flexistore

• Hyve Architect
• Kishorn Insulations
• MJS Landscaping
• Dontay Contracts

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Nicol of Skene

• Ethan Thompson, Barratt Homes
• Ryan MacIsaac, Stewart Milne Homes
• Steph Barron, Stewart Milne Homes

Best New Business, sponsored by STV

• Bespoke Decorators
• Kishorn Insulations
• Trade Secrets

Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Barratt Homes

• Kore Technology Solutions
• Stewart Milne Homes
• CALA Homes
• MJS Landscaping

Tradesperson of the Year

• Phil Kerr, Stewart Milne Homes
• Gavin Strachan, GJS Joinery
• Best New Business, sponsored by STV
• Bespoke Decorators
• Kishorn Insulations
• Trade Secrets

Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by CALA Homes

• Graeme Mann, Stewart Milne Homes
• John Dawson, Barratt Homes
• Ryan Fenton, Stewart Milne Homes

Excellence in Health & Safety, sponsored by Safety Scotland

• Nicol of Skene
• Stewart Milne Group
• Space Solutions

Above and Beyond

• Chris Snee, Stewart Milne Homes
• Grant MacAllister, Barratt Homes
• Michelle Forth, Safety Scotland

Small Trades Business of the Year

• 1 Call Property Maintenance
• Hyve Architects
• K R Group

Large Trades Business of the Year, sponsored by JKR Contractors

• Barratt Homes
• Nicol of Skene

Construction Project of the Year

• Places for People, The Retirement Village, Chapelton
• RJM Architectural Design, Seomar, Ury Estate
• RJM Architectural Design, The Haughs, Rothienorman
• Glulam Solutions, Merkinch Primary School
• CMB Builders, Cragietocher Tower

An award for Outstanding Contribution will also be presented on the evening.

Those interested in attending the virtual event on October 9 can reserve their place by contacting Isla Stewart from awards organiser, Mearns & Gill on isla.stewart@mearns-gill.com.