The longest running awards ceremony offered the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the amazing people, teams, projects and innovations within the sector.

The Builders’ Merchants Awards once again proved a fitting finale to the calendar year as a record 760 attendees celebrated excellence from the best companies across the merchant sector as well as the people who work for them.

The longest running awards ceremony in the builders’ merchant sector - which focuses on sustainability and integrity - celebrated its 24th anniversary at the magnificent Park Plaza in Westminster.

This year’s lunch, held on Friday 28 November, was hosted by stand-up comedian and actor Ed Byrne, whose ad libbing and risque humour caused laughs aplenty.

For more than two decades, the Builders' Merchants Awards has offered the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the amazing people, teams, projects and innovations within the sector.

Twenty-five awards were announced to shine the spotlight on every part of the sector, be it the best online and digital strategy, the most complete training initiative, the community scheme that proves a lifeline to local companies, or the business that best represents diversity and inclusion. Five individuals also took home a much sought after wooden trophy.

The coveted Lifetime Achievement Award went to Chris Hayward, former CEO of the NMBS, who is retiring next spring after 47 years of service. Clearly emotional, Hayward paid hommage to his family, colleagues and the industry itself, after receiving a standing ovation on his walk to the stage.

The big winner on the day was C&W Berry who took away four awards, while EH Smith and Howarths Timber and Building Supplies had double reason to celebrate.

Thanks to the generosity of all attendees, more than £8,000 was raised for Band of Builders, the national construction charity that provides practical, financial and wellbeing support for members of the UK construction industry.

The 25th Builders' Merchants Awards will be at the Park Plaza on Friday 25 November 2026. Visit www.merchants-awards.co.uk for more details.