In a series celebrating the Building Awards finalists, we look at the Specialist Contractor of the Year shortlist
Earlier this year Building announced the names of all the firms that made it onto the shortlists for our prestigious annual Building Awards.
Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.
Today’s shortlist is for the Specialist Contractor of the Year.
Britcon Steel
Over the past 12 months, Britcon Steel has undergone a transformational journey, enhancing operational efficiency, digital capability and workforce development.
The company’s agile, people-first culture, award-winning training programmes and commitment to sustainability and ESG remain central.
Strategic framework wins – including appointments to the NEPO, Pagabo, YORcivils and Northumbrian Water AMP8 deals – have strengthened early collaboration, efficiency and client alignment.
Digital transformation via Procore, Salesforce, AI and MSite boosted productivity by 14%, reduced defects by 16% and accelerated decision-making by 23%.
Sustainability initiatives achieved 455 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, 9.2% carbon reduction, 1,400 trees planted and 99% of waste diverted.
Health, safety and corporate social responsibility excellence continues through Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recognition, volunteer days and environmental projects, demonstrating a resilient, innovative and people-led business.
Britcon Steel’s approach positions it as a benchmark for sustainable, high-performance steel contracting, driving positive change across the construction industry.
SES Engineering Services
SES Engineering Services (SES) is a leading UK provider of MEP and technology solutions, delivering high-performance, sustainable buildings across numerous sectors.
It has been a landmark year for SES. Originally established in 1961, the organisation became part of the Wates Group in 2015, before becoming a standalone entity in 2025, reflecting its growth and expertise.
The company combines smart, data-driven solutions with offsite manufacturing at its Prism facility, reducing environmental impact, improving safety and accelerating delivery.
SES’s commitment to sustainability is evident in a 47% carbon reduction since 2019 and recognition for its work on the £450m AESC giga-factory.
Customer satisfaction is strong, with 80% repeat clients, underpinned by its Aspire programme, which addresses the need for defect-free delivery and a cycle of continuous business improvement as well as a continuous improvement approach.
SES’s vision is to co-create sustainable, high-performing buildings while fostering innovation, digital transformation and inclusive growth across the UK construction industry.
Join us for the 2025 edition of the Building Awards
This year’s event will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 4 November.
There are 22 awards being handed out, so make sure you are in the room for construction’s night of nights and to celebrate excellence.
Tickets are selling fast, so secure your place today.
Carnegie Group
Carnegie Group is a rapidly growing West Sussex-based construction business specialising in steel-framed buildings and general construction projects.
Since 2022, the company has expanded its workforce from four to 18 and scaled up operations to deliver high-quality projects across the UK.
Leadership by David Mindham and Simon Barren combines ambition with a people-first culture, emphasising employee development, client satisfaction, health and safety, and sustainability.
Carnegie Group delivers end-to-end services, including architectural design, and actively engages suppliers through CPD sessions to ensure safe, suitable materials are used.
Projects such as the £14m Crawley GEW redevelopment and Polybags warehouse extension exemplify its commitment to quality, efficiency and minimal operational disruption.
Sustainability is embedded through energy-efficient designs, recycled materials and water-neutral solutions, while stringent health and safety practices and accreditations such as Constructionline and CHAS underpin every project.
ESG
ESG is a UK-leading building services contractor with a 50-year history of innovation, growth and people-first culture.
Operating across the residential, commercial, high-end fit-out and data centre sectors, the company delivers precision, reliability and technical excellence.
ESG transitioned to an employee ownership trust in 2019, fostering collaboration, loyalty and accountability across its 300-strong workforce.
Innovation is embedded through initiatives such as in-house digital engineers, industry-leading platforms like MySiteDocs, and a prefabrication facility applying DfMA principles for offsite construction, quality and sustainability.
The ESG Craft & Technical Academy addresses the engineering skills gap, with 36% of apprentices female.
Recognised nationally for EDI, sustainability and training, ESG combines sector expertise with advanced technology and modular delivery to enhance safety, efficiency and environmental performance.
Its people-driven culture, high client satisfaction and focus on innovation position ESG as a transformative force in the construction industry.
TMJ Interiors
TMJ Interiors is a specialist manufacturing and interiors business delivering high-quality, sustainable and innovative solutions across white-box and turnkey auditorium projects.
In 2024 the company achieved steady growth, underpinned by process improvements, a renewed focus on quality and market demand.
Client satisfaction remains strong, with a 9.2+ average score and 95% retention, while repeat business forms 70% of the 2025 pipeline.
Strategic initiatives include the launch of Alliance, a division focused on bespoke auditorium projects, and investment in digital tools, CRM systems and 3D point cloud scanning to enhance precision, efficiency and sustainability.
TMJ prioritises people, with 73% of senior managers promoted from within, alongside wellbeing and engagement initiatives.
Circular economy principles, eco-friendly finishes and design-for-deconstruction reinforce its environmental commitment.
With strong leadership post-management buyout, TMJ is positioned for sustainable growth, innovation and continued excellence.
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