In a series celebrating the Building Awards finalists, we look at the shortlisted entries for Contractor of the Year (up to £500m), sponsored by Clement Windows Group
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 Contractor of the Year (up to £500m), sponsored by Clement Windows Group.
Britcon UK
Britcon UK has undergone a transformational year, redefining what it means to be a modern regional contractor. Through strategic focus on innovation, people and sustainability, the business has strengthened its fully integrated delivery model spanning civils, build and structural steel, supported by a highly skilled direct workforce.
This approach, underpinned by agility and personal service, has driven significant growth and positioned Britcon as a trusted partner across multiple sectors. In a challenging economic climate, Britcon has built resilient supply chains, embraced digital transformation and secured places on key national frameworks including NEPO, Pagabo, YORcivils and Northumbrian Water AMP8. These wins sit alongside longstanding relationships with clients such as British Steel and ABP, and new partnerships with Coca-Cola, Defra, Leicestershire County Council and the Harworth Group.
Digital investment in platforms such as Procore, Salesforce and MSite has delivered measurable results: improved productivity, faster decision-making, fewer defects and real-time dashboards for clients. Alongside this, the company has invested in staff through its “people first” strategy, delivering more than 250 training days, expanding apprenticeships and graduate schemes, and achieving record staff retention. Women now represent 30% of the senior team and 40% of the commercial team, supported by the Unique & United diversity strategy.
Sustainability is embedded in its Britcon Zero strategy, with record reductions in carbon, high levels of waste diversion and strong community impact through the Britcon Foundation. Combined with award-winning health and safety practices, Britcon has demonstrated that growth, innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand.
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.
Kori Construction
Kori Construction is a small contractor making a big impact, with 2024 marking an exceptional year of growth, delivery and recognition. Specialising in the later living sector, Kori handed over five projects providing 330 much-needed care beds – all completed on or ahead of programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards. Alongside this, the business secured four further projects, three from repeat clients, underlining strong trust and long-term partnerships.
Kori’s achievements have been recognised nationally, including being named one of the fastest-growing companies in the Midlands and East of England by the UK Fast Growth Index, featuring in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, appearing in the Building Good Employer Guide, and achieving a RoSPA Gold Award for the second year running.
A values-driven approach underpins this success – delivering exceptional outcomes, encouraging innovation and fostering ambition. This culture is reflected in outstanding staff engagement, with an employee Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 84, and exceptional client satisfaction, achieving a customer NPS of 64 and multiple Considerate Constructors Scheme awards.
Sustainability and social impact are both an integral part of the business. In 2024, Kori delivered an impressive 27% reduction in all accidents, generated £13.7m in social value, diverted 98% of waste from landfill, and pioneered circular economy solutions by reusing more than 16,000 tonnes of materials.
Through the Kori Community Fund and volunteering initiatives, the team supported 14 community projects, engaged over 10,000 young people through schools outreach, and raised nearly £20,000 for charity.
Speller Metcalfe
Speller Metcalfe continues to stand out as a values-driven, forward-thinking contractor, combining tier 1 delivery capability with the agility and personal approach of a family-run business. In a year of industry-wide challenges, the company deepened its focus on innovation, sustainability and people-first practices across every aspect of its operations.
Innovation and digital transformation are at the heart of the business. Tools such as Fieldwire, Oculo AI, drones and the Build Up training platform have enhanced site productivity, strengthened the golden thread, and improved real-time client reporting. These advances support high-quality, efficient delivery across complex projects and reinforce Speller Metcalfe’s commitment to forward-thinking solutions.
Sustainability and social value remain central, with the business achieving carbon neutrality and expanding electric and hybrid vehicle adoption among staff. It also delivered 39 social value plans, contributing to local communities and supporting inclusive, low carbon construction initiatives. Award-winning retrofit and decarbonisation projects, including NHS Net Zero Carbon Standard schemes, demonstrate leadership in sustainable construction.
People-first culture drives engagement and retention, with extensive investment in apprenticeships, leadership development, wellbeing and skills training. Equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded across the business, supported by mental health initiatives, inclusive site practices, and targeted outreach programmes to schools and underrepresented groups.
Client satisfaction remains exceptional, with mid- and post-contract scores above 90%, while integrated project delivery, collaborative working and industry leadership initiatives reinforce Speller Metcalfe’s reputation for excellence.
Through sustained focus on innovation, sustainability, people, and quality, Speller Metcalfe demonstrates resilience, ambition and a standard of delivery that sets it apart in the construction sector.
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