Who will be Building Manager of the Year?

BT Millenium Award for Innovation

Geoff Wilson, Hall Construction, Arco distribution shed, Hull

Under the leadership of Geoff Wilson, local contractor Hall Construction created a 10 000m² concrete floor as flat as a billiard table without the need for any grinding down after curing. The £5.45m JCT 98 contract was completed in 52 weeks and the client was impressed that Wilson inspired his subcontractors so much that they returned in their spare time to see how the job was going.

Patrick Coffey, HBG Construction, Royal Opera House, London

Coffey managed the £9m contract to create the auditorium and fit out the front of house areas on this complex refurbishment project. Working under construction manager Schal, HBG had to work closely with other trade contractors because of the limited access into and out of the building. The contract was also beset by delays to the mechanical and electrical package.

Peter Taylor, Laing, Dynamic Earth Centre, Edinburgh

Numerous client changes meant that project manager Peter Taylor had to constantly rework the master programme and also hit an opening date that coincided with the Queen's opening of the new Scottish Parliament. In the end the construction spend was increased 40% to £18.5m during the 102-week programme.

Chris Coulman, HBG Construction, National Centre for Popular Music, Sheffield

Branson Coates’ wacky design based on four stainless steel drums topped with computer-controlled ventilation cowls presented a huge technical challenge to Chris Coulman and his team. Undaunted, Chris and the steelwork contractor designed bespoke subplates for the feet of the main ribs ensuring correct positioning. The £7.5m contract was finished in 65 weeks.

Ian Crockford, Mace, BA London Eye

Ian Crockford had just one week to convince the client that the £62m project could be completed when one of the lead trade con-tractors challenged the original design. In September 1998, Crockford presented BA with three options: carry on with the scheme which the trade contractor wanted to change, abandon the project or devise an alternative. Thanks to Ian, London has a millennium attraction that is the envy of the world.