The SCF Awards 2025 celebrated the strong culture of partnership that defines our construction framework, highlighting both exceptional projects and the people who make them possible. While standout projects were still recognised for their quality, innovation, and impact, this year saw the introduction of new award categories that honoured individuals in key roles—including Project Manager, Pre-construction Manager, Sub-contractor and Apprentice of the Year. These additions reflect SCF’s core belief in early engagement and teamwork as the foundation for successful project outcomes. By shining a light on the people who go above and beyond, the 2025 awards captured what SCF is truly about.
Pre-con of the Year – Thornbury Health Centre, South Gloucestershire Council (Morgan Sindall)
SCF awarded Pre-con of the Year to Thornbury Health Centre. This is a project that exemplifies what a true 2 stage project can achieve through early engagement and collaboration.
The framework secured the opportunity and advised the client that if they procured a contractor partner from RIBA 1, with a contractor design team, they would be giving the contractor every opportunity to design and deliver to the client budget.
Morgan Sindall rose to this challenge and delivered an outstanding customer journey despite the challenges around what was a very demanding programme to meet planning and the clients governance milestones.
They also took on out of scope works to ensure the programme was met, by leading the demolition of the old hospital, which enabled them to get control on ecology requirements for bats.
Project of the Year – SPECTRA, University of Hertfordshire (Morgan Sindall)
The £67m SPECTRA building at the University of Hertfordshire, delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction was awarded the Project of the year. This project is a landmark five-storey facility supporting engineering, computer science, physics, astronomy, and mathematics. It features cutting-edge CDIO spaces, robotics labs, cyber security rooms, flight simulators, and a £2m wind tunnel suite. The project exemplified innovation and adaptability, with flexible design enabling future pedagogical and technological evolution. A collaborative “one team” ethos from tender to delivery fostered transparency and rapid problem-solving, notably when re-sequencing was required due to a supplier issue.
Sustainability was central, achieving BREEAM Excellent through a fabric-first approach, air source heat pumps, VRF systems, and 500m² of solar panels. The building exceeds emissions targets by 35%. Social value was deeply embedded, with initiatives including job creation, charity donations, and educational outreach. The project also supported local employment and skills development through partnerships and apprenticeships.
Designed for long-term adaptability, SPECTRA promotes open collaboration between students, academics, and industry. Its quadrant-based layout and resilient services infrastructure support 24/7 research and flexible use. The project stands as a benchmark in sustainable, future-ready educational infrastructure, combining technical excellence, community impact, and architectural innovation.
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Project Manager of the Year, South West – Paul Fletcher (Kier)
SCF was pleased to present the Project Manager Award (SW) to Paul Fletcher for his outstanding work on the Plymouth Bereavement Centre project.
The project, delivered on behalf of Plymouth City Council, is of the highest quality and located in a beautiful, natural setting. Paul introduced a clear, collaborative strategy working closely with the client, involving them in every stage of the process. His leadership ensured the delivery of a high-quality facility for the community, with lasting value for the people of Plymouth.
Project Manager of the Year, Southeast/ London – Luke Boxall (Mace)
SCF were delighted to present the Project Manager of the year Award (SE & London) to Luke Boxall of Mace Group. Luke has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to safety, quality, and innovation.
His work on complex projects such as the National Satellite Test Facility showcases his ability to deliver under pressure while maintaining the highest standards. Luke’s proactive approach to team development, stakeholder engagement, and social value initiatives reflects his holistic leadership style. He is a mentor, a problem-solver, and a champion of continuous improvement. His enrolment in the Public Sector and Life Sciences New Leadership Programme and his CMI Distinction further highlight his dedication to professional growth. Luke resonates with all SCF values—collaboration, integrity, and excellence—making him a true asset to the industry.
Pre-con Manager of the Year, Southeast and London – Matt Riley (Galliford Try)
The pre-con manager award for the SE & London went to Matt Riley. Matt’s leadership on the Rowan Wood School project for the Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG) set a new benchmark for SEND school delivery. As preconstruction lead, he transformed a politically sensitive and technically complex brief into a high-performing, cost-effective solution. By leading a full RIBA Stage 2 redesign, Matt enabled modular construction, improved SEND outcomes, and delivered £6m in savings. His coordination with Premier Modular Ltd (PML) and design consultants earned a perfect 10/10 for Design Management from RBG.
Matt’s collaborative approach built trust with stakeholders, including RBG and Compass Education Trust, through workshops, factory visits, and intensive design sessions. He managed risk across multiple contracts while securing an additional £3.2m in savings through intelligent value engineering. His leadership aligned off-site manufacturing with on-site quality assurance by integrating digital QA tools like Fieldview.
Innovation was central to his approach, fast-tracking design stages to meet planning deadlines and embedding sustainability through a Low Carbon Action Plan and renewable technologies. Matt’s transparent communication and inclusive leadership fostered shared ownership and continuous improvement. With top ratings for collaboration and delivery, his work exemplifies excellence in preconstruction and positions him as a strong candidate for Preconstruction Manager of the Year.
Pre-con Manager of the Year, South West – Martyn Reid (Morgan Sindall, Thornbury Health Centre)
SCF presented pre-con manager of the Year SW to Martyn Reid. Martyn managed a challenging pre-construction in terms of the speed required. The scheme needed to go through stages 1 to 4 in just under 6 months with the pricing of work needing to be carried out over a Christmas period, which is never easy. The client commented on several occasions how Martyn went the extra mile for them and had a very personable approach. Martyn always came to the table with solutions, rather than issues, which left the client feeling supported and included in decision making.
Sub-Contractor of the Year, South West – LARC (BAM)
LARC Construction was awarded Subcontractor of the Year in recognition of their exceptional performance, professionalism, and collaborative approach on their first project with BAM. From the outset, they demonstrated a strong commitment to understanding and implementing the health and safety, sustainability, and quality procedures. Their team consistently approached challenges with a positive, solutions-focused mindset, fostering excellent working relationships across all levels. LARC’s strong leadership, proactive planning, and dedication to continuous improvement ensured key project milestones were delivered on time, safely, and to a high standard. Notably, their commitment to safety was reflected in topping BAM’s regional Health & Safety leader board twice during the year—an outstanding achievement for a new supply chain partner.
Subcontractor of the Year, Southeast and London – Elland Steel (Morgan Sindall)
The Subcontractor of the Year for the South East and London went Elland Steel. They are a team that demonstrated exceptional technical capability, innovation under pressure, and a commitment to delivering excellence every step of the way.
Working on Woolwich Leisure Centre project, Elland Steel was tasked with a complex steel frame programme — all while navigating shared site logistics and tight access constraints. Despite these challenges, they delivered on time and to the highest standards, helping Morgan Sindall complete the frame and facade 10 weeks ahead of programme without compromising safety or quality.
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Apprentice of the Year, Southeast and London – Zak Scarborough (Galliford Try)
The apprentice of the year award went to Zak Scarborough who has demonstrated exceptional proactiveness throughout his apprenticeship journey. On site, Zak doesn’t wait to be asked—he leads. From taking charge of contaminated ground removal, to personally knocking on doors and spending time with residents, he’s shown a remarkable ability to build trust, and create a positive environment for everyone involved. His hands-on approach, maturity, and constant drive to improve have had a lasting impact not just on the project, but on the wider community and his fellow apprentices. This award is a reflection of the initiative, leadership, and heart Zak brings to everything he does.
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Apprentice of the Year, South West – Hayden Smith (Willmott Dixon)
Hayden won the Apprentice of the Year award (SW) for his exceptional leadership, forward-thinking mindset, and meaningful impact across multiple areas of the Bristol Beacon project. He consistently went above and beyond his role—leading safety meetings, managing supply chain packages, and taking initiative in key project operations. His commitment to sustainability stood out. Beyond the project, Hayden actively advocates for the industry, inspiring young people through school and university. His drive to modernise construction through new technologies and collaborative approaches further demonstrated a maturity and passion well beyond his years, making him a standout apprentice and a deserving winner of this award.
Social Value Award – Hard Hat Ready (Kier)
The SCF Team are pleased to say that The Social Value Award went to Kier, led by Sarah Walkup and her team, for their outstanding work on the Hard Hat Ready initiative – a free, five-week vocational training programme developed in partnership with City College Plymouth and the local supply chain. Originally piloted on live project sites, the programme now has a permanent home and is making a profound impact on the local community.
Hard Hat Ready has transformed lives in one of Plymouth’s most deprived areas. Many participants have progressed into employment or further education, with one individual crediting the initiative with saving their life. This project not only delivers skills and opportunity—it leaves a lasting legacy, which is something SCF deeply values. Ensuring that every project SCF support creates meaningful, long-term benefits for individuals and communities.
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Framework Manager of the Year – Alan Smedley (Morgan Sindall)
The decision to award framework manager had input from the entire SCF team. It was felt by all that Alan goes over and above the duties outlined for a framework manager, treating the entire team with equal respect, responding to enquiries from all team members in a timely fashion, resolving issues and ensuring data is kept up to date. It was felt that Alan is able to directly influence project teams and regional offices, ensuring compliance with framework requirements, and supporting our collaborative, transparent ethos. Alan is always a voice in governance and management discussions, ensures working groups are well attended, and is always ready to put Morgan Sindall forward to support framework initiatives. Alan encompasses all of our joint goals, working collaboratively while being open and transparent at all times, so therefore was a more than worthy winner of this years Framework Manager of the Year.
Director of the Year – Simon Crosby (Corstorphine and Wright)
Our Framework Directors have an important role to ensure there is synergy between both their own organisational goals and the SCF ethos. SCF is most successful when we present a consistent message to our collective clients. As the newest Director to join our forum Simon has embraced the SCF product and brand and has been instrumental in supporting client acquisition across SCF. We look forward to a continuing productive relationship with Simon and his colleagues at Corstophine and Wright.
Contractor of the Year – Morgan Sindall
With multiple awards from the SCF team this year, there really was no other candidate. Morgan Sindall picked up Project of the Year, Pre-construction of the Year, and Framework Account Manager of the Year—an impressive sweep that reflects their consistent excellence. They have been performing strongly across multiple projects in all three regions, demonstrating a deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and adding value at every stage.
