The Trades Awards, now in their 11th year, stand as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the North East construction industry to demonstrate excellence. Sponsored by Scotia Homes, with support from W M Donald, and organised by local creative marketing agency, Mearns & Gill, the awards are firmly established as a prominent fixture on the regional events calendar.

With an impressive turnout of 350 attendees, the celebrations were hosted by Norman MacLeod, news presenter at STV. The evening was marked by celebration of people and a strong sense of community spirit, with the event raising over £3,000 for the chosen charity, UCAN. The event was also fully carbon neutral thanks to support from local carbon emissions consultants, Carbon Zero.

Local tradesperson, Gordon Gerrie of Monarch Builds, was presented with the award for ‘Tradesperson of the Year’ for his unwavering focus on customer service at the incredible age of 80 years old. For the first time in the history of the awards, there was a joint winner, with Joanne Riddoch from W M Donald and Lauren Allan from Barratt Homes jointly winning the category of ‘Rising Star.’

The world-class Port of Aberdeen, the UK’s largest marine infrastructure project, won the award for ‘Construction Project of the Year’. Malcolm Allan, founder of Malcolm Allan Housebuilders, was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution’ for over 60 years of service to the North East construction industry. Malcolm set up in business in 1967 with nothing more than his tools, a dilapidated Austin A40 car, and a second-hand trailer. The company is now a significant employer in the North East, with an impressive portfolio of residential and commercial properties, and more in the pipeline.

Special mention was also made of the high number of applications that focused on the key issues of mental health, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion, from businesses of all sizes and disciplines

The Trades Awards 2023 winners are:

Best New Business, sponsored by W M Donald

Kyle Sutherland Joinery

Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Barratt Homes & David Wilson Homes

Goldstar Cleaning Services

Excellence in Health & Safety, sponsored by Safety Scotland

Magnox Dounreay

Sustainability in Construction, sponsored by Transform

W M Donald

Home/Building Improvement, sponsored by CITB

Bo Concept

Driving Diversity and Inclusion, sponsored by STV

Nodram Decorators Aberdeen

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by James Gibb

Luke Benvie, Stewart Milne Homes

Tradesperson of the Year, sponsored by Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

Gordon Gerrie, Monarch

Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by PMC Property Management & Lettings

Brian Gibb, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

Rising Star, sponsored by Stewart Milne Group

Joanne Riddoch, W M Donald and Lauren Allan, Barratt Homes

Construction Project of the Year, sponsored by Bancon Homes

Port of Aberdeen

Best Small Trades Business, sponsored by Nicol of Skene

Alan Donald Ltd

Best Large Trade Business, sponsored by Mearns & Gill

W M Donald

Outstanding Contribution, sponsored by Scotia Homes

Malcolm Allan, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

Joe Boyle, technical director at Scotia Homes, said: “It is a great honour for Scotia Homes to be the main sponsor of this year’s Trades awards. These awards, stand as a significant event on the annual construction calendar, recognising outstanding individuals and businesses in the North East.

“We were particularly thrilled to see an increase in this year’s applicants and nominations, leading to a diverse group of finalists from exceptional businesses within our region. I would personally like to congratulate all of this year’s winner and wish them all the best with their very exciting futures.”

Elaine Donald, director of W M Donald, said: “We really appreciate the dedication of every individual and business in the construction industry who took the time to participate this year, it’s been great to see so many new companies taking part, which highlights how vibrant the industry is in the North East. Once again, we’ve celebrated a wonderful group of finalists and winners, and we’re proud to support the work that goes into highlighting these individuals.”

Mike Wilson, managing director at Mearns & Gill, added: “Every year, the Trades Awards set a higher bar with a consistently exceptional quality of award entries, which presents an exciting challenge to our judging panel.

“This platform serves as an invaluable opportunity for us to come together and acknowledge the truly remarkable contributions made by the construction industry in the North East. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the Mearns & Gill team behind this event, helping to showcase the incredible people at the heart of the Trades Awards.”