Top firms and professionals named as 2025 Trades Awards finalists

Now in its thirteenth year, this annual event which is hosted by Aberdeen-based marketing and communications agency Mearns & Gill, has firmly established itself as a highlight of the construction calendar. Each year, it brings together around 400 industry professionals, shining a spotlight on the exceptional individuals, companies, and projects shaping the built environment across the region.

From inspirational apprentices and ambitious start-ups to impactful community engagement and industry stalwarts, this year’s finalists showcase the breadth, skill, and resilience that define construction in the North of Scotland.

Mike Wilson, managing director of Mearns & Gill, said: “The Trades Awards have always been about recognising the people and businesses that make our industry thrive, and 2025 is no exception. The standard of entries this year has been outstanding, reflecting not only the talent we have here but also the drive to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and build a stronger, more sustainable future. It’s inspiring to see, and we can’t wait to celebrate these achievements in November.”

The 2025 Trades Awards continue to enjoy the support of main sponsors, W M Donald, alongside an exciting range of new partners committed to championing excellence within the sector. This year’s judging panel faced its toughest challenge yet, with record-breaking number of first-time entrants, and a level of competition that demonstrates the strength of the region’s construction community.

Standout categories this year include ‘Rising Star’, sponsored by Joe Boyle Consulting, which recognises emerging talents who have demonstrated outstanding performance and potential in the construction industry, and received the highest number of applications in a single category.

The ‘Community Engagement Award’, sponsored by STV, is new for 2025, and celebrates companies or projects that have made significant positive impacts on local communities through engagement, consultation, and social value initiatives.

And the highly anticipated ‘Construction Project of the Year’ award, which celebrates an outstanding construction project that demonstrates excellence in design, execution, sustainability, and overall impact on the community or industry.

Elaine Donald, Director of headline sponsor W M Donald, comments, “We are proud to support an event that reflects the very best of our industry. The Trades Awards not only recognise success but also encourage collaboration, growth, and innovation across the sector. Seeing the next generation come through is particularly rewarding and gives us great confidence in the future of construction in the region.”

This year’s winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony on Friday 7th November, hosted by Chris Harvey from STV at the stunning Ardoe House Hotel & Spa. Guests will enjoy a night of celebration, networking, and entertainment. Fundraising across the evening will go to Somebody Cares, a local charity that delivers practical support, dignity, and empathy to individuals facing hardship, and collaborates with numerous local agencies to provide essentials free of charge.

Organisers promise that The Trades Awards 2025 will be “an unforgettable evening of recognition, connection, and inspiration,” honouring the individuals and businesses building a brighter future for the North of Scotland.

The Trades Awards 2025 finalists in the following categories are:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing, sponsored by Safety Scotland

Diversity Energy Solutions

Alan Little, Kirkwood Timber Frame

Brian Gibb, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

Munro Access Services Ltd

• Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes

Keith Builders Merchants

NEREC Ltd 

North East Services 

Square Lettings Management

• Sustainability in Construction, sponsored by CHAP 

Cerretti Electrical

Diversity Energy Solutions

Norframe Ltd

Ogilvie Construction

• Construction Consultancy of the Year

AtkinsRéalis

Joe Boyle Ltd

Safety Scotland Ltd 

• Community Engagement, sponsored by STV

Baxter Design Company 

K R Group Scotland

Robertson Construction Eastern 

W M Donald Ltd

• Home/Building Improvement, sponsored by JKR Contractors

Annie Kenyon Architects – Sea Haven

CHAP – Fraserburgh Annexe Affordable Housing

CHAP – Lighthouse Charity, Tillydrone

V G Willox Ltd (Michael Allardyce) – Macduff Pavilion

• Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by CITB

Ryan Lovie, Diversity Energy Solutions

Murdo Reid, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

Daniel Knowles, WM Donald

• Rising Star, sponsored by Joe Boyle Consulting

Aimee Mckechnie, AtkinsRealis

Nicolas Matthew, CHAP 

Scott Thomson, Hazlewood Gardening

Emma Munro, Munro Access

• Tradesperson of the Year, sponsored by Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

Dominic Clutterbuck, Bancon Homes

Glen Thomson, Glen Thomson Building Services

Andrew Bisset, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders

• Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by Abby Life Facilities Management

Paul Chew, CHAP 

Russell Robertson, CHAP 

Kevin Camphill, Ogilvie Construction

• Best Trades Business (0-50 employees), sponsored by NFU Mutual

Cerretti Electrical 

Diversity Energy Solutions

NEREC

• Construction Project of the Year, sponsored by KR Group

Bancon Construction – Cloverhill

CHAP – Operations & Maintenance Base in Buckie

Ogilvie Construction – Camphill School

For more details about the event and to book your tickets, please visit the website.