Judging
The Judging Process
Virtual Judging Interviews for the Awards 2025: The judging for 2025 has now finished, we look forward to welcoming you all to the Awards Ceremony on the 26th June 2025
Ellie Farlow
AtkinsRéalis, Senior Project Manager
Ellie joined the construction industry seven years ago as a trainee and is now a Senior Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis, delivering large schemes across the public and private sectors in the London and South East region. Ellie is also the Vice Chair of the Constructing Excellence Kent Club and the Founding Chair of the G4C Kent Club, which she founded in October 2023. Ellie won the G4C Future Leader award in 2022. Following this, Ellie went on to sit on the SECBE Board for two consecutive years as a co-opted member and complete the Innovative Future Leaders Programme in 2024.
Ellie Farlow – AtkinsRéalis
Andrew Baldwin
Preconstruction Director
Andrew joined Baxall in 2013 and has played a key role in developing Baxall into the respected, innovative business it is today. He has been a driving force behind strategic development, positioning the company as a Solutions Provider, and initiating the Baxall Playbook that fosters collaborative working practices, throughout the business and wider industry. He has been pivotal in establishing the Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Kent and Innovate UK which applies smart data monitoring to demonstrate energy and occupancy performance to clients.
Andrew Baldwin – Baxall
Sarah Bolton
Lighthouse Charity
Sarah has overseen a period of huge growth and change for the Lighthouse Charity. After initially being involved as a consultant, Sarah led the Lighthouse’s Charitable Services before taking over as CEO in April 2024.
Last year alone saw the charity reach over £5m in charitable support provided to construction workers and their families in the UK & Ireland.
Sarah takes strategic lead on all the charity’s operations, ensuring that the construction community can access a wide variety of proactive and reactive support services and resources for their emotional, physical and financial wellbeing.
Sarah Bolton – Lighthouse Charity
Ruth Wilkinson
Legal Director, Hill Dickinson
Hill Dickinson is a leading commercial law firm, which includes a national construction team specialising in many areas of property and construction law.
Ruth Wilkinson, Legal Director and Professional Support Lawyer at Hill Dickinson said:
“We are proud to sponsor for the third year in a row the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards for the Building Project of the Year category. It is my second time judging this event and I cannot wait to find out more about the many wonderful projects that will be showcased in 2025.
As a recent participant in SECBE’s Innovative Future Leader’s programme, I am particularly keen to gain insight into the various ways that challenges were overcome, and innovation was embraced. I also look forward to celebrating and recognising the achievements of the finalists at the awards dinner in June.”.
Ruth Wilkinson – Hill Dickinson
Paul Greenwood
Chair of London Constructing Excellence Club
Paul is a former management consultant and ingénieur, who has spent thirty years supporting leading construction and service sector clients, and complex time-critical major projects, internationally.
After a decade consulting worldwide, in 2000, Paul returned to the UK and joined a leading housing investor, developer and contractor. Over a decade, he led strategic and operational changes in the business, enabling it to meet the challenges of the Egan agenda. He became deeply involved in sector change via M4I, the Housing Forum, and Rethinking Construction.
Upon returning to consultancy, specialising in collaborative business relationships and management systems, Paul re-joined the Constructing Excellence community and spent a decade catalysing change in the UK and Far-East.
Paul is a CE Collaborative Working Mentor, Chair of London CE Club and a member of ISO TC286 Collaborative Business Relationships.
Paul Greenwood – Chair of London CE Club
Emma Allinson
Business Development Manager at Kingerlee Ltd and Chair of Constructing Excellence Oxford
Emma is responsible for business development and marketing, is Kingerlee’s ESG lead (Environment, Social & Governance) and has over 18 years’ experience in the construction industry. Emma’s key role is to ensure a strong pipeline of work, building excellent customer relationships and promoting the Kingerlee brand through our marketing activities. With the launch of the Kingerlee ESG Action Plan, Emma is a key member of the Senior Management Team driving our strategy to ensure we are a responsible business that strives to make measurable continuous improvement.
Kingerlee is a 5th generation family-owned construction & development firm based in Oxford with a long-standing history spanning more than 150 years. We are proud to be a collaborative business working enthusiastically with sensitive heritage projects and cutting-edge contemporary buildings with equal passion. Kingerlee have over 150 staff and a turnover of £70m, undertaking single projects of up to £60 million. Within the Kingerlee Group are Kingerlee Ltd, Kingerlee Homes and Kingerlee Joinery.
Emma Allinson – Kingerlee Ltd
Lee Davies
Director, HNW Architects
Lee is a Director, Architect, Masterplanner and Conservation Architect with nearly 30 years of extensive and award winning architectural expertise. He oversees a broad range of regeneration and masterplanning projects throughout London and the South East and provides expert leadership in delivering complex multi-tenure developments. As a RIBA-accredited Conservation Architect, Lee specialises in adaptive reuse and repurposing of existing buildings within sensitive sites and historic locations.
Lee brings a collaborative, people-centred approach to all his work. He is a regional RIBA Award jury panel member and a trustee for BHT Sussex, a local housing association, and homeless charity. Additionally, Lee works closely with the University of Brighton’s School of Architecture, working as a student mentor, guest critic, and end-of-year award judge.
Lee Davies – HNW Architects
James Curtis
James is the Business Development Manager for Morgan Sindall’s Cambridge business. He’s the Chair of the COCCEC G4C group, co-vice chair of COCCEC and Interim chair of Cambridge Aheads Young Advisory Committee.
James Curtis – Morgan Sindall
Phillip Naylor
Director and Architect at rhp
I’m a director and architect with a passion for transforming historic buildings into vibrant, modern spaces. Specialising in regeneration and conservation, I combine a deep respect for heritage with innovative solutions to tackle complex challenges and create sustainable, meaningful places.
My career highlights include the award-winning restoration of Saltdean Lido, a Grade II* Art Deco icon transformed into a vibrant community hub, complete with a library, café and event spaces. Equally significant are the regeneration of the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts at the University of Sussex, where we brought Sir Basil Spence’s Grade II* listed building (once neglected and used for storage) back to life as a cutting-edge performance venue, and Brighton’s Shelter Hall, where we helped Brighton & Hove City Council transform a deteriorating seafront structure into a dynamic destination for dining. Our work here continues, ensuring this historic promenade remains a vital part of the City’s future.
Phillip Naylor – rhp
Angela Purse
Senior Preconstruction and Framework Manager at Galliford Try
Angela Purse is a highly respected preconstruction professional with over 20 years’ experience across the built environment. Currently serving as Senior Preconstruction and Framework Manager at Galliford Try, Angela brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to the industry.
With formal training from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Institute of Leadership and Management, Angela has built a notable career leading work-winning strategies and driving business growth for both construction and consultancy organisations. Her expertise spans the management of complex bids at the tender and preconstruction stages, with a strong focus on process efficiency, performance improvement, and the development of high-performing teams. She is known for her ability to truly understand the unique needs and aspirations of clients and maintaining an uncompromising commitment to delivering outcomes that exceed expectations.
Beyond her professional achievements, Angela is passionate about nurturing future talent in the construction industry. She is actively involved in initiatives that support career development and was recently appointed as a mentor within Galliford Try’s internal mentoring scheme.
Angela Purse – Galliford Try
Tim Chilton
Delivery Director I The Crown Estate
Tim has nearly 20years experience in civil engineering, construction, and development delivery experience, ranging from heavy civil infrastructure to large multi-phase masterplan mixed use regeneration schemes. After beginning his career as a young site engineer in Australia, Tim moved to the UK 10years ago to help lead delivery of some of London’s largest and most transformative regeneration projects with Lendlease including Elephant Park and Silvertown. Tim, now working with The Crown Estate, is focussed on delivering large urban and semi-urban regeneration schemes that support the Crown Estate’s mission to help the nation’s energy and housing crises, through the delivery of new ecosystems where business, communities and nature flourish together.
Tim is passionate about sustainability and the future of construction, so he spends time chairing a number of innovative working group partnerships between public and private partners to help drive innovation in delivery across productivity, sustainability, quality, and safety.
The Crown Estate
The Crown Estate owns land throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland – from rural land and Windsor Great Park to some of London’s West End. We also manage the seabed and much of the coastline, playing a major role in progressing the UK’s offshore wind sector, which is now the second biggest in the world.
Our purpose is to create lasting and shared prosperity for the nation – simply put, everything we do is driven by what will best benefit the UK and its people. We are a company for the country.
Improving the natural environment – whether it be through nature recovery or improving sustainability – is at the heart of everything we do. As custodians of some of the UK’s leading natural habitats, such as Windsor Great Park and the seabed on which our leading offshore wind industry is built, we are passionate about ensuring that the younger generation understands the challenges and opportunities we face.
Tim Chilton – The Crown Estate
LUCY WILTSHIRE BSc FRICS MCIOB
Kier Construction – Oxford
Lucy has over 30 years of construction industry experience including commercial, preconstruction and business development working with various Tier 1 contractors in the South West and South East.
Having studied BSc in Quantity Surveying part time at UWE, Bristol, this fuelled her passion for championing vocational routes into a career in construction.
In 2017, Lucy joined the Department of Education’s Construction Panel to develop the content of the T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning. This qualification was one of the first T Levels to be offered in colleges across UK in 2020 and is a landmark in the transformation of post 16 qualifications. Lucy now sits on the IfATE’s Construction Route Panel, reviewing apprenticeship and T Level standards.
In her spare time, Lucy enjoys networking with other construction professionals and is currently Vice-Chair for CIOB Oxford Hub after stepping down from the CIOB Reading Hub, where she held various posts over 20 years. Lucy stepped into the Treasurer role for Constructing Excellence Oxford in 2025 and was Chair of Constructing Excellence Berkshire for 2 years from 2022-2024, having served for 8 years on the committee.
Apart from Lucy’s passion for our emerging talent, Lucy has been an RICS APC QS counsellor for 25 years, and is an RICS APC Assessor for Final Interview
Lucy Wiltshire – Kier
John Adamson
John has nearly 15 years’ experience as a building surveyor and project manager, delivering schemes across the public and private sectors nationwide. Beginning his career at a local authority, John now leads a diverse project delivery team within the Built Asset Consultancy service at Rider Levett Bucknall covering London and the Thames Valley. In recent years John has managed the delivery of programmes for major government departments across the country and central London commercial fit-out schemes for a number of blue-chip companies and international clients. John excels in leadership, reasoned advice and programme management, using his communication and management skills to deliver projects in accordance with exacting requirements. Since November 2024, John has been the Chair of Constructing Excellence Berkshire after a number of years on the committee. .
John Adamson – Rider Levett Bucknall
Sarra Hawes
Sarra has 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, starting out as a site engineer then site manager running a wide variety of projects for a national contractor. 8 years she set up her own construction company with her husband Bruce, they continue to cover the range of projects by working in health, education, commercial, retail and residential sectors.
Sarra is a construction ambassador for the CITB and an Enterprise advisor for a local pupil referral school, working with the East Sussex Careers Hub. She is passionate about and keen to promote the construction industry and its opportunities to young people especially for young women
Sarra Hawes – CE Sussex Club
Jason Boyle
Global Architect Alliance (GAA) Ltd
With a background in digital (BIM) and regulatory expertise, Jason brings over 15 years of experience in the Nuclear Industry and a deep understanding of sustainability and innovative technologies. Recognised for delivering complex, government-funded projects, he excels in leadership, communication, and management. Jason has a proven track record of promoting sustainability, particularly through new nuclear generation as a zero-carbon technology. His industry knowledge, demonstrated by two Royal Fellowships and significant influence through a widely followed podcast, positions him to bring valuable insights to the SECBE board. Jason sits on the membership committee to the board at the Royal Institute of British Architects and offers strong governance experience and a commitment to advancing the construction sector.”
Jason Boyle – GAA Ltd
Jimmy Collins
Head of Technical at Knauf UK & Ireland
Jimmy brings a wealth of experience from his eight years at the company, where he has held multiple roles, including National Specification Director. He oversees technical service, on-site support, training, and R&D, navigating the industry’s evolving technical and legislative landscape.
Jimmy’s background includes a degree in Psychology from Loughborough University and participation in the IFLP program. He is passionate about improving industry standards through collaboration and knowledge sharing. On the SECBE board, he aims to enhance competence and legislative understanding, contributing to a more efficient and attractive construction sector.
Jimmy Collins – Knauf
Martin Brown
Martin, as a Regenerative Provocateur at Fairsnape, VP at Living Future Europe and co-chair of Lancashire Environment Group weaves his passion for outdoor exploration, his passion for a regenerative future with his rich experience in the built environment to pioneer regenerative thinking as an inspirational voice, coach, educator, commentator, speaker and writer.
A passionate advocate for regenerative sustainability and innovation, supporting a wide range of built environment organisations in the UK, EU and globally. Martin is an advocate for the Living Building Challenge. In 2018 he was awarded a Living Hero status with the International Living Futures Institute.
An acknowledged writer and author of many publications including FutuREstorative, Working Towards a New Sustainability, published by RIBA Publishing. An industry influencer, as an experienced blogger, he comments, speaks and presents on built environment sustainability issues, contributes to a number of media sources and is a regular presenter and speaker. Martin features highly in CSR and Sustainability influencer rankings.
Prior to founding the Fairsnape consultancy he was a Project Manager and Business Improvement Manager within the UK and International major contracting and facilities management sector. Through Constructing Excellence, Martin championed industry collaborative initiatives was Chair of Constructing Excellence Lancashire and previous Chair and Fellow of the Benchmarking Institute.
Martin Brown – Fairsnape
Michael OShea
Careys, Contracts Manager
Michael has 25 years construction experience in London and the south east primarily on civil engineering projects. Having initially worked as a structural engineer, designing complex temporary works scheme for civil engineering and demolition contractors, Michael started on site as a setting out engineer. Over the years he has progressed into senior engineering roles and project management with a particular interest in complex projects with logistical and temporary works challenges.
Some of Michael’s recent work includes Imperial’s White City infrastructure project, the former American Embassy redevelopment in Grosvenor Square, and Battersea Power Station’s North Energy Center. Much of Michael’s recent work was in a Principal Contractor capacity on design and build projects which brings together Michaels design and operational competency.
Michael is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow with the Institute of Civil Engineers. Through his commitment to engineering, he is keen to give back to the industry and is a Supervising Civil Engineer on Careys graduate programme looking to support the next generation of engineers. He is a STEM ambassador and gets involved in school talks and presentations to highlight engineering opportunities to our future stars. Michael works with Angle Educational Services to bring overseas students on internships to Carey sites whilst also showcasing Careys work through site visits, presentations and college lectures.
Michael’s ambition, looking to the future, is the development of engineers, promoting the profession, and playing his part in driving sustainability forward in an industry that is increasing its efforts to minimize its environmental impacts.
Michael O’Shea – Careys
Jane Duncan
OBE PPRIBA Hon FAIA Hon FRIAS Hon D Design
Jane Duncan Architects & Interiors Ltd was set up in Little Chalfont, Bucks, in 1992.
The Award-winning practice specialises in high-end residential schemes including sustainable houses, historic buildings, commercial, education, schools and community buildings, principally throughout the South of England.
Jane campaigns for improved business skills in architecture and won the election for RIBA Presidency in 2014 on a manifesto to increase diversity in the profession.
Awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2018 for services to diversity in the profession, she was made an Honorary Fellow of AIA in 2019.
Jane’s current advocacy, post Grenfell, is to influence government fire safety regulations, and improve competence, collaboration, skills and accountability in the construction industry. She:
*Chairs the RIBA Expert Panel on Fire Safety after Grenfell 2017 to present
*Served as RIBA President from 2015 to 2017
*Was first RIBA Equality & Diversity Champion from 2012 – 2015.
*Is a founder member of Equilibrium Network, to promote gender diversity at the top of organisations across the built environment.
*Is a founder of YADA, bringing together young architects and developers.
Jane Duncan – RIBA Past President & Jane Duncan Architects Ltd
Karl Simons OBE
Chief Futurist, FYLD AI
Advisor to the Prime Ministers Cabinet Office, UK
- Co-Founder & Chief Futurist at the AI technology organisation FYLD
- Advisor to the Cabinet Office & Dept. Science & Technology, UK Government
- Advisor to the UK Government on matters of Occupational Safety & Health
- Lecturer at The University of Cambridge, UK / HBS Digital Strategy at Harvard, USA
- Non-Exec Director on the Main Board of Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor
- Mechanical & Electrical Engineer; Chartered Member of IOSH
- 35 years experience includes:
- Domestic & International Work in the sectors of Defence, Oil & Gas, Highways,
Construction, Rail, Roads, Energy & Utilities - Experienced in complex technology transformation for major corporates &
delivery of major physical infrastructure programmes - Awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II upon recommendation from theBritish Prime Minister
Karl Simons – FYLD
Adrian Shah-Cundy
Group Health, Safety, and Quality Director VolkerWessels UK
A proven career history in the implementation and development of sustainable business practices, including the oversight of health, safety, environment, quality, and sustainability to maintain compliance to corporate, legal and stakeholder requirements.
At VolkerWessels UK responsible for the provision of a range of services including health, safety, environment, quality, sustainability, occupational health and wellbeing, integrated management systems, performance reporting, operational training, fleet, facilities, major incident management, strategic development, and collaboration.
Adrian Shah-Cundy – VolkerWessels UK
Adam Day
Director, Day group.
Adam Day has worked in the demolition recycling sector since the early 1990s, playing a key role in developing sustainable practices within the industry.
At Day Aggregates, he helped grow the recycling of demolition waste to over 1 million tonnes per year before expanding into the recovery of aggregates and metals from the residues of energy-from-waste facilities.
A leading figure in the Mineral Products Association, he has contributed to new standards and specifications for recycled aggregates. Now focused on research and development, he works to create new markets and drive innovation in sustainable construction materials.
Adam Day – Day Group
Helen Elsby
Heathrow
Helen has spent her career in Aviation and Project Management and is currently accountable for all transformational change at Heathrow. She leads a team to deliver integrated solutions utilising all the change levers available – process, people, technology and infrastructure across a diverse portfolio from Heathrow’s £2bn Asset Management programme through to the multi-decade Carbon reduction and Sustainability programme. She is also accountable for procuring all of Heathrow’s supply chain.
Helen is passionate about inclusive teams and career development, mentoring and coaching others to develop their full potential. As a natural introvert with a low ego approach, she has a passion for helping everyone find their voice at the table.
Helen Elsby – Heathrow
Claire Giannini
Regional Head of Business for Wilmott Dixon Construction South.
Clare has worked in the construction sector for three decades with a range of organisations from SME’s to billion-pound companies. With a background as a Chartered Marketer, she has the satisfaction of customers’ needs at the heart of everything she does in her role as a Regional Head of Business for Wilmott Dixon Construction South.
‘Choose a profession you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life’ sums up how she feels about her role.
Driven by a desire to create social value and connect people to opportunity peer collaboration has always played a huge part in Clare’s professional life. She is a member of the Constructing Excellence Committee in two regions, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. She is the founder of respected peer to peer networks; LCPN (London Construction and Property Network) and OCPN (Oxfordshire Construction and Property Network)) and OWLS (Oxfordshire Women in Leadership).
Claire Giannini – Willmott Dixon
Beth Whitehouse
Head of Innovation, DEFRA group Property Technical Services
Beth is the Head on Innovation for the Property Arm of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (HM Government). Beth leads a new team within the Technical Services Function heading up innovation within the built environment to support DEFRA in its target for net zero, sustainability and efficiencies. With over 15 years in the life sciences sector from bench to capital project delivery, Beth brings a practical and data driven approach to innovation at Defra. With strong and growing network links across government and the private sector, Beth looks to promote collaboration across all sectors within the built environment.
Beth is passionate about coaching and empowering people and teams to perform at their best, create an open atmosphere to allow the team to be confident in bringing new ideas and ultimately enjoy what they do. As Head of innovation Beth promotes this with everyone she works with to bring a positive approach to innovation within the built environment at Defra and beyond.
Beth is an Innovative Future Leaders Programme (IFLP) alumni from 2021 Cohort 2 and is sponsoring her colleague on Series 7.
Beth Whitehouse – Defra
Clare Deakin
Marketing and Business Development at Galliford Try Building Southern
Clare is an award-winning senior marketeer with 25+ years of experience, specialising in business development and strategic marketing within the property and construction sectors. Clare currently heads up Marketing and Business Development at Galliford Try Building Southern, leading market development initiatives, driving strategic growth, and overseeing high-profile business strategies. Clare has built a reputation for excellence in driving business transformation through targeted campaigns, innovative marketing strategies, and strong client relationships. Clare’s ability to balance strategic oversight with creative execution has led to measurable success in business growth and market penetration across multiple regions.
Clare is the co-founder of Building Minds, a newly created innovative support group for Neurodiversity, created in partnership with SECBE and the Lighthouse Charity. The initiative is focused on driving industry change and supporting individuals with Neurodiverse needs.
Clare Deakin – Galliford Try
James Wright
Senior Framework Manger, SCF
James has over a decade of experience in the construction and procurement industry, where he has consistently demonstrated his expertise in supporting the delivery of high value construction projects as the head of SCF in London & the South-East.
At SCF, James excels in fostering collaborative relationships and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction through early engagement and transparency. His role involves overseeing major construction projects, designing flexible yet robust construction frameworks that deliver best value to the public sector. James is particularly passionate about promoting high-quality service and implementing efficient practices that benefit all stakeholders involved.
James Wright – SCF
The Rules
- The panel of judges will consider each submission against the category criteria.
- The judges have the authority to recommend entries to more appropriate categories.
- Shortlisted entrants will be required to make a presentation to the judging panel.
- Their decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into following the awards.
- Winners will be announced at our Gala Dinner in London.
- All awards are made at the discretion of the judges.
- The right is reserved not to make awards in a particular category.
- The judges reserve the right to refuse entries without giving reasons.
- Information supplied to or by the judges, or discussed between the judges and entrants, can be treated in complete confidence if requested.
