Apprentice & Graduate Programme of the Year

Winner:

• Geoquip Marine - Building a geotechnical engineer: Empowering graduates

The judges chose this entry as the winner because it was of an exceptionally high standard and truly impressive. The passion and positivity with which both presenters described Geoquip’s efforts in investing in and engaging with young engineers were second to none and made a lasting impact. The structure of the programme stood out, fully meeting all the criteria and demonstrating a holistic and psychologically informed approach to the graduate programme, with clearly measured results and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. There was excellent engagement from graduates across the business, and the judges were particularly impressed by the significant reduction in recruitment time and the improved selection of the right candidates. It was also encouraging to see diversity and neurodiversity thoughtfully integrated into the programme, reflecting a truly inclusive approach.

Highly commended:

• Bachy Soletanche - Plant maintenance technician apprentice programme

Finalists:

• AtkinsRéalis -  Ground engineering and tunnelling apprentice programme
• BakerHicks -  Graduate programme
• Bam Ritchies - IOM3 ground engineering training scheme
• Penguin Recruitment -  GeoFirst graduate recruitment programme
• United Utilities -   Ground engineering graduate development programme

Award for Digital Innovation

Winner:

• Arup – Fuse & ProjectGPT
  

This entry is a strong example of how design management can be enhanced through digital innovation. By incorporating GPT technology, the tool not only improved project delivery but also facilitated access to project documents. Most notably, it fostered collaboration between different parties and is easily scalable at a global level. The judges were very pleased with the presentation, which was clear, and all questions were addressed satisfactorily.

Highly Commended:

• Geoquip Marine - The extractor twins

Finalists:

• A-squared - A2-engine AI design suite
• Dawson Wam - 4D digital simulation videos
• Delta Membrane Systems - The Delta Pumps app: Delta HLA Plus
  
• Geofem - Using innovative satellite remote sensing technology to create landslide susceptibility maps for California
• LSTC - The use of coding to complete factual data searches on energy infrastructure projects
• Macquarie Geotechnical - Digital drill diary
• Robert Bird Group - GeoMotion monitoring digital tool
• VSL - TIO: Tablet Input Output
• VSL - Quick Connect
• Ward & Burke Construction - Excellence in digital visual safety innovation

Sponsored by:

Award for Equipment Innovation

Winner:

• JSM Group Services - NICE: Non-Intrusive Cable Extraction

The judges were impressed by this submission's passion for addressing a significant environmental challenge faced by the power industry. The team's proactive engagement with district power networks and National Grid was commendable. This simple, sustainable end-to-end solution removes oil-filled cables in an environmentally friendly way that minimises disruption in dense urban environments, while also offering the opportunity to reuse existing cable routes – a concept with worldwide application.

Highly Commended:

• Jackson Geo Services - Safecut initiative

Finalists:

• Akela Ground Engineering - ABeam precast ground beam system
• Arup, Bachy Soletanche, Canary Wharf Contractors, Premier Concrete Pumping - Camfaud - One North Quay: E-Pump & E-Agitator
• Dawson Wam - Steel mat hire
• Equipe Group -  RhinoCutter
• Casagrande and Expanded Piling - Hybrid piling rig
• Geprode - GeoRISCO
• fibrisTerre, Network Rail, Senceive - Automated rockfall warning solution
• SoilSafe - Validated independent base design approach
• VSL - Electric diaphragm wall trench cutter rig

Award for Technical Excellence

Winner:

• Bam Nuttall, Dywidag, Network Rail and Tony Gee & Partners - South West Rail Resilience Programme

The judges noted the excellent demonstration of challenging established thinking to meet the client’s defined requirements, successfully reducing project costs. The key solution was collaboratively developed and evaluated, and it has the potential to be implemented on other projects. 

Higly Commended:

• GeoSonic Drilling, i3 Decommissioning Partners, Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute and Sellafield - Breakthrough in hydrogeological characterisation beneath the Sellafield nuclear site

Finalists:

• AtkinsRéalis - Powderham Banks improvement project
• Binnies - Blackbrook Dam
• Amentum & Cementation Skanska JV, BAE Systems and McLaughlin & Harvey - Ground improvement at a nuclear safety case quayside development
• Central Alliance - Slope stabilisation using electrokinetic geosynthetics implications for the observational method
• CGL - PASS mass characterization for thermal resistivity
• Fugro - Flexi-deck jack-up barge innovation for complex offshore wind investigation
• Gammon Construction, Lambeth Associates and Arup - An innovative double wall retaining system for deep excavation on recently reclaimed land
• Robert Bird Group - SJWS advance ground movement assessment & monitoring back analysis
• VolkerFitzpatrick - Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange ECI works

Consulting Firm of the Year

Winner:

• Ternan Energy

This entry showcases a highly specialist consultant in the field of offshore wind, delivering technical excellence to a niche client base. In just nine years, the company has grown from a start-up to a scaling business, demonstrating sustainable growth ambitions. With more than 350 projects delivered across 30 countries, the judges were impressed by Ternan Energy’s focus on project delivery and investment in people.

Finalists:

• BakerHicks
• Civic Earth
• Dr Sauer & Partners
• Geowynd
• LSTC

Sponsored by:

Contractor of the Year

Winner:

• Bam Ritchies

This entry demonstrated outstanding initiatives for staff development, with clear and demonstrable incorporation of feedback from staff and suppliers. The company clearly recognises where it adds value in the market and has aligned its diverse capabilities to support high-value clients. Sustainability is clearly a high priority, as demonstrated by a full fleet of EV cars and diesel-free plant. The energy and enthusiasm of the presenting team for their company were clearly visible.

Finalists:

• Bachy Soletanche
• Cognition Land and Water
• Dawson Wam
• Menard
• Soil Engineering Geoservices

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion

Winner:

• Bareen Shaafi - Mott MacDonald

The judges said that Bareen Shaafi is a true champion for the marginalised, triumphing over adversity. As an individual she has made an outstanding contribution to raising the profile of women. She is a role model in both the UK and Kashmir and even though she is in the early stage of her career has influenced the lives of many people. This is just the beginning, and the judges said they look forward to seeing what the future holds for her.

Highly Commended:

• Mine Environment Management - Lead not follow

Finalists:

• Arcadis - PARRR programme
• BGA ECG - Engaging with the industry
• Binnies - Empowering Talent, Embracing Diversity: The future of geotechnical engineering
• Jomas Associates - Inspiring diversity in STEM
• Mothers into Work - Mothers into Construction
• Systra - Use of QGIS and MerginMaps for field data collection

Excellence in Learning and Development

Winner:

• Ward & Burke Construction - Visuals learning tools

The judges could see the passion for the work, both in the delivery and the supporting handbook. It was refreshing to see a company offer an innovative and inclusive approach to learning for those on their sites. The judges greatly appreciated the company’s efforts to be inclusive of neurodiversity and different cultures. The company’s investment in an innovative yet simple approach to learning and development is industry leading and sets an example for the future of workplace learning. The judges would like to see this approach adopted as an industry standard.

Finalists:

• Aecom - GEO Grounding: In-house technical training academy
• Cundall - Elevate management development programme
• Fugro - Journey to One Fugro Academy
• Keltbray - NextGen construction leaders

Excellence in Outreach

Winner:

• Charlie Pritchard-Gordon - AtkinsRéalis

According to the judges, Charlie Pritchard-Gordon is clearly passionate about supporting others. He is personable, energetic and enthusiastic, and generous with his time. The judges were impressed to see that he is so active in this space so early in his career. He is leading activities that are making an impact on others within his local team, the wider team and internationally. He has a clear direction on how he can increase his reach and support others. The judges believe there is plenty more to come from this year's winner – so watch this space! 

Highly Commended:

• Angus MacGregor- Bam Ritchies

Finalists:

• EKFB - Geology team education and community outreach
• Jomas Associates - Building the foundations: Inspiring the next generation of ground engineering professionals
• Mine Environment Management - Environmental engineering STEM placements

Ground Investigation Project of the Year

Winner:

• SSE Renewables, Stantec, Cowi, and Strabag - Coire Glas underground ground investigation

The judges praised this unique project for creating opportunities to drive innovation, apply value engineering and uphold higher-than-usual standards of health and safety. The project team collaborated with the British Geological Survey (BGS), not only leveraging regional geological knowledge but also enhancing it through the development of a Munro scale 3D model. The project played an active role in training the next generation of engineering geologists, contributing to the sustainability of the profession. The team also worked collaboratively, challenging the specialist subcontractor to find the most effective way to deliver the required information. They demonstrated flexibility in responding to significant changes, including a 300m tunnel extension announced less than 50m before the original tunnel end, delivering a ground investigation that supports the UK’s energy transition.

Highly Commended:

• Mott MacDonald - River Tyne restoration facility GI

Finalists:

• Arcadis and National Highways - A30 Lanivet
• AtkinsRéalis, CCGI and St William Homes part of Berkeley Group - Beckton Riverside, part of the former Beckton Gasworks
• Bam Ritchies - Berwick Bank onshore cable GI
• Central Alliance - Faray wind farm ground investigation
• CGL - Ewer Street, Southwark: A pragmatic approach to investigating railway viaduct foundations
• CGL - Digital risk reduction of the Argyll OHL ground investigation
• Geoquip Marine - Gennaker OWF site investigation
  
• Mott MacDonald - ABP future Port Talbot
• LEAP Environmental part of RSK Geosciences - Former MOD site investigation
• Soil Engineering Geoservices & Arup - Glenmuckloch energy
• Soil Engineering Geoservices - Spiorad na Mara

Ground Investigation Specialist of the Year

Winner:

• Central Alliance

The judges recognised clear technical innovation, with the organisation offering a wide range of services. Its diversification strategy away from traditional ground investigation methods was particularly noteworthy. Collaboration with academics and the client base to deliver logistically challenging projects was highly impressive. The use of non-intrusive techniques and remote monitoring also demonstrated clear health and safety benefits.

Highly Commended:

• Soil Engineering Geoservices

Finalists:

• Fugro
• Geoquip Marine
• GeoSonic Drilling
• Igne Group
• MacGeo
• Marshall Drilling

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner:

• Andrew Bond, Founder, Geocentrix

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Andrew Bond, whose contributions to geotechnical engineering have been profound and far-reaching. As the founder of his own company, Bond has delivered widely used software, expert consultancy and influential training – particularly in the application of Eurocodes to geotechnical design. Over the past two decades, Bond has played a central role in the development of national and European standards for geotechnical design. He has chaired the central European committee responsible for Eurocode 7, contributed to key British Standards, and worked extensively on the UK National Annex for the second generation of Eurocodes. His work has ensured that the UK’s voice is heard on the European stage, while supporting practitioners across the country in understanding and adopting the evolving codes. Known for his technical excellence, clarity of communication and approachability, Bond’s contributions – from co-authoring Decoding Eurocode 7 to delivering trusted training – have made a lasting impact on the industry.

Sponsored by:

Health and Safety Award

Winner:

• Royal Eijkelkamp - ManipAll rod and casing loader

The judges noted that this approach has single-handedly addressed a historically difficult challenge in musculoskeletal injuries and diseases. Not only is Royal Eijkelkamp taking ownership in eliminating the risks on its own drilling machines, but it is also offering ancillary machines with the same technology that can be integrated with other manufacturers’ equipment without prejudice.

Highly Commended:

• Bam Ritchies - Transforming safety: Eliminating manual handling for a safer workplace

Finalists:

• Equipe Group - RhinoCutter
• Geobear - Bespoke designed drill stand
• Geoquip Marine - Dina Polaris puts safety first
• SB3- Bachy Soletanche and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - Concrete blow out training
• SB3- Bachy Soletanche and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - One year programme to improve health, safety, environment, sustainability and wellbeing for our staff
• Ward & Burke Construction - Transforming construction operation with visualise best practice

International Project of the Year Award

Winner:

• Fehily Timoney, John Sisk & Son and Ramboll - Dunkettle interchange upgrade scheme

The judges found this to be a remarkable project, presented in a clear and effective manner, demonstrating close collaboration between all stakeholders to overcome a unique challenge. The variable and complex ground conditions required the study and implementation of a wide range of geotechnical solutions within a highly constrained area. The judges were impressed by the holistic approach, the high technical quality of the works, and the strong health and safety outcomes.

Finalists:

• Aecom - EEFIT geotechnical assessment of the Mw 6.8 Al Haouz Morocco earthquake
• Fugro - Dunkerque offshore wind farm complex ground investigation
• Geocomp - Rail line sinkhole risk management
• Langan - TSX Broadway
• Terra Firma - Ports of Jersey
• VSL - MTR1201 Tung Chung west station

Rising Star Award

Winner:

• Jola Brown - WSP

The judges were impressed by Jola Brown's commitment to the ground engineering industry. Her exceptional performance was recognised by the client, clearly demonstrating the positive impact she is having at a strategic level. Her contribution to projects, influencing both design and construction phases, helps to deliver positive outcomes for her clients. She is actively engaged in developing digital tools to improve efficiency and project results. Brown also proactively engages with others in the engineering community to promote engineering as a career and sets a strong example for early career professionals.

Highly Commended:

• David Foo - Arup

Finalists:

• Ademide Adewunmi - Balfour Beatty
• Rebecca Calderon - Robert Bird Group
• Korin Cross - Binnies
• Nina Kemp - BakerHicks
• Freddie Linley - Geoquip Marine
• Ahmed Saadeldein - Bachy Soletanche
• Oliver Savill - AtkinsRéalis
• Sam Taylor - Arup
• Jacques Tott-Buswell - SLPE

Sponsored by: 

Specialist Geotechnical Supplier of the Year

Winner:

• Marshall Drilling

This entry clearly demonstrated strong growth in workforce numbers, turnover and profitability, while also showcasing the use of innovation to improve efficiency and develop new equipment capabilities. The judges were impressed by the company’s demonstrable commitment to corporate social responsibility and its values as an independent business, including its ambition to become the first certified net-zero UK drilling contractor in 2025.

Highly Commended:

• Altrad RMD Kwikform

Finalists:

• Delta Membrane Systems
• MacGeo
• Marshall Drilling
• Primely
• Soil Engineering Geoservices

Sustainability Award

Winner:

• Skanska, Costain, Strabag, Arup and Typsa - HS2 Copthall Tunnel

This submission impressed the judges greatly. Through collaboration and creative thinking, the team challenged the original brief and ultimately developed an alternative that brought sustainability to the forefront of their delivery. The HS2 Copthall Tunnel team made key decisions that have positively impacted the environment, community, stakeholders and the legacy of the area, while also prioritising the sharing of this knowledge with the wider industry.

Highly Commended:

• Soil Engineering Geoservices - Sharing our homework

Finalists:

• Carbon Zero Consulting - Open-loop GSHP district heating scheme
• Civil Water Management - Sustainable modular drainage systems: Greener cycle path structures
• Fehily Timoney, John Sisk & Son and Ramboll - Dunkettle interchange upgrade scheme
• Fugro - Sustainable practices in Falmouth fabrication workshop
• LK Group - Sustainable transformation of a contaminated brownfield site: Carter House Way
• SMP Alliance and Dawson Wam - Reusing steel sheet piles for sustainable highway construction
• Subterra Group - The Daubeney Project: Oxford Science Park
• VolkerFitzpatrick - Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange ECI works

UK Geotechnical Team of the Year

WInner:

• Bam Nuttall, Can Geotechnical, Dywidag, Network Rail, Tony Gee & Partners - South west rail resilience programme: Dawlish to Holcombe cliff resilience phase 4 project

The judges were unanimous in their view that this project fulfilled all the criteria. They were particularly impressed by the ability of competing contractors to work together effectively in a dynamic environment. The combination bar system, developed in collaboration with the supply chain, was a clear innovation that offers significant benefits and savings across the industry. Their engagement with community programmes was also commendable and far-reaching.

Finalists:

• Aecom, Cardiff University, University College London and EEFIT - EEFIT mission to Morocco
• Amey Consulting -Trackbed design team
• Arcadis - Guildford STW
• Arup Typsa Strabag JV, HS2 and Skanska Costain Strabag JV - HS2 Northolt Tunnels West: Asset protection team
• AtkinsRéalis, Network Rail, Octavius Infrastructure and Tony Gee & Partners - Crewkerne cutting emergency works: One team Wessex
• British Land, Cementation Skanska, Ramboll and Sir Robert McAlpine - 2 Finsbury Avenue
• Robert Bird Group, Aarsleff Piling, McLaughlin & Harvey and Byland Engineering - Wet Dock Hall, Govan
• Soil Engineering , Atkins Realis, Ringway Island Roads, Isle of Wight Council and Socotec - The landslip, Leeson Road, Ventnor
• Soil Engineering Geoservices - Northumberland Park station grouting

Sponsored by:

UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £500K

Winner:

• VolkerGround Engineering - Rother Tidal Walls

The judges saw this as a strong example of using existing technology in a different way to achieve significant carbon, cost and programme savings through increased efficiency and reduced material consumption, while also mitigating risks to the local environment and public stakeholders. It was particularly notable that the approach is set to be adopted on future works and is being recognised as best practice by the client, which remarked on how positive it was to feel part of a genuine partnership.

Highly Commended:

• United Utilities, Can Geotechnical and RSK - Rough Crag, Thirlmere: Innovative slope stability remediation

Finalists:

• Aecom - Derbyshire countywide landslide susceptibility assessment
• Arcadis & National Highways - A30 Lanivet
• AtkinsRéalis - Powderham Banks improvement project
• Bam Ritchies - Tarmachan Tunnel
• Binnies - Blackbrook Dam
• Enviromesh - Dover Grammar School for Boys
• CGL, Geoterra and SatSense - Stallingborough rock-armour emplacement remotely-sensed pre and post-construction dilapidation study
• CGL - Putting theory to the test in aeolian loess deposits at Collaton St Mary
• Van Elle - Whorlton Bridge

Sponsored by: 

UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of between £500K and £1M

Winner:

• QTS Group, Network Rail and MHB Consultants - Ratho rock cutting

The judges thought this was a good presentation from both client and contractor, demonstrating effective teamwork. This was a well-coordinated project, with strong relationships and collaboration within the team clearly evident. The planning and preparation work were extensive and instrumental to the project’s success. The project demonstrated the value of ground engineering to society by addressing geotechnical issues and keeping critical infrastructure operational in a highly constrained situation, through the utilisation of the principles of the observational approach. There was also a strong focus on health and safety. The judges' decision was unanimous.

Finalists:

• AtkinsRéalis, Isle of Wight Council, Ringway Island Roads, Socotec, Soil Engineering Geoservices - The landslip, Leeson Road
• Ayesa, Geobear, Murphy and Network Rail - Grange-over-Sands embankment repair
• Bam Ritchies - Wall 23 TRU
• Bam Ritchies -Trench lane
• Menard - SmartParc Spondon: Greggs
• Mott MacDonald Bentley and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water - Llyn Celyn Reservoir: PMF flood conveyance remedial works
• LEAP Environmental part of RSK Geosciences - Former MOD site investigation
• Tony Gee and Partners - Midlands Mainline embankment cutting during possession for the Radlett jack-box push
• Walsh - Cecil Avenue development
• WSP, Walters and Somerset Council -  B3224 Roundwaters retaining wall

UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of between £1M and £3M

Winner:

• Albion Drilling Group, CPE Consultancy, Jacobs and Scottish Borders Council & SBC Contracts - Hawick FPS WS22

Albion Drilling Group's strong client relationship enabled it to overcome significant unforeseen ground conditions to deliver a flood protection scheme on a highly constrained site, where alternative design options were limited. It demonstrated good collaboration with the supply chain to successfully manage logistics on site while also responding to an environmental crisis.

Highly Commended:

• Alun Griffiths Contractors - Rhigos Road remediation

Finalists:

• Arcadis - Guildford STW
• Arup, Bachy Soletanch, Canary Wharf Contractors and Red7Marine - Eden Dock Bridge marine piling
• CGL and McAleer & Rushe - 65 Crutched Friars, Aldgate
• Fairhurst Group, Network Rail and QTS Group - Ulverston emergency works
• Menard - Larne: Port of entries
• Mott MacDonald Bentley and United Utilities - Bolton WwTW, AMP7 environmental upgrades
• VolkerGround Engineering - New Wear footbridge
• Ward & Burke Construction and United Utilities - Astley Bridge/Dunscar Bridge CSO and detention shaft scheme

UK Project with a Geotechnical Value over £3M

Winner:

• Ward & Burke Construction and United Utilities - Royal Oak & Longsight Park wastewater detention tunnel

This entry had a highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic presenter on a topical subject in the public realm. The judges selected this entry in a very competitive category for its outside-the-box thinking to address an unsolvable problem within a deadline, while preserving the surrounding environment for local use. The solution provides the client with a maintainable asset and the industry with a standardised legacy.

Highly Commended:

• Bam Nuttall, Can Geotechnical, Dywidag, Network Rail, Tony Gee & Partners - South west rail resilience programme: Dawlish to Holcombe cliff resilience phase 4 project

Finalists:

• Arup, Bachy Soletanche and Canary Wharf Contractors - One North Quay: Piling
• Cementation Skanska - South Clyde Energy Centre EfW
• Jacobs - Birtley to Coalhouse
• Keltbray and Wentworth - Salisbury Square development
• Pell Frischmann Consultants, Story Contracting, Network Rail and Keller - Stabilisation of East Coast Mainline embankment at Browney Curve
• Roughan & O’Donovan Consulting Engineers, Bam-Farrans JV, H&H, Norfolk County Council and WSP - Herring Bridge, Great Yarmouth
• SMP Alliance, Dawson Wam and Van Elle - Smart motorway NEAR piled retaining structures
• SSE Renewables, Stantec, Cowi, and Strabag - Coire Glas exploratory works
• Graham and Sweco - M2 Junction 5 improvements

Sponsored by:

Editor's Award

Winner:

• Robert Bird Group, Aarsleff Piling, McLaughlin & Harvey and Byland Engineering – Wet Dock Hall in Govan

The judges described this as a strong and well-rounded submission that addressed all criteria directly and clearly outlined the outcomes. It demonstrated excellent collaborative working practices and a harmonised, committed team, supported by exemplary documentation of the process. GE's editor agreed that this was a very strong entry and a highly successful project.