Winners 2026

Award for Digital Innovation

Winner: Network Rail, Mott MacDonald and JBA Consulting - Development and implementation of a national slope stability assessment framework for Network Rail

'An impressive response to a highly complex data challenge, this solution represents a wholesale shift in geotechnical asset management, harnessing large-scale datasets to automate workflows whilst ensuring the engineer remains a central and accountable presence at every stage of the process. Very worthy winners!'

Finalist:

  • Bam Ground Engineering - Streamlining piling project data and models – from site rig to office to client
  • Darkocean - NAVBathy: AI-powered satellite bathymetry solution
  • Geoquip Marine - Geostat: A digital tool for statistically governed geotechnical design parameterisation
  • Geotechnics -  From Paper to Platform: Digitised Safety, Compliance and Delivery
  • Jacobs - Augmented delivery: Realising benefits through adoption of disruptive automated design processes on transportation and flood defence projects
  • Macquarie Geotechnical Australia  - An “evaluate while drilling” solution for construction of bored piles
  • Tyréns Sweden AB - GeoBIM in Microsoft 365 teams: A business‑wide digital step‑change for geotechnics
  • VertaseFLI -  VertaVerse Materials Intelligence

Sponsored By

Award for Equipment Innovation

Winner: Osprey Measurement Systems - Osprey "Rapid Deploy" sensors: miniaturised, direct-push technology replacing legacy drill-and-grout methods for faster, safer geotechnical monitoring.

'This entry stood out for its effective miniaturisation, intelligent analysis, and straightforward deployment using established push-in techniques. The solution enables improved data collection alongside tangible cost reduction and sustainability benefits. Thorough responses to panel questions reinforced the robustness of the thinking behind it. Very impressive work, well done'

Finalist:

  • Altrad RMD Kwikform - Tubeshor 1370
  • GB Card & Partners  - Hybrid raft technology
  • Marshall Drilling - Development of spider excavator mounted drill mast
  • Sellafield, i3 Decommissioning Partners, Adapt (incl. GeoSonic Drilling and Forth) - All's well that ends well: Developing novel tools to support problematic well decommissioning
  • Socotec, Gears, Tarmac, Instantel, University of Liverpool and Mineral Products Association - Evidence-led blast monitoring technology for quarry operations
  • SolGen - Solar first temporary power using dynamic solar tracking and intelligent control
  • Structural Soils, CAN, Transport Scotland, AtkinsRéalis and WSP - Steep slope ground investigation rig
  • TotaLite - Compact, low-power optical monitoring for ground engineering

Award for Technical Excellence

Winner: Gears, Tarmac, Bam Ground Engineering and Socotec  - Assessment and mitigation of blasting effects to secure consent for the extension to Ravelrig Quarry

'An excellent presentation of a significant step change in practice, underpinned by collaboration across a diverse group of disciplines. Our winners demonstrated clear social, policy and operational improvements, and reflected a genuine desire to improve, innovate, and share learnings with the wider industry. Keep up the excellent work!'

Finalist:

  • Arcadis - Mitigating the risks created by selenite crystal growth within Waddesdon South Cutting
  • AtkinsRéalis - Qiddyia Six Flags theme park: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • CGL - Design-led geophysics and geospatial analysis for dissolution-prone solar developments
  • Cowi UK - Implementation of handheld LiDAR scanning technology in Lochay tunnels
  • Fidra Energy, Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK and Coffey Geotechnics - Thorpe Marsh BESS Development
  • Geofem - Advanced satellite InSAR monitoring of the Central Prestatyn Coastal Defence Scheme
  • Jacobs - A83 Rest and Be Thankful Saturation Hazard Matrix & Alluvial Automation
  • Robert Bird Group -  Automation of Advanced Soil Structure Interaction using Computational Design
  • Tobermore, Geoman, Fairhurst  - Tobermore reinforced soil structures as an innovative alternative to traditional reinforced concrete bridge structures

Consulting Firm of the Year

Winner: Buro Happold Ground Engineering 

'An outstanding presentation demonstrating commitment to both project excellence and the wellbeing of their people. This innovative boutique team is at the forefront of geotechnical practice, and their use of soil-mix and piled-raft foundations as sustainable alternatives impressed the judging panel greatly. Keep it up!'

Finalist:

  • Arup 
  • AtkinsRéalis
  • CGL 
  • Macfema 
  • Robert Bird Group 
  • Tony Gee and Partners 

Sponsored By

Contractor of the Year

Winner: Menard 

'Menard stood out to the judging panel through a clear, well-structured and confidently delivered presentation where they demonstrated an 80% reduction in carbon emissions, 100% client satisfaction, and a people-first culture evidenced through strong diversity metrics and genuine investment in apprenticeships. As the UK's leading ground improvement contractor by turnover, they are a thoroughly deserving winner.'

Finalist:

  • Bachy Soletanche 
  • Bam Ground Engineering 
  • Cognition Land and Water 
  • Geotechnics 
  • Marshall Drilling 
  • Structural Soils 
  • VSL UK 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion

'The judges found that Rowshi delivered a passionate presentation on a topic that was personal to her. Her drive for promoting BS 30417 forwards to help create a more inclusive environment should be commended, with her reach extending to government and beyond showcasing positive leadership. A trailblazer in the industry.'

Winner: Rowshi Hussain - Cundall

Finalist:

  • Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists - AGS EDI roadmap
  • British Tunnelling Society Young Members - Diversity, inclusion and women in tunnelling committee
  • Robert Bird Group - Championing Change: A Model for Inclusive Engineering

Excellence in Learning and Development

Winner: Robert Bird Group - Active staff support: Technical skills and 1:1 Coaching & mentoring to Chartership.

'Robert Bird Group's programme reflects a genuine commitment to developing talent from within, creating trusted role models who inspire and empower their teams. Their structured rotation, early-career industry involvement, and internal recognition culture have produced measurable improvements in both confidence and performance.'

Finalist:

  • AtkinsRéalis - AtkinsRéalis Ground Engineering and Tunnelling Excellence Development Programme
  • Dunton Environmental - Senior leadership & business skills training programmes
  • Geotechnics - Solid foundations, smarter futures: excellence in learning at Geotechnics

Excellence in Outreach

Winner: Mott MacDonald - Making ground engineering visible at all stages of education

'Helen McCrone's outreach spans the full academic journey, from pre-school through to graduate level, guiding students towards engineering careers with infectious personal commitment. The panel was particularly impressed by the considerable time she dedicates above her professional role. A thoroughly deserving winner.'

Finalist:

  • Jack Falk - Arup  - Inspiring the next generation of civil and geotechnical engineers
  • Bam Ground Engineering - Inspiring communities, empowering futures: Bam ground engineering’s excellence in outreach
  • Central Alliance - From Australia to the UK: Connection, Engagement and Mentoring of Students and Young Geoscientists
  • GSS Piling - Creating social value
  • National Grid Electricity Transmission - STEM pathways outreach programme
  • QTS Group -  The Future of Rail
  • Structural Soils - Working with the engineers of the future

Graduate and Apprentice Programme of the Year

Winner: Jacobs -  Tunnel and Ground Engineering early career programme

'The judges were impressed by the circular benefit embedded within the scheme, whereby completed graduates actively contribute to future programme delivery, evidencing continuous improvement in both process and structure. The programme was noted as being highly structured, well considered, and clearly shaped by participant feedback and involvement. Strong conversion of summer placements into graduate roles was a further mark of its quality.'

Finalist:

  • AtkinsRéalis - Ground engineering and tunnelling apprentice programme
  • Geoquip Marine - Graduate development programme
  • Geotechnics - NextGen geotechnics pathway: Teaching, mentoring and coaching excellence and quality
  • RSK Group - Graduate scheme
  • United Utilities - Ground engineering graduate programme

Ground Investigation Project of the Year

Winner: AtkinsRéalis, WSP JV, Structural Soils, Transport Scotland  - A83 Rest and Be Thankful Long Term Solution GI

'The strongest entry in the category, scoring highly across all criteria. The project demonstrated thorough consideration of every aspect of the investigation, and the judges were particularly impressed by management of plant and access on an active slope above a vital community highway. A great project!'

Finalist:

  • AtkinsRéalis, Balfour Beatty, Network Rail and Story Geotech  - Whitehaven tunnel
  • AtkinsRéalis, Beckett Rankine and St William Homes - Bromley-by-Bow gasworks
  • AtkinsRéalis, South East Water and Geotechnical Engineering - Broad Oak Water
  • Bam Ground Engineering - Data that delivers: A holistic, low‑impact GI for a critical transmission link
  • Dunelm Geotechnical and Environmental, Cundall and Flotation Energy - Green Volt offshore wind farm
  • Geotechnics and Severn Trent - Hathersage to Worksop trunk main GI
  • Thames Water, Arup-Binnies JV, Mott MacDonald, Arcadis, Costain, Turner & Townsend, Laing O’Rourke and Nichols Group - White Horse reservoir GI
  • Topdrill - New Mills GI & monitoring

Ground Investigation Specialist of the Year

Winner: Marshall Drilling 

'Marshall Drilling deployed bespoke plant and a self-delivery model to access ground conditions others could not reach, evidencing outstanding innovation, strong partnering capability, and excellent client relationships. Combined with impressive profitable growth, their determined and pragmatic approach makes them a genuine standout. Keep it up!'

Finalist:

  • Arcadis 
  • Bam Ground Engineering’s Ground Investigation Team
  • Dunelm Geotechnical and Environmental  
  • Geoquip Marine 
  • Geotechnics 
  • Igne Ground Investigation Scotland 
  • Soil and Structures 
  • Wheeler Site Investigation 

Health and Safety Award

Winner: Bam Ground Engineering - Hands on safety: Ending HAVS in tunnel repairs

'Ben and George Chalmers presented a well-structured submission, articulating the benefits of their approach with clarity and demonstrating sound practical application. The result has been measurable improvement in safety outcomes alongside meaningful financial efficiency gains — an outcome the judges found both credible and impressive. Congratulations!'

Finalist:

  • Bam Ground Engineering - From culture to construction: How Bam Ground Engineering achieved zero LTIs in 2025
  • Bylor - Engineering out risk: Innovating a seismically qualified uncompacted backfill
  • Dunton Environmental - Behaviour safety: Stop cards rollout
  • SB3- Bachy Soletanche and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - Concrete line blockage management
  • SB3- Bachy Soletanche and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - Driving safety through digital visualization and simulation

International Project of the Year

Winner: Arup-Mott MacDonald JV - Central Kowloon bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)

'An epic achievement on a phenomenal scale in a constricted urban area which demonstrated compliance criteria. The judges were truly impressed with the overcoming of huge challenges with working environments sensitive structures and health and safety innovation. A smart management hub was developed, with integral management digital systems. Green steel and low carbon concrete was used to reduce carbon impact. What they have delivered will make a huge impact to millions of people for years to come. Well done!'

Finalist:

  • AtkinsRéalis - Northern european offshore windfarm cable landfall ground model
  • AtkinsRéalis - Qiddyia Six Flags theme park: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • AtkinsRéalis and EirGrid - Powering up offshore south coast
  • March Construction - Canterbury Museum redevelopment
  • RSK Geosciences - Sea supply project
  • States of Jersey Police  - States of Jersey Police Shooting Range
  • Structural Soils, Smart Seismic Solutions, Geotec SpA and RSK - Ground investigations for the future circular collider at CERN

Rising Star Award

Winner: Rowshi Hussain - Cundall

'The judges said Rowshi has demonstrated a confident command of ground engineering, combining technical rigour with outstanding stakeholder relationships. The passion Rowshi brings, and her determination to inspire others to join the industry, came through powerfully. The panel looks forward to watching her career develop. Congratulations Rowshi !'

Finalist:

  • Tom Anderson - Mott MacDonald
  • Andrew Bond - CGL
  • Judy Eid -  Tony Gee and Partners
  • Maritta Elias - Langan International UK
  • Sima Jovanovic - Arup
  • Thomas Pennington - Klohn Crippen Berger
  • Alexandra Telford - Aecom
  • Callum Thorpe - Arup
  • Timo Zheng - University of Glasgow

Sponsored By

Specialist Geotechnical Supplier of the Year

Winner: Marshall Drilling 

'Marshall Drilling exceeded all key criteria for this award. Their client relationships are built on unwavering quality, their business performance has been exceptional, and their highly specialised solutions deliver results where others cannot. A thoroughly deserving winner in every respect.'

Finalist:

  • Holcim UK
  • Hyperion Robotics 
  • Macfema 
  • Minova International 
  • SolGen 
  • TotaLite 

Sustainability Award

Winner: Gears, Tarmac, Bam Ground Engineering and Socotec - Ravelrig quarry blasting impact assessment, engagement & mitigation

'Our winners presented a transformative innovation to quarry blasting assessment, using artificial intelligence to drive significant CO₂ reductions whilst addressing longstanding community concerns. The team then convened an industry conference to share their findings, influencing national policy and setting a new UK benchmark. Well done!'

Finalist:

  • CGL - Delivering net zero outcomes through reuse of foundations (RuFUS)
  • HS2, National Highways, Expedition Engineering and PA Consulting - Accelerating the adoption of calcined clay
  • Hyperion Robotics - Low carbon 3D printed foundations
  • Keltbray, Wentworth, Arup and The Morton Partnership - Fifty Fenchurch Street
  • Mott MacDonald   -  Eastern Green link 2
  • Network Rail, Taylor Woodrow and Systra - CP7 Wales and Western: Forest Farm
  • North Yorkshire Council - Fore Gill Bridge Rebuild Scheme: A Sustainable Approach to the Renewal of Ageing Rural Infrastructure
  • Brockwell Energy, Jones Bros, Tony Gee and Partners and Vibro Menard   - North Kyle wind farm
  • Transport for London - Transport for London’s carbon modelling tool for carbon reduction in geotechnical design

UK Geotechnical Team of the Year

Winner: AtkinsRéalis WSP JV, Structural Soils, Transport Scotland - A83 Rest and Be Thankful long term solution GI team

'The judges were particularly impressed by the team working together as a single unit to holistically address the site challenging logistics and related health & safety risks, by introducing a new bespoke rig to enable the ground investigation. A project of this complexity required precisely this calibre of collaborative teamwork. Congratulations!'

Finalist:

  • Align-D: Rendel, Jacobs; Align JV: Bouygues Travaux Publics, VolkerFitzpatrick and Sir Robert McAlpine  -  C1 Earthworks - Western Valley Slopes – AlignJV IPT
  • Amey and National Highways - Southwest geotechnical team
  • AtkinsRéalis, Arup, British Geological Survey, Mott MacDonald, GCG, Cowi, A Squared Studio Engineers, Tony Gee & Partners, Aecom, Arcadis, Equip Group and Jacobs - Digital transformation of ground data team
  • Dunelm Geotechnical and Environmental, Cundall and Flotation Energy - Green volt
  • Keltbray, Wentworth, Arup and The Morton Partnership - Fifty Fenchurch Street
  • Network Rail, Murphy, AtkinsRéalis, Ainscough and Bam Ground Engineering - The Harlesden embankment delivery team
  • Network Rail, Taylor Woodrow and Systra - CP7 Wales and Western: Forest Farm team
  • Scottish Water, George Leslie, Cowi and WJ Groundwater - Provost driver court deep sewer repair
  • Southern Renewals Entreprise - Southern renewals entreprise
  • United Utilities, Keller and GDB - Impounding reservoir team

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

Winner: Geobear and Dorset Council  - Bridport Harbour wall B restoration

'This project successfully stabilised a Grade II listed harbour wall with 420mm of settlement, delivering a new 120-year service life and CO₂ savings of 8 to 13 tonnes. An exemplary demonstration of balancing heritage constraints, technical complexity and environmental responsibility through early stakeholder engagement. Keep up the good work!'

Finalist:

  • AtkinsRéalis, Beckett Rankine and St William Homes - Bromley-by-Bow gasworks
  • Bam Ground Engineering - Engineering accessibility: Delivering step-free travel at Northolt and Leyton
  • CGL - Little Crow Solar & BESS
  • Kent and Sussex Geotechnical - West Sussex Castle rock slope stabilisation
  • Oxford University, Beard Construction and Foundation Piling - Hertford college, Oxford
  • Pell Frischmann, Costain and Transport for London - Gallows corner fly-over upgrade
  • Whitby Wood and JRL Civil Engineering - Royal Mint Gardens
  • WSP - West Cliff landslip emergency works

Sponsored By

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

Winner: Mott MacDonald Bentley, Thames Water and HB Tunnelling - Faringdon storage solutions

'This project stood out for its understanding of ground conditions and associated geotechnical risks. The three-dimensional ground model gave the team the foundation needed to challenge the initial design and deliver a more elegant and efficient engineering outcome. Well done!'

Finalist:

  • Bachy Soletanche, Taylor Woodrow and Transport for London - Northfields depot enabling work
  • Bam Ground Engineering - Little haywood cutting: Safe, SMART, sustainable
  • Edwards Diving Services - Nant Morlais culvert repair
  • Menard - Tritax Kettering: Automated racking ground improvement solution
  • Network Rail, Taylor Woodrow and Systra - CP7 W&W: Forest Farm
  • Shropshire Council, Kier and WSP - Stabilisation of A488 Hope Valley

Sponsored By

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

Winner: Bam Ground Engineering - Grutness Pier piling: Strong foundations in stormy water

'This project delivered strong foundations in challenging conditions at a remote marine location, adapting the piling rig for down-the-hole combi-walling whilst maintaining an excellent safety record. Strong supply chain collaboration and thoughtful consideration of sustainability delivered clear benefits to the wider Shetland community. A great project!'

Finalist:

  • Arup, McLaren, Keller, Provectus, CAA Icon, Live Nation, Robertson Group and Cardiff Council -  Cardiff Arena and Hotel
  • Mott MacDonald Bentley, Severn Trent Water, Tensar, Active Tunnelling and JMH Directional Drilling - Cleobury Mortimer STW AMP7 replacement works
  • Mott MacDonald, Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, Wrexham CBC, AtkinsRéalis and Corderoy - B5605 Newbridge landslide remediation
  • The QTS Group and Network Rail - Falls of Cruachan
  • Tobermore, Fairhurst, Geoman and Esh - Sheepfolds subway
  • VolkerFitzpatrick, Network Rail, Ayesa, Keaveney Group as part of the Southern Renewals Entreprise - Robertsbridge sidings
  • VolkerFitzpatrick, Network Rail, Tony Gee and Partners, Bam Ground Engineering, VolkerGroundEngineering and Maple Track services as part of the Southern Renewals Entreprise - Edenbridge Embankment
  • VolkerFitzpatrick, Network Rail, Tony Gee and Partners and ProRail as part of the Southern Renewals Entreprise - Westham and Pevensey Embankment
  • Walsh Associates - Wandsworth Mills

UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of between £3M and £10M

Winner: Bam Ground Engineering, SSE and Cowi  - Deep thinking: Redefining safety and sustainability in Lochay Tunnels

'Meticulously planned and delivered in exceptionally challenging subterranean conditions, this project extended the life of a critical asset with a safety-first approach at every stage. Excellent collaboration between all parties was the defining factor in its success, and the judges commend the team.'

Finalist:

  • Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering  - M25 junction 10 improvement scheme
  • Careys Civil Engineering - 30 Grosvenor square
  • Menard, Winvic Construction - Avonmouth – Axis 5 – Ground improvement solution
  • Mott MacDonald  - Eastern Green link 2
  • Mott MacDonald Bentley, Northumbrian Water Group, FLI Precast and Active Tunnelling - Springwell enhancements
  • Network Rail, Murphy, Atkins Realis, Ainscough and Bam Nuttall - The Harlesden embankment remediation project
  • Structural Soils, the Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority, Rsk Ordnance Management, Port of London Authority, Red 7 Marine and In Situ Site Investigations - Palace of Westminster marine surveys
  • Taylor Woodrow, Network Rail, Tony Gee & Partners and QTS Group - CP7 Long Ashton Cutting
  • VolkerGround Engineering - Littleborough FRMS
  • VSL UK - SZC trench stability trials

UK Project with a Geotechnical Value over £10M

Winner: National Highways, Balfour Beatty, Arup, Zublin, Aecom -  A63 Castle Street Improvement

'A truly innovative design enabled construction of a key piece of national infrastructure considered extremely challenging to build. The judges were particularly impressed by the Project Steering Group — a structure with the potential to change how risk is managed on future comparable projects. Very worthy winners!'

Finalist:

  • Brockwell Energy, Jones Bros, Tony Gee and Partners and Vibro Menard - North Kyle wind farm
  • Coffey Geotechnics, Network Rail - Hague Bar embankment remediation
  • Cognition Land and Water - Meridian Water strategic infrastructure works – Remediation and earthworks
  • Dunton Environmental -  Kilnwood Vale: Delivering Ground Engineering Excellence Across a 132-Hectare Landmark UK Landfill Redevelopment
  • Fidra Energy, Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK and Coffey Geotechnics - Thorpe Marsh BESS Development
  • Graham and Sweco - M25 junction 28 improvements scheme
  • Keltbray, Wentworth, Arup and The Morton Partnership - Fifty Fenchurch street
  • WSP UK, Alun Griffiths -  St Austell to A30 Link

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Alan Phear

'With more than four decades of experience, Alan Phear has made an outstanding contribution to the field of earthworks, playing a key role in the delivery of some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects. A recognised industry leader and advocate for sustainability, he has championed decarbonisation, biodiversity and best practice long before he became key industry priorities.

His impact extends far beyond project delivery. Through his leadership in developing industry standards, publishing technical guidance, driving innovation and mentoring future generations of engineers, he has helped shape the future of ground engineering and left a legacy that continues to influence the profession today.'

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