Introduced by Federation of Piling Specialist’ (FPS) Chair, Steve Hadley and hosted by special celebrity guest Ruby Wax, the FPS 2021 Awards, sponsored by Cleveland Steel and Tubes, were a great success.
Held on 15th October at the Hilton Tower Bridge Hotel in London, the Awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of individuals and companies of the FPS, in particular, the contribution made to the piling and ground engineering industry.
Some 33 entries were submitted for the Awards, and such was the standard that it genuinely was a difficult task for the judges to select the winners. However, after much deliberation the following members walked away with a winners’ trophy!
Safety and Innovation Award, Sponsored by Acero Construction
Keller, for its ‘Anti Kink Hose Spring,’ of which the judges said was ‘a necessary innovation for the industry, especially considering hose blow outs are an ongoing issue, with potentially fatal consequences. It is a great workforce-led solution and with evidence of it being used by other companies shows the innovation is clearly a success.’
Technology Award, Sponsored by Cementation Skanska
Keller, for its ‘Special Double Jet Grout,’ of which the judges said ‘showed that significant development work was used to create this technology, with the innovation showing clear cost benefits, but also research benefits of grouting in specific ground conditions. In addition, the judges noted that on site field validation has been used to effectively prove the success of the application.
Sustainability Award, Sponsored by John Lawrie Tubular
Cementation Skanska, for its ‘Zero-Trim Piles,’ of which the judges commented ‘showed a great example of development to application despite the issues faced. It showed a modest concrete volume reduction, but significant reduction in wasted effort for follow-on trades. The judges also said the ‘entry showed incredibly good examples of working towards a solution’ and that ‘this innovation could be the future.’
Early Career Award, Sponsored by Bauer Equipment
Lydia Widdicks of Cementation Skanska took home this award, with the judges commenting: ‘Lydia has proven to be a very competent and intelligent individual, who has clearly demonstrated a very dynamic ability with the projects she has managed and contributed to. The responsibility given in her latest position shows that her managers are fully trusting of her abilities to win work for the business. Lydia has shown evidence of supporting colleagues though teamwork and encouraging new members onto the graduate program and has taken the time to produce a paper on the Scottish project, which proves a great enthusiasm for Ground Engineering. Her ability to undertake so many roles within the business and being awarded several promotions proves her dedication to both the industry and the business.’
FPS Chair’s Award, Sponsored by Cleveland Steel and Tubes
David Major of Expanded – this award is intended to give recognition from the FPS to someone who has made a special contribution to the industry, and the FPS was delighted to recognise David for the work he has done in recent years.
David is a true unsung hero of the FPS, working within the Federation’s committees to affect real change. He has a unique passion for improving the piling industry and is a personal development champion, something which can be seen in David’s unselfish approach to helping his peers across the industry. In support of this, David devised the concept of the Early Career Group within the FPS, and further he has ensured this is now an established group in which new talent entering the piling industry can develop and network with likeminded individuals.
David’s commitment and energy for the ECG group, has seen participation grow and interest increase from across the industry, including international attendance. His ability to sell a concept and create an established group in just three years is testament to the energy and passion David has for bettering the industry and encouraging talent to join and grow within it.
Though his time in the industry has been relatively short compared to others, David is already forming a lasting legacy and one which will be a platform for future leaders of our industry to grow from within. A very deserving winner!
Of course, there can be only a few winners, but the FPS would like to offer its praise to all entries as the quality and standard really did make the judges job difficult! The FPS would also like to formally thank the Award’s sponsors without them, the event would not have been possible.
The FPS would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors for their support: Cleveland Steel and Tubes, Acero Construction, John Lawrie Tubulars, Cementation Skanska, Casagrande, Soilmec, Bauer Equipment, TOTAL, F Brazil and Keller.
Well Done and Thank You All!