CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
A Construction Manager Jason Hunt MCIOB, who was the driving force behind a multi-million-pound transformation of a cultural landmark has been named the Chartered Institute of Building’s Construction Manager of the Year.
Jason Hunt faced stiff competition from dozens of finalists across a variety of categories to claim the top gong following his project to refurbish Bristol Beacon, the city’s largest concert hall.
His leadership inspired a team to complete the incredibly complex project in less than five years, navigating challenges including hollow brickwork columns and hidden Elizabethan wells in the basement.
Speaking after picking up his award, Jason, who also claimed top prize in the Construction Manager, Renovation and Restoration category, said he was honoured to be selected by the judges.
He added: "I’m absolutely speechless, it’s a fantastic award for me, the project and the industry at large. It’s great to be recognised and I am proud to have done it, but it wasn’t without its heartache.
“We knew it was a special project when we took it on and it grew and grew. There were a lot of challenges, but to achieve what we did, as a Bristolian, is great."
Finalists gathered alongside scores of spectators at a glittering, black-tie event at London's Hilton Metropole Hotel on 15 May as they eagerly awaited the results.
Other award categories on the night included Rising Star, which was scooped up by Rohit Malhotra MCIOB of AtkinsRéalis and Sustainability Award, won by Ian Pritchett of Greencore homes.
Other winners included:
- Construction Manager, High Rise Accommodation – David John MCIOB, Willmott Dixon.
- Construction Manager, Low Rise Accommodation – Graham Potts, Kier Construction.
- Construction Manager, Education – Michael Braiden MCIOB, Morgan Sindall.
- Construction Manager, Public – Steve Fennell MCIOB, Bovis Construction.
- Construction Manager, Commercial and Leisure - Graham Mercer MCIOB, Skanska UK.
- Construction Manager, Healthcare – Dean Williams, Kier Construction.
- Team Award – Norton Folgate Delivery Team, Skanska UK.
- Client Award – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
- Equality Diversity and Inclusion Individual Award – Gary Jones MCIOB, House of Parliament.
- Equality Diversity and Inclusion Team Award – Be One, Dobuild.
Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive Officer at CIOB, added: “Jason’s achievement represents the very best of what construction management can deliver – exceptional leadership, technical excellence, along with dedication and commitment in the face of complexity.
The CIOB Awards celebrate individuals who deliver outstanding results and Jasons’ work at Bristol Beacon, which I have had the privilege of visiting, is a shining example of that. On behalf of CIOB, I congratulate him and all this year’s remarkable winners.”
This article appears on the CIOB news and blogsite as 'Project Manager Jason Hunt MCIOB lands prestigious CIOB CMYA award' dated 15 May, 2025.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- A new theory for managing large complex projects.
- CIOB articles.
- Code of practice for project management.
- Code of practice for programme management.
- Construction manager.
- Management in the construction industry
- Guide to managing construction projects.
- How to become a construction manager.
- Leadership on design and construction projects.
- Management structure for construction clients.
- Practice management.
- Project manager.
- Relationship management.
- Safety management.
- Total quality management in construction.
- Value management.
Featured articles and news
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.