Prestigious UKCW Role Models campaign returns for eighth year

Entries are now open to nominate and celebrate the construction sector’s unsung heroes, with the launch of this year’s prestigious UK Construction Week Role Models campaign.

With a three category format which debuted in 2024, UKCW Role Models shines a spotlight on the industry’s professionals whose work and dedication may have previously gone unrecognised.

The shortlist will be announced at UKCW London (7-9 May), with the winner crowned at UKCW Birmingham (30 September - 2 October).

The Role Models campaign is open to anyone who works in the sector, including architecture, engineering, construction technology and property development, and is aimed at inspiring others to share their stories and career journeys.

The three categories are:

• Rising Star for Apprentices - An emerging talent showing exceptional promise and dedication, poised to make significant contributions and shape the future of their field.
• Pioneer - A trailblazer who leads the way, introducing innovative methodologies; someone who drives progress in their field and embodies courage, vision, and determination.
• Icon - An individual who has achieved a renowned reputation through their lasting influence, excellence, and significant contributions in their industry, inspiring others.

The three winners will not only receive a mentoring prize but gain invaluable exposure to over 22,000 industry professionals and experts through UK Construction Week’s social and marketing platforms.

Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “The Role Models awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your unique skills, achievements, and innovative approaches, positioning yourself as a trailblazer and thought leader in the construction sector.

“Every year, the judges are wowed by the inspirational stories and we’re sure this year will be no different. The awards not only showcase the many varied career opportunities - they can inspire others within the industry and open doors.”

Last year’s UKCW Role Model winners were Rising Star - Bethany Collins from BPS Builders Merchants (Building & Plumbing Supplies Ltd); Pioneer - James Brown, Head of Digital Manufacturing at Prodtex; and Icon - Paula McMahon, Chartered Civil Engineer at Sir Robert McAlpine.

Bethany Collins commented: “It’s brilliant that UK Construction Week does awards like this, especially for young people getting into apprenticeships and coming into the construction industry and having someone recognise your hard work; personally it’s such an honour to have that mantle for a year.”

Paula McMahon added: “It was totally unexpected to win; I think it’s a brilliant way to encourage the next generation [in the industry].”

Other previous UKCW Role Model winners include: Christina Leia Riley, Senior Planner at Quinn London Ltd (2020), Andy Howe, Managing Director at CareerForces Ltd (2022 ) and Barbara Akinkunmi, founder of Girls Under Construction (2023).

Barbara Akinkunmi said: “UK Construction Week has given me a platform to get myself out there and be a representation for young diverse women that are currently killing it in the industry.”

The only event designed to cater for the whole construction supply chain, UKCW London 2025 will not only be co-located with The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces for the first time in its history, but will also feature an array of exciting initiatives and exclusive launches.

With an overall theme of ‘Growth’, UK Construction Week (UKCW) London will feature over 200 exhibitors, 300+ seminars, CPD sessions and workshops, alongside a wealth of specialist areas including:

• Workwear & PPE Live by PCIAW®, a new dedicated show for construction clothing, footwear, and accessories, in an exclusive partnership with the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW®).

• After the success of its debut at the Birmingham show in October, UKCW London will also feature Onsite On Hire, making its return to London after 16 years. Onsite On Hire is a hire industry showcase designed to show the very best tools, compact plant and equipment exhibitors.

• Another exciting feature for the show in May, and coming to UK Construction Week London for the first time, will be HVAC+R, which will see a showcase of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration solutions.

UKCW London’s exhibitor list is now live, with confirmed names including Toshiba, Metrotile, Hahn Plastics, Ford, Kingspan and Fischer Future Heat.

Following the London show in May 2025, UKCW Birmingham returns to the NEC from 30 September to 2 October 2025.

To register for UKCW London for free, visit https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-london-2025/cab-pr