Specialist contractor of the year

Winner
Keltbray
Turnover up 80%. Profit up 70%. Staff numbers up two-thirds. Repeat business at 80%. This London-based excavation and demolition specialist has really taken off in the past three years, and the judges thought it was high time this was recognised. Having expanded the core business to incorporate waste management, logistics, enabling and piling, groundworks and facade retention, it seems there's little Keltbray can't do – and that's backed up by clients who say the company is a vital part of their project teams. Nowhere more so than on the demolition, excavation and delicate facade retention works on its W8 project, phase one of the Regent Street regeneration scheme, for Westminster council. Having to work on super-tight sites in busy areas, it would be easy to forget your neighbours' needs – but not Keltbray, which has won 17 gold Considerate Contractor Awards and two Considerate Builders awards from Westminster council.

'Our most respected specialist contractor'

RUNNERS-UP
Controlled Demolition Group
It's not called the Controlled Demolition Group for nothing. With strict adherence to health, safety and environmental directives, and an unshakeable partnering philosophy, this Yorkshire firm does it all by the book and ticks every box. But what really impressed the judges about CDG was its remarkable three-stage demolition work on its Croydon town-centre scheme. Here, it had to knock down part of a building before the Mecca Bingo Hall beneath had moved out – without disrupting a single game. Now that's what we call controlled. And it seems the effort has paid off: business is booming and it has landed second place in this year's awards. Bingo!

'CDG's professionalism and commitment to the job paid dividends'

Marlborough Brickwork
The heartfelt client testimonial below seems typical of people's reactions to Marlborough, and this is reflected in the company's books. Profit has increased a staggering 203% over the past year alone as this Leeds company grows in strength, experience and numbers. Something of a regular at Building's Brick Awards, Marlborough Brickwork has shown "a remarkable degree of consistency in quality"

– but it's not just about sheer skill. The firm's dedication to safety awareness on its exemplar St John's College scheme won it a special award from main contractor Balfour Beatty in recognition of its outstanding contribution.

'A first-class company not just in brickwork but also in general construction, always looking to meet everyone's needs'

4m Flooring
2003 was a fantastic year for this Crewe-based specialist: with profit up a jaw-dropping 263% on the previous year, 4m Flooring is definitely on the up-and-up. And the reason for this sudden success? It has been working on some plum jobs, including a £556,000 deal for Bentley as part of the £64m factory refurbishments. This contract is typical of 4m, which has provided fit-for-purpose flooring systems for a range of prestigious automotive clients, such as Jaguar, Rolls Royce and Land Rover, over the years, as well as super-high-tech companies across other sectors. And with all staff CSCS-accredited and IIP status in place, 4m seems pretty fit-for-purpose too.

'Unique in the world of flooring companies'

Alumet Systems
Alumet Systems capabilities have evolved from windows and curtain walling to a "full facade solution" – meaning the company can now design, fabricate and install the complete external envelope of a building. But the integrated nature of the business doesn't end there. Shortlisted in our Specialist Contractor Awards 2003 for the Integrated Supply Chain category, Alumet is a model of best partnering practice, which may be the reason for all its repeat business. Its work with major contractors has led to innovations such as the Alumet Balcony and the Avon Dry Wall Beam, which helps reduce construction time and prevent weather-related delays. This going-the-extra-mile attitude secured its deserved place as one of this year's finalists.

'Very proactive in design innovation and problem solving'