The special thing about these awards is that they are about people, not projects. They are not about sexy architecture or huge infrastructure projects, they celebrate what makes a person and their achievements special.

Another key element is the client. The client must think the manager is special too. Unless there’s a ringing endorsement from the client, that person cannot win.

Over the next few pages, you will encounter an impressive cross-section of the UK’s best construction managers. Unlike some awards we don’t concentrate on the flagship projects: you’ll also read about people who almost have to run their jobs single-handedly.

The calibre of all the winners is extremely high. We had an extremely lengthy discussion to pick the overall winner – and it was not an easy task.

The construction industry has improved its performance considerably in the last five to ten years, so that these CMYA finalists have to be exceptional to rise above the rest. Congratulations to them all!

Alan Crane FCIOB, chairman of judges, Construction Manager of the Year 1981

It’s not easy being a judge

It’s no mean feat winning a CMYA medal. All in all, the judges – all members or fellows and all donating their time – visited 99 sites in the 11 categories this year. Anyone who is pinpointed as a potential finalist receives a 45-minute grilling from the judging panel, which interviews the construction manager together with the client and/or the nominator at the project.

After 50 or more questions the contender then has to deliver a five-minute presentation on a subject they have received a week previously. The topics include health and safety, the changing role of the client, and sustainability.

The party then go on a tour of the building to allow the judges to ask more questions and gauge more about the competitor’s personality.

The judges score as they go using a moderated scoring system and then reach a consensus within each category. The chair of judges for each category then puts their winner forward at a meeting to decide who the Construction Manager of the Year should be. Phew!

Awards and judges

CMYA Overall winner

Projects over £50m
Judged by Bob Martini, John Mason, Phil Rowley, Bill Preston, Chris Richards

Projects £25m-£50m
Judged by Bob Martini, John Mason, Chris Richards, Phil Rowley

Projects £15m-£25m
Judged by Chris Harris, Mike May, Bill Preston, Steve Trotter, Douglas Weston, Alan Williamson

Projects £10m-£15m
Judged by Martin Crandon, Nick Cumersdale, Peter Whitmore

Projects £7m-£10m
Judged by Bill Preston, Robbie Ross, Martin Tomlinson, Steve Trotter, Douglas Weston

Projects £4m-£7m
Judged by Doug Goodair, John Mason, Peter Searle

Projects under £4m
Judged by Colin France, Gordon Hawker, Ian Harris

Restoration
Judged by Gareth Davies, David Hurricks, John Norman

Residential under 4 storeys
Judged by Michael Greaves, Barry Natton, Jane Wade

Residential over 4 storeys
Judged by Michael Greaves, Barry Natton, Jane Wade

PFI
Judged by Paul Harding, John Norman, Victoria Russell

Mobile Technology
Sponsored by Morse


All reports written by Peter Kernan

Source

Construction Manager