WCoBM awards celebrate excellence and dedication

The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM) held its annual City & Awards luncheon, at the spectacular Painters’ Hall on Monday (March 17), where it recognised the achievements of rising stars in the builders’ merchant sector, as well as highlighting exceptional service among WCoBM’s military affiliations and rewarding the accomplishments of other organisations or individuals the Company supports through its Education & Training Charitable Fund.

WCoBM Master Steve Boyer said: “I am delighted to stand here today to celebrate the very best of our industry. We have gathered to celebrate the excellence achieved by individuals both in the building materials industry and beyond, to the brilliant merchants who shape our environment, to the dedication of the men and women in our armed forces and the inspiring cadets who are the future of our nation, and we cannot thank you all enough.”

The BMF student winners were:

• Best Online Student: George Longworth, Peppard Building Supplies.
• Best Performing Diploma Student: Elliot Taylor, Branch Manager, Silvertons.
• Best Performing Apprentice of the Year: Tiffany West, Sales Assistant, MKM Building Supplies.

Each year, the Master presents an award to someone within the Livery who has gone above and beyond to support the Company and its works. This year’s winner was Past Master Andy Williamson, of whom The Master said: “As a direct result of Andy’s work, the Company now has the highest number of Liverymen and Freemen ever, and he has demonstrated time and time again his commitment to the Company’s future growth and success.”

The ‘Caring for the Environment’ award was presented to Mannok, for its strong corporate strategy that demonstrates the company’s leading focus and commitment to the environment. Judges described the scale of Mannok’s projects and its focus, relative to the size of the business, as inspiring. The award acknowledges companies or individuals represented in the Livery who have gone above and beyond in the areas of waste management, manufacturing processes, packaging or product development to ensure greater sustainability or resource efficiency. Cemex UK was also highly commended for its ‘Future in Action’ and ‘Water Action Plan’ programmes.

The prizes were presented by Guest of Honour Alderman Tim Hailes FKC JP who, subject to election, will become the 698^th Lord Mayor of London in November 2025. He said: “The Builders’ Merchants Company [represents] a trade that remains hugely relevant today. We are surrounded by people who dedicate huge swathes of their time to great causes, and to supporting our armed forces, to philanthropic activities, to education and apprenticeships. Today we celebrate triumphs in sustainability, promoting all that is good about the Livery movement, and supporting outstanding people.”

The WCoBM affiliation award winners were:

Build Up Foundation Leadership Award for Design and Construction: Lisa Hoang Ka and Bewaji Oyesanyg

WCoBM Award nominated by No Going Back for Design and Construction Rising Star: Arno Smit

WCoBM Award winner nominated by HMS Forth for Outstanding Service to the Royal Navy:  Chief Petty Officer Adam Thompson

WCoBM Award for All Round Contribution to Unit Effectiveness: Leading Seaman Dominic Gregory, Chief Bosun’s Mate, HMS Forth

WCoBM Awards nominated by Third Battalion, The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment:

Best Soldier:  Private Robin Dryden

Best Recruit:  Private William Mills

WCoBM Awards nominated by Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

 Award for Excellence: Sgt Stephen Lynch

  Aviator of the Year: Corporal Connor Jenkin

WCoBM Award-winner nominated by Beckenham & Penge Sea Cadet Unit 

Outstanding Service: Cadet First Class Adam Ogidel