The ABC Awards 2026: A Night That Raised the Bar
The Association of Brickwork Contractors Annual Awards returned this year bigger, bolder and buzzing with energy, as more than 330 guests gathered at the iconic The Brewery on Chiswell Street, London.
With a brand-new venue, record attendance and exciting new additions to the programme, the 2026 Awards marked a significant step forward for the event – while staying true to what matters most: celebrating excellence across the brickwork industry.
Managing Director Stephen Brown opened the evening by welcoming members, sponsors and judges, reflecting on another strong year for the Association. He was followed by host Martin Bayfield, whose warmth, humour and effortless presence set the tone perfectly for the night ahead.
Before the awards began, guests took part in a lively round of Heads & Tails in support of CRASH. The generosity in the room was remarkable, with £2,700 raised to support the charity’s vital work delivering projects for homelessness charities and hospices across the UK.
The 2026 Award Winners
As dinner service began, with a beautifully presented seared tuna starter infused with Asian-inspired flavours, attention turned to the heart of the evening: recognising the individuals and organisations setting the benchmark for our industry.
Commitment to Training & Development Award
Sponsored by Remix Dry Mortar
This award celebrates organisations that place learning, upskilling and long-term career development at the core of their business.
Swift Brickwork, Cara Brickwork and Lee Marley Group were shortlisted, three companies demonstrating exceptional commitment to developing their people.
The award was presented to Lee Marley Group.
With its dedicated academy, extensive apprenticeship programme and clear commitment to nurturing talent at every level, Lee Marley Group continues to set a powerful example for the industry.
Bricklayer Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by ACS
Judges praised the outstanding quality of nominations this year, highlighting not only technical excellence but also attitude, enthusiasm and personal growth.
The shortlist featured Brandon Bates and Danny Wood from Caxtons, Muktar Mohammed from Lee Marley, Rhys Henderson from Marlborough, and Ignas Gleba from Roe Brickwork – a truly impressive field of emerging talent.
The award was presented to Ignas Gleba.
His work ethic, willingness to learn and consistently high standards distinguished him in what was one of the strongest apprentice categories to date.
Unsung Hero Award
Sponsored by CPI Euromix
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came with the presentation of this brand-new award.
Created to recognise an individual who has quietly and consistently delivered exceptional value to their business and the wider industry, the Unsung Hero Award honours dedication that often goes unseen.
The judges’ citation described decades of mentorship, professionalism and unwavering commitment.
The award was presented to Mick Durkin of Marlborough Construction Services.
A thoroughly deserved recognition for an outstanding contribution to the industry.
Supplier of the Year Award
Sponsored by Marquee Group
Voted for exclusively by ABC members, this award recognises suppliers who consistently go above and beyond in service, support and partnership.
Keyfix, Siderise, IG Masonry Support, Dorsey and Miers Construction Products were shortlisted following strong member nominations.
After a closely fought vote…
The award was presented to Keyfix.
Entertainment, Laughter and Standout Moments
Following a main course of tender beef brisket glazed in tawny port and a dessert of orange filopita pudding with marmalade and Cointreau ice cream, guests settled in for the evening’s entertainment.
Martin Bayfield returned to the stage with a series of humorous and engaging stories, blending industry insight with personal anecdotes and dry wit. The laughter continued with a performance from comedy legend Bobby Davro, who had guests thoroughly entertained in the lead-up to the final and most prestigious award of the night.
The Big One…
Project of the Year Award
Sponsored by Grayson
The Association’s most prestigious honour recognises outstanding masonry projects delivered to the highest standards of craftsmanship and technical excellence.
Four exceptional projects were shortlisted:
20 Whitfield Street by Swift Brickwork.
56 The Bishop’s Avenue by City Brickwork.
Raffles on James Street in York by Marlborough Construction Services.
Skinner Street by Brickstone Construction.
Each project demonstrated remarkable quality, complexity and attention to detail.
But one stood above the rest.
The award was presented to Brickstone Construction for Skinner Street.
Described by judges as a “tour de force of brickwork”, the project impressed for its complexity, flawless execution and meticulous detailing across every elevation – a true benchmark for modern masonry excellence.
A Record-Breaking Night
A special mention goes to ACS, who not only sponsored the Bricklayer Apprentice of the Year Award but also designed and crafted this year’s trophies. Beautifully made, they reflected the very skill and pride celebrated throughout the evening.
Sincere thanks must also go to the panel of judges, whose time, expertise and careful consideration ensured an exceptionally high standard across every category. The quality of submissions made for an intensely competitive process, one that continues to strengthen the credibility and prestige of these awards.
With record attendance, a stunning new venue and exciting additions to the programme, this year’s Awards marked a new chapter for the ABC.
New surroundings.
New stories.
New milestones.
But the same shared values: quality, professionalism and pride in our craft.
As winners gathered for photographs and the room buzzed with congratulations and future plans, one thing was clear:
The brickwork industry isn’t just building projects.
It’s building people, partnerships and a stronger future.
Thank you to our members, sponsors, judges and guests for making it such a memorable evening.
We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.
See photos from the evening here: https://aofbc.co.uk/2026-awards-photographs/
