2025 FMB Central Master Builder Awards
2025 FMB Central winners
Buildwells Bricklaying & Construction Ltd, Small Renovation Project
The main objective of this small renovation was to increase living space and improve existing areas through a single rear extension and internal modifications, all within a limited budget. Key highlights include the abundance of natural light from skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows, and the distinctive exposed crank steel framing the modern kitchen. Despite the compact size, a neatly tucked-away luxury bathroom was integrated. Buildwells Bricklaying & Construction Ltd prioritised client relationships, even developing friendships, and maintained excellent neighbour rapport throughout the build. The project achieved a high-end, life-changing transformation for under £75,000, making it an exemplary small renovation.
Cornerhouse Building Contractors Ltd, Bathroom Project
Simplicity, luxury and technical expertise define this winning bathroom project by Cornerhouse. A blush-tinged concrete bath takes centre stage, carefully installed before the doorway due to its size and sourced all the way from Australia. White resin floors, marble and Corian-lined shower, and motion-activated lighting complete the luxurious scheme. The team expertly coordinated every detail to avoid damage to the high-end finishes. Judges praised it as “serenely beautiful” and recognised the complexity of the installation behind its elegant, understated design.
Cornerhouse Building Contractors Ltd, Housebuilder Award
Paddock House is a stunning bespoke five-bedroom home set over four levels, including two separate basements, in the heart of a Northamptonshire village. Created by Cornerhouse Building Contractors Ltd, it features standout elements such as an oak and steel staircase with a continuous oak handrail running its full height. At the rear, a 14-metre swimming pool is complemented by changing rooms, a sauna, and a basement gym. Judges praised the house for its exceptional craftsmanship and its seamless fusion of traditional materials with contemporary architectural design.
Cornerhouse Building Contractors Ltd, Commercial or Public Sector Project
Cornerhouse Building Contractors Ltd were tasked with building a glass extension to 78 Derngate: The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House – a museum in Northampton. The extension is designed to provide a visitor centre that entails features such as a retail area and gallery space where functions can be held. The team faced last-minute glass supply issues and were proactive to import the glass from Turkey as a solution.The museum was able to remain open during the entire build process using partition screens, and the client praised the quality of the finished product, finding the team a joy to work with.
Cubit Contracts Ltd, Kitchen Project
This comprehensive renovation transformed a previously poorly executed extension into a functional, aesthetically pleasing open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. A key objective throughout the build was to maintain active client involvement and collaboration with an award-winning architect. Highlights include the spacious layout, abundant natural light, opulent design with premium materials, and improved functionality. Relationship management focused on consistent communication, video updates, and regular site walkthroughs. The client praised the team's professionalism and communication. The project won for its exceptional craftsmanship, and innovative solutions, creating a stunning, functional space.
D&J Project Management Ltd, Sustainable Building Award
This outstanding retrofit of a 1920s Cambridgeshire home blends traditional charm with cutting-edge sustainability. Guided by a ‘warm core’ strategy and the AECB CarbonLite Standard, it features airtight construction thanks to innovative ‘passive purple’ spray, alongside solar PV with battery storage, MVHR ventilation and an air source heat pump. The finished home now saves an estimated 10 tonnes of carbon per year. The judges praised it as ‘a superb high-quality retrofit… embracing innovative products and ideas and making them work – beautifully.’ A thoughtful, fabric-first transformation – and a benchmark for sustainable renovation in period homes.
Preece & Sons (Carpentry) Limited, Large Renovation Project
Preece and Sons transformed a neglected barn into a stunning, sustainable home, blending rustic charm with a modern country aesthetic. Their careful renovation preserved original features while introducing contemporary design elements, staying true to the building’s heritage. Regular communication with both the client and architect ensured transparency and smooth progress throughout the project. The result is a beautifully updated space that feels both timeless and fresh. Judges praised the outstanding transformation and the team's commitment to craftsmanship, collaboration, and sustainability, highlighting how effectively the old structure was brought back to life with care and creativity.
Jack Nailor from Preece & Sons (Carpentry) Limited, Apprentice of the Year
Jack is a second-year apprentice in Bricklaying and holds a completed Level 1 Diploma. Currently employed at Preece & Sons Ltd, Jack continues to show a commitment to his own development and a genuine passion for his craft. For example, he took initiative during a project to ensure barn stones could be reused effectively by carefully measuring their dimensions and mapping out a layout before starting any reconstruction work – preserving the character of the old barn and saving time by minimising need for adjustments. Jack is an asset to his team and a deserving winner of Apprentice of the Year.
R Lange Construction Ltd, Medium Renovation Project
This renovation project focused on demolishing the existing garage and constructing a double-story extension. The property now features a spacious master bedroom with an ensuite, an expanded kitchen and an integrated garage, meticulously blending with the original home. Key highlights include the ensuite's vaulted ceiling, a large gable window with stunning views, and harmonious, colourful tile work. Challenges involved finding a perfect match for existing stonework and the complex installation of heavy roof steels due to access issues, which was overcome by utilising a spider crane. The client's testimonial praises the high-quality workmanship and Ryan Lange Construction's professionalism and communication throughout the build.
Steven Sillwood of Revamped Ltd, Outstanding Builder of the Year
Steven Sillwood from Revamped Ltd, exemplify excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and community impact. From bespoke client design workshops to their custom-built project management platform, Steven and Revamp deliver exceptional service from concept to completion. Judges praised his ‘deep commitment to supporting colleagues, clients and the community’ and highlighted his post-completion care, industry leadership, and over £15,000 raised for local causes. With a strong focus on mentoring apprentices, investing in training, and championing technology across the sector, Revamp is not only building homes – but building a better future for construction. A truly outstanding and deserving winner.
Vantage & Co Group Limited, Business of the Year
Vantage and Co has shown exceptional leadership and business management through strategic initiatives that have driven growth, boosted efficiency, and upheld strong ethical and sustainable values. Judges praised their expansion of both client base and services, particularly through eco-friendly construction solutions that meet market demand and reinforce their position. Their personalised, proactive service continues beyond project completion, offering post-project support to ensure lasting client satisfaction. Internally, the introduction of team-building activities and employee recognition programs has significantly improved morale and unity, enhancing overall productivity and workplace culture.
Thank you to our sponsors
Headline sponsor
Rise Up is proud to be the headline sponsor of the Federation of Master Builders Central Awards, celebrating excellence in construction. Led by industry experts Robin Hayhurst and Dave Symondson, Rise Up empowers contractors to become developers by providing funding, sites, and hands-on training. Following our successful workshop in January, we’re hosting another event in September. Join our waiting list to discover how you can take your business to the next level—and see us at the Central Awards on 4th July!
Drinks reception sponsor
TradePoint is the trade only arm of B&Q, offering a huge range of trusted brands. We supply products and services for every project, all under one roof at convenient locations nationwide. Our range not only covers building, decorating, electrical, plumbing, tools, hardware, landscaping, timber, joinery, safety, workwear and much more, but we also have dedicated kitchens and bathrooms showrooms with takeaway same day ranges.
Whether you're a builder, decorator or kitchen and bathroom fitter, you could be eligible for free TradePoint membership, giving you access to a great range of materials and tools.
For more information, visit www.trade-point.co.uk
Event supporters
CITB is the industry training board for the construction sector in England, Scotland, and Wales. It’s our job to help the construction industry attract talent and to support skills development, to build a better Britain. CITB’s dedicated advisers support employers every step of the way with SMEs able to have up to 95% of their apprenticeships training costs covered, as well as providing training support for your current workforce.
For more information, visit www.citb.co.uk
Northern Building Plastics offers express nationwide delivery from our 5 super depots on a huge range of fascia and soffit, guttering, window trims, cladding, roofing, timber and much more. Order up to 10pm for free next day delivery via our own fleet. For more information visit www.nbp.co.uk
Birmingham City University is proud to sponsor the Federation of Master Builders Awards, recognising excellence across the construction industry.
We work in partnership with employers to deliver Higher and Degree Apprenticeships that develop the next generation of construction professionals. Our programmes in Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Real Estate, Civil Engineering and Construction Site Management are designed to help businesses grow their own talent, support staff development, and meet future skills needs across the sector.
2025 Central judges
Nathan Wilkins
Nathan Wilkins
Nathan Wilkins is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in construction skills development, strategic partnerships, and workforce growth. Currently a Customer Engagement Manager at CITB, Nathan works across the East Midlands and East of England, collaborating with industry leaders to tackle skills shortages and drive innovation in the construction sector.
With a background in project management, business leadership, and stakeholder engagement, Nathan has a proven track record of delivering impactful initiatives that create lasting value. As a passionate advocate for excellence, he is proud to serve as a judge for the Federation of Master Builders Awards 2025, celebrating the industry’s outstanding talent.
Philippa Lurcock
Philippa Lurcock
Philippa Lurcock, an architectural designer specialising in extending and remodelling family homes, enhancing space and functionality in a way that honours the original design intention of each building with meticulous attention to detail. Her passions include pantries, wet verges and perfectly matched bricks.
The daughter of an architectural draftsman/chartered surveyor, Philippa’s formative years were spent pouring over her dad’s blueprints and drafting her own - usually Adam style mansions - and trespassing on new build estates at the weekends where she would be shown round carcasses of homes frozen in a moment mid-build, explaining their layout and construction.
Obsessed with residential houses and home transformation, her idea of a good time is pouring over local planning applications and chatting to builders about their latest projects so being asked to be a regional judge for the FMB Master Builder Awards 2025 is a real treat for Philippa!
Tim Phillips
Tim Phillips
Tim Phillips is a Quantity Surveyor with over 30 years of experience in commercial and residential construction and has managed a diverse range of projects including multi-million-pound budgets. For the past 17 years, he has worked as a freelance consultant through his company, www.quantiv.uk, combining his professional acumen with hands-on experience gained through managing his own full-scale renovations.
Tim writes a monthly ‘Build Cost Clinic’ for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine and frequently delivers seminars at their live events across the UK. He is a familiar voice on Fix Radio and contributes to The Times, The Telegraph, and other leading publications.