PlantWorx 2025’s first day concluded with a night of celebration as the Innovation Awards recognised the products, people, and initiatives shaping the future of construction.
The evening began with a tribute to Joanna Oliver MBE, marking her 30 years of service with the CEA, followed by the inaugural Claire Plant Award. Created in memory of Claire Plant, who played a pivotal role in supporting Steelwrist UK and co-founding S Type X, the award was accepted by her husband, Pat Bulcock, in a poignant moment that set the tone for the evening.
Eight award categories were contested, with judges praising the exceptional calibre of entries and how close this year’s decisions were. The judging panel brought together expertise from across the sector, including:
Joanna White, Research, Development & Innovation Director, National Highways
James Barden, Head of Major Projects Innovation, Lynch Plant Hire
Graham Black, Editor, Earthmovers
Dale Hawkins, Editor, Awesome Earthmovers
Katie Kelleher, Technical Publications & Careers Manager, CPA
Their combined knowledge ensured a rigorous judging process, with winners chosen for their innovation, real-world impact, and ability to move the industry forward.
Support Products Award – sponsored by Finning Cat
Winner: Towmate Trailers – Pivot Axle – praised by judges as “simple, clever and designed to solve a very real challenge for operators.”
Highly Commended: SITE-ARC – Tracked Welder Generator, a Network Rail-approved tracked welder designed for remote and challenging locations.
Sustainability Initiative Award – Sponsored by Supply Chain Sustainability School
Winner: Gaia Group – Automate, an AI-driven power management system that reduces site emissions by up to 80%.
Highly Commended: Donaldson Europe B.V. – PowerCore Edge, a compact air cleaner delivering full filtration performance in 65% less space.
Safety Innovation Award – sponsored by TVH
Winner: Xwatch Safety Solutions, part of Hexagon – Xwatch MK2, commended for its next-generation approach to operator protection and integration with other site systems.
Highly Commended: Conquip Engineering Group – Concrete Skip Safety Attachment.
Best Use of Engineering & Technology Innovation – Sponsored by Datatag
Winner: Worsley Plant – Dynaset HRVB Hydraulic Recycling Vacuum Bucket, offering a faster, cleaner, and more sustainable way to collect and sort materials.
Highly Commended: Watson & Hillhouse / Movax – Next Gen Side Grip SG-VA Series, a precision pile-driving solution ideal for restricted spaces.
Best Marketing Campaign Supporting PlantWorx 2025 – Sponsored by PlantWorx
Winner: Groundhog – Daisy Hog Campaign, praised as “refreshing, fun, and a perfect example of how to stand out in a competitive market.”
Security Initiative Award – Sponsored by CEA Police Fund
Winner: RAPID – the Registered Assets Police Information Database, recognised as a vital tool in tackling machinery theft.
Excellence in Workforce Development – Sponsored by Personal Group
Joint Winners:
- Rethinking Futures for its schools and college careers project and careers event, helping young people connect with industry.
- Lynch Plant for its Second Chances programme at HMP Highpoint, which gives prisoners the opportunity to train for construction careers ahead of release.
Alternative Power Innovation Award – sponsored by KGP
Winner: Kubota – Electric Retrofit Kit, allowing KX019-4 mini excavators to be converted to zero-emission machines.
Highly Commended: Instagrid UK Ltd – Instagrid GO, delivering portable, emission-free energy for high-power tools on construction sites.
Special Achievement Award for Sustainability & Alternative Power – sponsored by PlantWorx
Winners: BAM, Flannery and Plantforce for their leadership in the Element One hydrogen trial programme, and Lynch Plant Hire for its deployment of the Ultimate Cell Truck Engine V3.0, achieving fuel savings of over 30% in live site conditions.
James Cadman, Head of Environmental Sustainability at the Supply Chain Sustainability School, said:
“We’ve just had the hottest year on record in the UK, and we all know the reasons why. Whether you’re acting because of client demands, investor pressure, corporate targets, or because it’s simply the right thing to do, we all need to take action to reduce our carbon emissions. Tonight’s winners are proof that this industry is serious about driving meaningful change.”
CEA CEO, Viki Bell, added: “These awards show just how committed our industry is to tackling the toughest challenges — from reducing emissions and improving safety to investing in skills and innovation. PlantWorx is about giving these achievements a platform, celebrating the people behind them, and inspiring others to raise the bar even higher.”
