Derby-based Specialist Contractor, Cawarden, was crowned the ‘Demolition Contractor of the Year’ at the 2023 British Demolition Awards and British Asbestos Awards held on Friday, 1 September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.
Cawarden won the same title in 2021 and is thrilled to win it again, competing with five other contractors from across the UK.
The British Demolition Awards, powered by Demolition Hub and headline sponsored by the global machinery specialist, LiuGong Direct UK, is now in its fifth year and has become a highly anticipated event in the demolition industry’s events calendar. Recognising and celebrating the very best in the demolition sector today, the awards reward the very best companies, teams and individuals.
This year, Demolition Hub received a record-breaking number of entries across all categories, with eight awards up for grabs on the night.
To be considered for the prestigious Demolition Contractor of the Year Award, sponsored by Suffolk-based Kocurek Excavators, Cawarden underwent a rigorous judging process that included a comprehensive written submission and supporting evidence showcasing significant growth, accomplishments, and completed projects from the past year. The submission also displayed Cawarden's unwavering dedication to fulfilling its social responsibility commitments.
The judging panel was made up of Richard Vann, Founder and Managing Director of project management and engineering consultancy, RVA Group; Dr Terry Quarmby Director of Dorton Group; and Wayne Bagnall MBE, Director at Wayne Bagnall Ltd.
The Judges Commented
“Cawarden always works hard to do all the right things and grow by recognising and addressing the significant challenges the company has overcome. With social value at the core of its business they always showcase the many ways they give back to their employees, the environment and the local community.”
William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, said:
“It is incredible to watch the growth of the business over the last few years. The way Cawarden's longstanding employees have adapted to the changes in demolition, how our new recruits have integrated into the company and expanded our skill base, and the way our younger recruits have eagerly embraced the industry and become part of the team is fantastic!
“Cawarden is changing. We are no longer a Demolition Contractor the way we were 25 years ago. We offer clients a comprehensive package, including testing, consultancy, demolition, remediation, and building up to slab level. This not only expands our business in a new direction but it enables Cawarden to continue to undertake our traditional core business – demolition.
“For Cawarden to win this award with a panel of judges who are three of the most respected people in the demolition world is incredible and makes me very proud of what we have all achieved.”
Demolition Hub Founder Ben Chambers said:
“Under Managing Director William Crooks’ leadership, supported by sons and fellow directors, ambitious plans are afoot with further sustainable growth. Cawarden regularly promotes careers in this exciting industry to younger generations and to those who are long-term unemployed, while providing work experience opportunities for school pupils, students and graduates.”
“Having no say in who wins what at each British Demolition Awards is both a blessing and a curse. However, when as so often the judge’s opinion aligns with my own and a deserving winner is crowned then I cannot help but be that extra bit delighted.
“This happened once again when I received confirmation of Cawarden once again winning Demolition Contractor of the Year at the 2023 British Demolition Awards.
“Cawarden is a family business where the family extends to all employees, offering safe, innovative, clean and impressive sites and obtaining a plethora of contracts within a variety of disciplines across the country.
“Cawarden is also an absolute pleasure to deal with - Congratulations.”
Attended by more than 400 guests, including a large proportion of all UK-based contractors and global machinery specialists, the event offered the perfect opportunity to talk business, network and socialise.
The event raised more than £8,000 for various charitable organisations, including DEMOLISTEN (a joint venture between DEMOLITION HUB and Mates in Mind) which focuses on improving mental health in the demolition industry. Additionally, the Mavis Nye Foundation received support for those impacted by mesothelioma.