Collaboration sits at the heart of progress in the highways sector – and the DfT Special Recognition Awards highlight the partnerships making a real difference. Entries are now open, and the Collaborative Partnership Award, sponsored by Kiely Bros, is your chance to showcase the impact of working together.
Whether you’re delivering large-scale infrastructure, tackling shared challenges, or transforming local service delivery, this award recognises partnerships that are making a real impact by working together.
Collaborative Partnership Award
Sponsored by Kiely Bros
This award provides recognition to outstanding partnerships, collaborations, or joint initiatives significantly contributing to the advancement and improvement of the highways and transportation sector.
In 2024, the category saw an overwhelming response, with 22 entries involving 123 organisations, and it was fantastic to see all the different ways that the public and the private sector are working together.
Last year’s winner: Multevo and Shropshire Council
Multevo and Shropshire Council were recognised for a collaborative partnership that revolutionised road maintenance in Shropshire, demonstrating exceptional levels of innovation and collaboration.
By introducing hybrid work methodologies and assuming comprehensive responsibilities, the partnership significantly reduced costs, improved public satisfaction, and set new industry standards. It also showcased the potential of SME contractors to deliver Tier 1 services, supporting local economic growth and infrastructure improvements.
The judges said: “We were really impressed with the winner, who provided detailed insights into their partnership with the local authority – including collaborative decision-making, strong analysis of the relationship, and clear impact across safety, efficiency, and productivity. Their ability to scale the work to levels expected of much larger organisations was particularly impressive.”
Why Enter?
- National recognition from peers and the Department for Transport
- Free to enter, with the chance to showcase your work on a national stage
- Raise your profile and celebrate what your partnership has achieved
Deadline to enter: 15 August 2025 at 5pm
Find out more and submit your entry
Whether you’re a local authority working with supply chain partners or a company leading a joint initiative with the public sector – this is your opportunity to step into the spotlight and get the recognition your collaboration deserves.
The awards will be presented during Strictly Highways 2025, which brings together the whole highways community and celebrates the amazing work taking place across our sector.