Entries are now open for the prestigious DfT Special Recognition Awards 2026 – a celebration of the people and organisations going the extra mile to deliver change in the highways and road infrastructure technology sector.
Now in their seventh year, these Awards are proudly hosted by LCRIG on behalf of the Department for Transport. They were established by the late Steve Berry OBE, the DfT’s former Head of Highways Maintenance, Innovation and Resilience. Steve’s legacy continues to inspire innovation, excellence, and a relentless commitment to progress across our sector – and these awards remain a powerful tribute to his lasting impact.
New for 2026
Following a request from our members, this year we’re delighted to introduce a brand-new category: Outstanding Contribution Award (Private Sector), recognising the exceptional individuals working in the private sector who have made a lasting and meaningful impact.
About the Awards
The awards are part of our annual Strictly Highways event, taking place from 6th – 8th October at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. The winners will be announced during the DfT Special Recognition Awards ceremony on the evening of 7th October in the glittering setting of the iconic Ballroom at the Winter Gardens.
Award Categories:
Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation sector Award Sponsored by Nuphalt contracting
Recognising an organisation or partnership demonstrating the best use of technology within the highways and transportation sector.
Transport Technology Innovation Award Sponsored by Winvic
Recognising transformative innovations addressing the evolving demands and future challenges of the highways and transportation sector.
Highways Apprentice of the Year Award Sponsored by Road Maintenance Services
Celebrating outstanding apprentices who have made significant contributions and a positive impact on their course, workplace, or the wider highways sector during their apprenticeship.
The shortlist for this award will be selected from winners of the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards following the Innovation & Learning Festival in June.
Collaborative Partnership Award (between council(s) and supply chain) Sponsored by Heidelberg Materials
Recognising outstanding partnerships, collaborations, or joint initiatives significantly contributing to the advancement and improvement of the highways and transportation sector.
Net Zero Project of the Year Award Sponsored by Galliford Try
Recognising an outstanding innovation project delivered by an organisation/partnership that has demonstrably contributed to accelerating or reducing the cost of decarbonisation, evidencing a reduction in environmental impacts, managing embedded carbon within construction, and reducing air pollution.
Employer Initiative of the Year Award Sponsored by Triopsis
Recognising an outstanding initiative that has demonstrably contributed to supporting the retention of employees and/or encouraged new employees into the sector, possibly demonstrating a wider social value impact.
Best of Britain Award Sponsored by Kiely Group
Inspired by Will Britain, the founder of LCRIG, this award celebrates a public sector individual working on the officer or Manager side of a local authority who has gone above and beyond to engage with their local community, improve local services, change local perceptions, or play a key part in the sector.
Outstanding Contribution Award (Private Sector) Sponsored by Multevo
This year we’re excited to introduce a new award, celebrating an exceptional individual working in the private sector who has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the highways sector.
Visit our awards page to view the criteria and submit your entry
The DfT Special Recognition Awards are open to all.
Please note – shortlisted entries must be represented at the awards ceremony. Public and private sector individual places and table host opportunities are still available. Find out more and book here.
Key Dates
- Entry Deadline: Friday 20th August 2026 at 17:00.
- Shortlist Announcement: September 2026.
- Awards Ceremony: Wednesday 7th October 2026.
Stay Tuned!
We’ll be announcing our judging panel and sharing updates from our sponsors in the coming weeks. To stay in the loop, subscribe to our weekly Insight newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn and X.
We can’t wait to see your entries and celebrate the people in our sector that have gone the extra mile.