We are delighted to unveil the remaining sponsors for this year’s DfT Special Recognition Awards, demonstrating a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in the highways and road infrastructure technology sector.
The awards will take place on the evening of 07 October at the iconic Winter Gardens, Blackpool, as part of the Strictly Highways event. These prestigious awards celebrate outstanding achievements and encourage continuous improvement across the sector.
Award Categories and Sponsors
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.
Lauren Kiely, Head of Marketing, said:
“Kiely Bros are delighted to support LCRIG’s Strictly Highways event once again this year, giving both public and private sector members of the highways industry fantastic networking opportunities. Sponsoring the Collaborative Partnership Award is really important to us as it recognises the effort and hard work between contractors and clients to deliver essential maintenance works both efficiently and safely. We’re wishing all who submitted entries to the awards the very best of luck.”
Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation sector Award – sponsored by Nu-phalt Contracting
This award provides recognition to an organisation or partnership demonstrating the best use of technology within the highways and transportation sector.
Ben Shirley, Head of Commercial Development & Growth at Nu-phalt Contracting
“Nu-phalt is proud to support and present this award, recognising the innovation, collaboration and high standards that continue to drive the highways sector forward. As a specialist subcontractor working closely with local authorities and Tier 1 contractors, we see first-hand the impact that quality delivery and strong partnerships have on maintaining and improving our road networks. Supporting this category aligns closely with our commitment to raising standards and contributing to a more efficient and sustainable highways industry.”
Employer Initiative of the Year Award – sponsored by Triopsis
This award recognises 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.
Andy Hutt, CEO at Triopsis, said:
“We’re proud to sponsor the Employer Initiative of the Year Award at this year’s Strictly Highways DfT Special Recognition Awards.
“Great organisations don’t stand still. They invest in their people, rethink how things are done and create the conditions for real progress. This award celebrates those leading that change, and we’re pleased to recognise the teams pushing the sector forward.”
Net Zero Project of the Year – Sponsored by Galliford Try
This award recognises an outstanding innovation project delivered by an organisation/partnership that has demonstrably contributed to accelerating or reducing the cost of decarbonisation and evidencing a reduction in environmental impacts.
Glennan Blackmore, Managing Director for Infrastructure, said:
“Galliford Try is honoured to sponsor the Net Zero category, recognising those who are driving real change in our industry. Exceptional outcomes come from exceptional people, and their contributions deserve to be seen and celebrated. At a time when our sector must rise to the challenge of climate resilience and rapid carbon reduction, the innovation, leadership and talent in this space are not just impressive, they are essential.”
Previously Announced Sponsors
- Outstanding Contribution Award – Private Sector Award – sponored by Multevo
- Transport Technology Innovation Award – sponsored by Winvic
- Collaborative Partnership Award (between council(s) and supply chain) – sponsored by Heidelberg Materials UK
- Highways Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by Road Maintenance Services
Enter the Awards
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.
About the Awards
These esteemed awards recognise and celebrate organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond to drive change in the highways and transport technology sector.
Established by the late Steve Berry OBE, former Head of Highways Maintenance, Innovation and Resilience at the Department for Transport, the awards serve as a lasting testament to his legacy – continuing to inspire excellence and progress across the industry.
Book Your Place Today!
Sponsorship opportunities for the awards are now fully booked, however, exhibitor spaces, table host opportunities, tables and individual places are still available.
Visit the Strictly Highways website for more information to secure your spot today.
