We are delighted to reveal the sponsors for this year’s DfT Special Recognition Awards, highlighting our shared commitment to excellence and innovation in the highways and transport technology sector.
The awards will take place on the evening of 01 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 Their Sponsors
Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Winvic
This award celebrates outstanding apprentices who have made significant contributions and a positive impact on their course, workplace or the wider highways sector during their apprenticeship. Winners of the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards, held during the Innovation and Learning Festival, will be shortlisted for this prestigious recognition.
“Winvic is proud to sponsor the Apprentice of the Year award, celebrating individuals who showcase outstanding commitment, talent, and progress throughout their apprenticeship journey. This award embodies Winvic’s commitment to fostering young talent, enhancing their skills, and providing hands-on learning experiences within the construction industry.” – Rob Cook, Managing Director – Civils & Infrastructure.
Best of Britain – Sponsored by Gaist
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.
“We’re thrilled to once again partner with LCRIG as sponsors of the prestigious Best of Britain Award at this year’s Strictly Highways – an event that promises to be another resounding success.”
“In these challenging times for local authorities and the communities they serve, it’s more important than ever to shine a spotlight on the incredible public sector individuals who go above and beyond to make a real difference. This award is a celebration of their extraordinary contributions, and we’re honoured to support it.” – Steve Birdsall, CEO.
Best Use of Technology – Sponsored by Polaris Software
This award provides recognition to an organisation or partnership demonstrating the best use of technology within the highways and transportation sector.
“Polaris Software is excited to sponsor the Best Use of Technology Award at Strictly Highways 2025! We firmly believe that technology has the power to simplify and digitally transform public sector services, driving efficiency while minimising complexities and revenue loss.” – Richard Gorringe, Managing Director.
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.
“Kiely Bros are delighted to support LCRIG’s Strictly Highways event once again this year, providing both public and private sector members of the highways industry with fantastic networking opportunities.”
“Sponsoring the Collaborative Partnership Award is particularly 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 wish all award entrants the very best of luck.” – Lauren Kiely, Head of Marketing.
Employer Initiative of the Year – 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.
“At triOpsis, we believe innovation starts with initiative. As a provider of AI-driven solutions, we’re proud to sponsor the Employer Initiative of the Year Award, recognising organisations that go the extra mile to create positive change.”
“Supporting those who take proactive steps to improve their workforce and industry aligns with our mission to empower businesses through intelligent technology and forward-thinking solutions.” – Andy Hutt, CEO.
Net Zero Project of the Year – Sponsored by Tarmac
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.
“Tarmac is proud to be sponsoring the award for Net Zero Project of the Year. We recognise the importance of making the transition to a sustainable and resilient built environment and a less carbon intensive approach to managing the UK’s road network. These awards are a great opportunity to acknowledge the progress already being made and the role that partnership and collaboration will play in achieving this vision.” Garry Gregory, Packed Products Director.
TTF Transport Technology Innovation – Sponsored by Multevo
The TTF Transport Technology Innovation award recognises transformative innovations addressing the evolving demands and future challenges of the highways and transportation sector.
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring the TTF Transport Technology Innovation Award. As 2024 winners of the Collaborative Partnership Award, we understand the value of industry recognition, which is why we wanted to support the awards this year.
“As a business, we’re always innovating and looking for new ways of working, which aligns perfectly with this category.” – Aimee Dewse, Marketing Manager.
Each sponsor brings a unique perspective on the significance of their chosen category, reinforcing their dedication to driving progress and innovation within the sector.
Thanking our Sponsors
Charlotte Bromley, Head of Events at LCRIG expressed her thanks: “We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of this year’s DfT Special Recognition Awards. Their commitment not only highlights the importance of excellence and innovation in the highways and transport technology sector but also ensures we can continue celebrating those making a real difference. Thank you for your support – we look forward to a fantastic evening at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.”
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.
The awards will open next month, so stay tuned for more exciting updates!
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.