Entries are now open for the prestigious DfT Special Recognition Awards 2025 – a celebration of the people and organisations going the extra mile to deliver change in the highways and transport technology sector.
Now in their sixth 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.
This is your opportunity to be recognised for excellence, innovation and dedication in the highways and transportation sector.
The Awards are part of our annual Strictly Highways event, taking place from 30th September – 2nd October at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. The winners will be announced during the DfT Special Recognition Awards ceremony on the evening of 1st October in the glittering setting of the iconic Ballroom at the Winter Gardens.
Why Enter?
Give your team and your oganisation the recognition they deserve:
Recognition: Showcase your work to industry leaders, peers and potential clients.
Visibility: Winning or being shortlisted raises your profile and enhances your reputation across the sector.
Validation: Earn a respected DfT accolade that reflects real impact and progress.
Inspiration: Motivate your team and others by sharing and celebrating your team’s success story.
Award Categories:
- Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation sector Award
Sponsored by Polaris Software
Recognising an organisation or partnership demonstrating the best use of technology within the highways and transportation sector.
- Transport Technology Innovation Award
Sponsored by Multevo
Recognising transformative innovations addressing the evolving demands and future challenges of the highways and transportation sector.
- Highways Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by Winvic
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 July.
- Collaborative Partnership Award (between council(s) and supply chain)
Sponsored by Kiely Bros
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 Tarmac
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 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.
How to Enter:
Entering is simple – and it’s free:
- Prepare Your Entry: Gather supporting documents, data, and any relevant media.
- Complete the Online Entry Form: Share your details and tell us why your work deserves recognition.
- Submit Your Entry: Submit your completed entry form and all supporting materials by 17:00, Friday 15th August.
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.
Important Dates:
Entry Deadline: Friday 15th August 2025 at 17:00.
Shortlist Announcement: September 2025.
Awards Ceremony: Wednesday 1st October 2025.
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
We’re proud to be supported by our 2025 Award Sponsors:
Stay Tuned!
We’ll be announcing our judging panel and sharing updated from our sponsors in the coming weeks. To stay in the loop:
We can’t wait to see your entries and celebrate the people in our sector that have gone the extra mile.
Celebrate your achievements. It’s free to enter. Submit your entry today – and good luck!