FPS celebrates 60 years of excellence in piling
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) celebrated its 60th anniversary with a prestigious awards ceremony at the Hilton London Bankside Hotel on 22 November 2024. The event brought together industry leaders to honour exceptional achievements in the piling and geotechnical sectors.
The evening highlighted innovation, sustainability, and dedication in the field. FPS chair Matthew Lamb described the event as “a moment to reflect on the industry’s progress and celebrate those driving change for a better future.”
Award Winners:
- Safety Innovation Award: Cementation Skanska, in collaboration with Spillard Safety Systems, won for their AI-driven camera system. The system improves site safety by automatically halting machinery when restricted zones are breached.
- Sustainability Award: Tensar and the University of Birmingham received recognition for their real-scale temporary working platform using the T-Value Method. The method achieved a 75% reduction in carbon emissions and costs.
- Rising Star Award: Sam Blanchard, planning engineer at Cementation Skanska, was celebrated for delivering complex projects ahead of schedule and fostering a positive site culture.
- Chair’s Award: Matthew Lamb was honoured for enhancing FPS’s carbon reporting processes, a critical step in supporting the industry’s net-zero ambitions.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: James Blackwell was recognised for his lasting contributions to the foundation industry, including advancements in safety and technology during his career with Martello Piling.
The event was supported by sponsors including Cleveland Steel and Tubes, Barker Ross Group, Bauer Equipment, and Cementation Skanska.
Lamb concluded the evening by thanking all attendees and sponsors. “This celebration not only marks our history but also sets the stage for the future of the piling sector,” he said.
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