Shortlist announced for FPS Awards 2024

The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has announced the shortlist for its 2024 Awards, marking the organisation's 60th anniversary. This year’s awards received 33 entries from FPS members, competing in categories designed to celebrate innovation in safety, sustainability, and individual achievements within the ground engineering sector.

A panel of four industry judges —Bob Thompson (Bob Thompson FICE), Luisa Hendry (Scottish Geologist), Chris Primett, (TC Premier Properties) and Nirmal Tiwari, (Mentor and Advisor), evaluated entries across three primary categories: Safety Innovation, Sustainability, and Rising Star.

In the Safety Innovation category, projects include Bauer Keller’s Slurry Wall Trench Protection Barrier and Keller’s mental health programme, led by Sam Farrelly, have made the final list. Other shortlisted innovations include Cementation Skanska’s Spillard Safety Systems and Van Elle’s app-based reporting for health, safety, quality, and environment (HSQE) compliance.

For Sustainability, the shortlist includes efforts like Keltbray’s enhanced pile capacity tool and Van Elle’s TRU Ravensthorpe precast piles. Additional finalists in this category are SB3’s Limestone Filler and Tensar’s real-scale temporary working platform, reflecting the sector’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

The Rising Star award honours emerging talent, with finalists including Ahmed Saadeldein (Bachy Soletanche), Sam Palmer (Van Elle), and Sam Blanchard (Cementation Skanska), all recognised for their contributions to the industry.

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 22nd November at the Hilton London Bankside, where winners for each category will be announced. The event will also present two additional honours: the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Chair's Award.

Registration for the ceremony remains open until Friday, allowing attendees to join the celebration of these pioneering projects and individuals in ground engineering.