Entry numbers up by 44% in BESA’s 2025 awards
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has published the shortlist for its 2025 Industry Awards following a 44% increase in entries compared to 2024.
According to BESA, the awards now include 27 categories and are open to members and non-members across the UK building services sector.
The winners will be announced at a formal dinner in London on 16 October following the Association’s Annual Conference held earlier in the day.
The headline sponsor of the dinner is Mitsubishi Electric, with further category sponsorship from organisations including Tilbury Douglas, SFG20, Gratte Brothers and Ideal Heating/ACV.
BESA group events manager Charlie Ward said: “We have been completely blown away by the level of interest in this year’s awards.
“We are particularly grateful to our panel of judges who had the tough job of working through the huge volume of entries.
“They were the victims of our success!”
BESA expands contractor recognition with four-nation categories
BESA has introduced new contractor-specific awards for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in its 2025 Industry Awards programme.
Each regional award will contribute to an overall National Contractor of the Year title, sponsored by Groupe Atlantic.
Shortlisted companies include Linaker, F P Hurley & Sons Ltd, Taylor and Fraser, and Kane Group Building Services.
BESA stated that the contractor awards are intended to highlight excellence in project delivery, innovation, client service and workforce development across the UK.
Service and maintenance contractors also feature in their own dedicated category, sponsored by SFG20.
Finalists confirmed for apprentice and individual awards
Shortlists for individual apprentice awards have been confirmed across five categories, covering electrical, HVAC, service and maintenance, and building services engineering roles.
The winners of each category will compete for the overall Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by Gratte Brothers.
The Rising Star category, supported by Tilbury Douglas, returns for its second year and includes nominees from firms such as Derry Building Services, Kooltech and AtkinsRéalis.
The Manly Trust Management Training Award will also return in 2025, offering a funded apprenticeship programme for one selected individual.
BESA said the awards support career progression and acknowledge contributions by emerging talent across the building services engineering sector.
Project awards reflect net zero, IAQ and retrofit priorities
BESA has included three project-specific categories for 2025: Net Zero, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), and Retrofit.
According to the Association, these projects showcase the sector’s response to carbon reduction, air quality and building upgrades.
The Net Zero shortlist includes the National Gallery project by Dalkia Engineering Ltd and a decarbonisation project led by Savills.
IAQ entries include demand-led ventilation by Savills and an AI-driven IEQ platform from ARM Environments Group.
The Retrofit category includes a chiller modernisation scheme by Carrier Commercial HVAC and a retrofit validation project using environmental sensors by Aico.
Product, training and excellence categories span full supply chain
The 2025 awards shortlist includes product innovation, training provision and maintenance performance.
Shortlisted products include the AquaSnap 61AQ R-290 heat pump from Carrier and VES Ltd’s AirDoor system.
Organisations competing in the training provider category include Aico, Beijer Ref, and Choice Training Ltd.
New ‘Excellence’ awards have been added for Competence and Compliance, sponsored by AIRO, and Maintenance, sponsored by SFG20.
Company awards also recognise efforts in equality, diversity, and inclusion, with entries from Tilbury Douglas, Arcus FM and World Refrigeration Day.
BESA announces UK shortlist for 2025 Industry Awards: Summary
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has published its 2025 Industry Awards shortlist.
Entry levels rose 44% from 2024, with submissions from both members and non-members.
The awards include 27 categories covering individuals, teams, companies, and projects.
Winners will be announced on 16 October at a London event sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric.
New contractor categories for each UK nation have been added.
Each will contribute to a National Contractor of the Year title sponsored by Groupe Atlantic.
Individual awards include five apprentice categories and the Rising Star award.
The overall Apprentice of the Year will be selected from category winners.
Project categories cover Net Zero, Indoor Air Quality and Retrofit initiatives.
New excellence awards address competence, compliance and maintenance.
Product innovation, training, and EDI initiatives also feature on the shortlist.