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Specialist Contractor of the Year, sponsored by Depa

Lakesmere
A runner up last year, this roofing, cladding and building envelope specialist has come back with a vengeance to win this year’s award outright.

The judges were particularly interested to see evidence of the group’s continued focus on, and dedication to, sustainability and were impressed by Lakesmere’s continuous growth and collaboration initiatives.

But the group is by no means resting on its laurels after a good year. It has ambitious plans to see a further 8.5% revenue growth in 2011/12 at least by targeting emerging sectors such as energy, utilities, transport,infrastructure and leisure.

It is also planning a continued expansion into the Middle East, something the group started to pursue back in 2009 when it set up an office in Abu Dhabi. Lakesmere now intends to openup another two offices in the Middle East this year to support future projects. Talking of projects, the group’sschemes back in the UK have also been of an exceptionally high standard.

Most notable was the Ravenscraig Sports Facility in Motherwell, which required no fewer than 19 different roofstructures and seven wall types – further proof that Lakesmere knows exactly how to get the job done to a highstandard, no matter how complex it may be.

Alumet Systems
Increased profit and turnover, project and product diversification, a rise in sales, office expansion and employment growth are just some of the impressive achievements of this firm. It also posted a £4.5m rise in turnover and expects to keep growing.

Base Structures
Base can happily report a 22.6% increase in turnover this year, which has more than doubled over the last three. And clients know they’re onto a good thing as, following a client survey at the end of 2010, a massive 97%said they would recommend the firm.

Cantillon
Cantillon demonstrates exceptional levels of forward thinking and smart innovation. The firm has altered the face of demolition by introducing new technology that measures noise, vibration and dust disturbance in real time to reach new heights in carbon reduction.

Lakesmere
This roofing, cladding and building envelope specialist has shown a continued focus on sustainability and collaboration techniques. It also has ambitious plans for a further 8.5% revenue growth at least in 2011/12 by targeting emerging sectors.

Prater
Raising the bar in health and safety excellence has been one of Prater’s key achievements this year and one that caught the judges’ eye. Other achievements include getting 85% of business over the year from existing clients and completing no fewer than 30 projects.

Vital Energi Utilities
Reducing the impact of climate change is right at the top of Vital Energi Utilities’ agenda. The group has designed, implemented and maintained innovative low-carbon based community energy solutions for the supply of the UK’s future heat, power and cooling needs.