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Millennium Point in Birmingham proved a tall order for the contractor of the year. Galliford Midlands had never taken on a project on the scale of the £62m Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners-designed complex and, just to make sure it wasn't too easy, its joint-venture partner went into liquidation half way through. Not that the client would be able to tell from the high-quality finished product, completed on time and to budget. Just one example of a strengthening game from a firm fast becoming a major player – its turnover soared 62% last year, tripling over the past three years. And it has been making money – operating profit has risen an astonishing 1400% over three years. This, and its impressive approach to partnering, will make Galliford Midlands a tough act to beat in the future.

SECOND
Countryside in Partnership

A lot of firms talk about things like respect for people, e-tendering and sustainability – Countryside is making them happen. It is pioneering a computerised accounting and purchasing system with its subcontractors and suppliers and is acting as contractor for 1400 homes at the Greenwich Millennium Village. The project is meant to show that Egan and sustainability initiatives work on a practical level – and Countryside is the perfect contractor to do just that.

THIRD
Pearce Retail Services

One of last year's shortlisted regional contractors, Pearce has moved up in the world and, when it comes to client relationships, it is now showing others how it's done. All its workload is on a repeat basis, almost 60% of that from framework alliances with three big hitters: supermarket giants J Sainsbury, Asda and Waitrose. As the judges said, there's real evidence that these exacting clients are "delighted" with the firm's work, and that's paying off: profit increased 146% last year and is expected to keep rising next year.

Strong on partnering – a firm that’s doing all the right things and now really walking the talk