The Emerging Talent Awards 2026 in partnership with The Concrete Society

At last week’s Concrete Society Awards 2025, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, George Bowman was named the inaugural Emerging Talent of the Year, recognising his outstanding contribution and leadership among the winners of The UK Concrete Show Emerging Talent Awards.

George Bowman receives the inaugural Award. From left to right: Claire Ackerman, Concrete Society Chief Executive, George Bowman, Richard Bradbury, Managing Director of The QMJ Group, and Ellie Taylor, guest speaker.

 

We’re now proud to announce the return of the Emerging Talent Awards at The UK Concrete Show 2026 – reimagined in partnership with The Concrete Society.

Building on the success of this year, the 2026 Awards will provide even greater visibility, deeper technical recognition, and a national platform to celebrate rising talent in concrete.

 

 

 

Open to professionals aged 30 and under, the awards celebrate young leaders who are already making a real impact – bringing fresh thinking, ambition, and a collaborative spirit to the challenges and opportunities facing the sector today.

The expanded format for 2026 features five focused categories, shaped by real-world industry experience and the expert insight of The Concrete Society, the UK’s leading membership body championing knowledge-sharing, excellence, and innovation in concrete.

 

 
The 2026 Award Categories

Design Excellence

Recognising an individual who has delivered outstanding use of concrete as a design material – through form, finish, or integration with structural performance.

Submit a nomination

 

Ideal nominees include:

• Graduate Architects

• Design Consultants

• Structural Engineers

• BIM Coordinators

• Design Technicians

• Specification Advisors

• Digital Design Specialists

• Concrete Detailing Technicians

• Civil Engineers

 

 

Materials Specialist

Recognising an individual who has demonstrated technical excellence and innovation in concrete mix design, performance testing, and materials optimisation, from laboratory to site.

Submit a nomination

 

Ideal nominees include:

• Graduate Materials Engineer

• Laboratory Technician

• Technical Services Rep (e.g. cement, admixtures, SCMs)

• QA/QC Specialists

• R&D Assistant

• Concrete Technologist

• Graduate Civil/Structural Engineer (with materials focus)

 

 

Precast & Offsite

Awarding an individual championing innovation and excellence in precast or offsite concrete manufacturing – from design through to quality control and delivery.

Submit a nomination

 

Ideal nominees include:

• Graduate Design Engineer (Precast)

• Precast Production Supervisor

• Offsite Assembly Technician

• Digital Construction/DFMA Coordinator

• Graduate Planner or Scheduler

• Manufacturing Process Technician

• Quality Assurance Assistant (Precast)

 

 

Sustainability

Recognising an individual acting as an ambassador for low-carbon innovation, circular economy practices, or improved environmental performance in concrete use, repair, or production.

Submit a nomination

 

Ideal nominees include:

• Sustainability Advisor or Analyst

• Concrete Repair Technician or Engineer

• Graduate LCA Consultant

• Decarbonisation Engineer

• ESG or Net Zero Officer

• Graduate Materials Scientist (with focus on green cement, SCMs)

• Carbon Data/Reporting Specialist

 

 

Production & Logistics

Celebrating operational excellence in the safe and efficient delivery, handling, and scheduling of concrete, from batching and transport to pumping and pouring.

Submit a nomination

 

Ideal nominees include:

• Batching Plant Supervisor

• Ready-Mix Scheduler

• Graduate Operations Manager

• Logistics Coordinator

• Pump Operator

• Fleet Planner

• Technical Delivery Assistant

• Site Operations Technician

 

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Celebrating Each Winner

As part of their achievement, each category winner will receive a package of recognition and rewards designed to celebrate their contribution and raise their profile within the industry:

• Presented with their award live at The UK Concrete Show (NEC Birmingham, 25–26 March 2026)

• Featured on ConcreteConnect.co.uk

• Awarded a £250 John Lewis voucher in recognition of their achievement

 

 

And following the success of the inaugural Emerging Talent of the Year, the 2026 winner will be selected from the category winners and formally recognised at the prestigious Concrete Society Awards held in November.

The category winners will receive complimentary tickets to attend the ceremony as special guests, where the overall winner will be revealed – placing them in the spotlight at one of the industry’s most respected and high-profile events.

 

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Recognising talent has never been easier…

Do you work with someone who you want to nominate? If so, we’re ready to celebrate their achievements!

By submitting a nomination, you’re not only recognising the achievements of young professionals making an impact today – you’re also helping to inspire the next generation of concrete industry leaders.

To nominate, just provide a few basic details about your chosen candidate, upload a headshot, and include a short supporting statement (up to 250 words). Once nominations close, a shortlist will be created, and a panel of expert judges will select the final winners.

Submit a nomination

 

The judges will take into account:

- the nominee’s achievements in the workplace or role

- the challenges faced and overcome

- their attitude and commitment to self-improvement

- the overall quality of submissions

All nominations must be submitted by Friday 6th February, with winners being notified by Friday 27th February 2026. There is no limit on the number of nominations per company.