I’m delighted to welcome you to the CN Awards 2020.

As we approach the end of what has been the most challenging year for industry in living memory, I hope our awards ceremony provides a welcome opportunity to pause, sit back and to celebrate some of the remarkable achievements seen within our sector.

Of course we cannot gather in person as we normally would, to meet and greet, to reconnect and reaffirm friendships, and to share a toast or two. But at Construction News we are determined to give these awards all the glitz and glamour we can manage to squeeze through your video screen.

Looking back to the start of 2020, it is hard to recall how it felt to set out on a year with expectations of relative normality. So many aspects of work and everyday life have changed since then.

But as an industry, I think we can hold our heads high when it comes to the unexpected trials of COVID-19. While clarity may have been hard to find in the first few days of lockdown, our industry as a whole responded promptly, decisively and responsibly to the challenges thrown down by the pandemic.

The determination and grit that powers our sector was illustrated perfectly by the incredible achievements of the contractors and supply chains that delivered Nightingale hospitals earlier this year, virtually overnight.

It is part of CN’s job to highlight the spirit of our sector. The CN Awards, whether held live or via video, are always a joyous occasion. I look forward to celebrating with our winners, and I offer my heartfelt congratulations to every organisation and individual shortlisted.

It is no mean feat simply to be named among the top performers in our industry. To everyone hoping to carry off one of our coveted awards, I wish you the very best of luck.

Lem Bingley

editor, Construction News