On Thursday 28 September, the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will take place at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. To see the shortlist for the event click here.
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks, the event has been backed by a plethora of prestigious sponsors.
Meet the sponsors of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
OMS – sponsor of Most Active Estate Agent
Trading for over 25 years, OMS was founded by Clive Ormerod to build on his extensive experience and to provide consultancy and training services to the highest possible standards and with a culture that is recognised as highly ethical. With a clear focus on listening to its customers, OMS has grown through developing solutions that meet customer needs and aspirations.
Today, OMS has a core team at its head office and training centre in Leicestershire, as well as a number of other training venues throughout the Midlands and UK and a network of specialist associates, enabling it to provide a broad range of expertise to public and private sector organisations of all sizes.
A returning sponsor, backing Most Active Estate Agent, the winner of OMS’ category will be the Estate Agents who has had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for OMS said: “OMS are delighted to be sponsoring the Bricks Awards again this year, an annual East Midlands event. It is wonderful to see and hear about all of the nominations within the awards and how they have made a great impact on the area with their work and projects completed and we are proud to be a part of it.”
MKM – sponsor of Commercial Development of the Year
MKM is the UK’s leading independent builder’s merchant. Founded in 1995, it has branches across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom from Redruth to Elgin, Norwich and Llandudno.
Each site is run independently by its Branch Directors and their hand-picked teams, supported by a Central Support office in Hull. Branches benefit from the local knowledge and expertise of their outstanding teams to provide excellent service. By building relationships with customers, they have a true understanding of individual customer needs, and the flexibility to meet these.
A new sponsor for 2023, the winner of MKM’s category will be the commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd.
Speaking with Business Link, Gavin Moody, Branch Director at MKM Nottingham, said: “MKM are proud to be sponsoring the Commercial Development of the Year category at the annual East Midlands Brick Awards. It is important to us that we celebrate the construction industry’s achievements and highlight local business development in this way. East Midlands Business Link do a great job with these awards, shining a light on the area and bringing businesses together.”
Press for Attention PR – sponsor of Responsible Business of the Year
Press for Attention PR’s founder, Greg Simpson, quite simply thinks that PR is ‘broken’. It appears out of reach for so many businesses but it does not need to be like this. Greg established the agency in 2008 having spent the previous decade announcing business news to the regional and national press, or receiving it as a former journalist. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan.
As well as being a former journalist, Greg has been a marketing manager for a £60m business, and is the author of The Small Business Guide To PR. This background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s and consultant’s perspective.
Returning to sponsor the responsible business award for another year, the winner of Press for Attention PR’s category will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain.
Speaking with Business Link, Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, said: “We have proudly sponsored this category for many years now because we think that it is crucial that companies that proactively demonstrate that corporate responsibility is an important part of their culture should be recognised.”
Sterling Commercial Finance – sponsor of Residential Development of the Year
Established in the year 2000, Sterling Commercial Finance have been arranging commercial finance for its clients for over 20 years. Its professional team are from a commercial banking and accountancy background and have extensive experience in Commercial Mortgages, Property Funding, Business Loans, Invoice and Asset Finance. Sterling also source funding for Company Acquisitions and Management Buy-Outs.
Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult for a business to approach their existing bank for funding. As an independent commercial finance brokerage, Sterling can help you source and secure finance from its panel of Challenger Banks, Specialist Lenders and Alternative Finance providers.
Sterling is another repeat sponsor, backing residential development of the year. The winner of Sterling Commercial Finance’s category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Speaking with Business Link, Nic Rotton of Sterling Commercial Finance said: “At Sterling Commercial Finance, we are delighted to continue our support as sponsor for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023.
“As property finance specialists, it is fascinating for us to see the wide-ranging developments taking place across the region with design, functionality and sustainability at their heart.
“We are proud to continue our affiliation with the Residential Development of the Year category for the fifth year and we look forward to celebrating with everyone.”
Mather Jamie – sponsor of Deal of the Year
Mather Jamie is a well established and specialist land development and property consultancy based in Loughborough, Leicestershire. It prides itself on providing a comprehensive range of Director-led advisory services to landowners, occupiers, developers and investors nationwide.
Mather Jamie is one of the East Midlands’ leading commercial and agricultural surveyors and valuers. Principal services include strategic land development advice, acting as rural estate managers and letting agents, and commercial property agents.
The winner of Mather Jamie’s category will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned.
Speaking with Business Link, Amy Biddell, Director and Marketing lead from Mather Jamie, said: “We attended the event for the first time in 2021 when we were shortlisted for ‘Deal of the Year’, then in 2022 we were nominated for and won the ‘Most Active Agent of the Year’ category.
“We were delighted to win, and since then have witnessed first-hand the benefits of raising our brand profile through this awards platform. It was a natural progression for us to sponsor the ‘Deal of the Year’ as this will help to promote our services to an elite audience of landowners, property developers and building contractors.”
Ward – sponsor of Developer of the Year
Specialists in metal recycling and waste management, Ward aims to prevent 100% of the waste it collects from ending up in landfill. With a turnover in excess of £300million Ward is the largest independent metal and waste recycling company in the Midlands with multiple sites nationwide. Stretching from London to Middlesbrough it can provide UK coverage for metal and recycling solutions.
An ISO accredited, multi-award winning, fourth generation family-run business, Ward has been established for over 80 years and now employs over 400 people locally with a fleet of more than 120 modern vehicles.
Ward is returning to sponsor developer of the year for another year. The winner of Ward’s category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results.
Speaking with Business Link, Donald Ward, Operations Director at Ward, said: “Each year the Bricks Awards get better and better. The quality of entries gets even tougher to judge. It’s a real celebration of the achievements of businesses in the building and construction sector across the East Midlands. We’re pleased to be sponsoring the Developer of the Year award again this year and look forward to getting involved.”
Blueprint Interiors – sponsor of Architects of the Year
Workplace consultants and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors offer award-winning, people-focused office design and fit out with the aim to create environments that have a positive impact on those that use them.
Blueprint’s work involves transforming average spaces into inspiring workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and where people feel empowered to achieve their goals.
A returning sponsor, the winner of Blueprint Interiors’ award will be the architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects.
Speaking with Business Link, Ben Dawson, Business Development Manager at Blueprint Interiors, said: “We have been involved in the awards since 2019 either as an award nominee or a sponsor. We continue to be impressed with both the quality of award submissions, but also the event, which attracts the elite of our region’s construction and property professionals. It is therefore the ideal platform to promote our own expertise as workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists.”
Cawarden – sponsor of Excellence in Design
Cawarden is a family-owned and operated specialist contractor with over 35 years of experience in delivering exemplary projects.
It has a rich history of successfully delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK. These activities remain its core business. However, its capability continues to grow to meet the changing needs of its valued clients.
Today, Cawarden offers a range of services that can be tailored to clients’ requirements. Cawarden can fulfil a one-off service or integrated ‘destruction to construction’ solution – resulting in value-engineering, programme efficiencies and value for money.
A returning sponsor, the winner of Cawarden’s category will be the developer who has shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner.
Speaking with Business Link, William Crooks, Managing Director at Cawarden, said: “In our role as a specialist contractor, we work closely with clients to facilitate the development of new schemes and regeneration projects throughout the UK, including in Derby, our home city. We thrive on meeting complex challenges to pave the way for new structures to rise up and repurposing existing buildings to give them a new lease of life.
“So we are delighted to be back this year as a returning sponsor to the showcase of the region’s property and construction sector, The Bricks. The Excellence in Design award is an exciting opportunity to recognise the developers who have shown originality in design excellence and we’re thrilled to sponsor and judge this category once again.”
Viridis Building Services Ltd – sponsor of Sustainable Development of the Year
Viridis Building Services are experts in helping you create sustainable, appealing and cost-effective buildings. They understand how every single detail in the construction of a building can impact our environment. Working in partnership with architects, builders, project managers and their clients, they provide intelligent, innovative and, above all, sustainable building services to projects across a wide range of sectors.
From designing in core sustainable principles at the earliest stages of projects, through to delivering low-carbon, low-cost lighting, water and energy systems, Viridis are ensuring the East Midlands spearheads Sustainability and Environmental Design.
Returning to sponsor sustainable development of the year, the winner of Viridis Building Services’ category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for Viridis Building Services Ltd said: “We are proud to sponsor the Sustainable Development of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks Awards for another year. We promote this award in particular because of its relation to us as a business and how it fits within our values. Sustainability isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are and to be able to live this through this award makes us proud to be involved.
“Through this award we are ensuring the East Midlands is leading the market through sustainable design. We understand the passion from those involved towards this award and we know the great pride in delivering these outcomes. Therefore, to present this award allows us to promote this type of design and ensure innovative, collaborative and pragmatic solutions are provided. This not only helps promote those involved in the design stages, but also to promote those who will be using the spaces in the future.
“We look forward to attending the event to reveal the winner. We feel the awards bring the East Midlands together, not just within the Sustainable Development of the Year category, but for all the categories – we are proud to be part of the East Midlands Bricks Awards to promote the area and molding its future.”
RammSanderson – sponsor of Contractor of the Year
RammSanderson are ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments. They are founded on the principles of customer service, technical excellence and pragmatic solution-based consulting.
RammSanderson was established by Oliver Ramm, Nick Sanderson and Anthony Mellor in 2014. Since then they have grown to a team of 50 staff over offices in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
A returning sponsor, celebrating the contractors who work on the project, RammSanderson’s award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees are those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for RammSanderson said: “RammSanderson are thrilled to be sponsoring the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, backing Contractor of the Year, for the second year in a row.
“RammSanderson are a specialist, leading environmental consultant providing services to the planning and construction sector for ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk on a full range of projects. We pride ourselves in working closely with our clients and their team of consultants and contractors to deliver projects that run smoothly and achieve valuable environmental and ecological gains.
“By sponsoring this award we want to celebrate the contractors who go above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service.
“We are excited to see what the nominees have accomplished, to celebrate their achievements and get the chance to network with property and construction professionals from across the region at the Bricks 2023.”
Streets Chartered Accountants – sponsor of Overall Winner
Streets Chartered Accountants is a well-established and widely respected mid-tier, top 40 UK firm of Chartered Accountants, advising a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurial growth companies, high net worth individuals and third sector not for profit organisations.
Streets are a full-service firm offering audit and assurance services, indirect and direct tax advisory and compliance services, as well as corporate finance and employment tax advisory services to clients. As a truly multi-disciplinary practice Streets also offer commercial legal advice and services, along with personal financial planning.
The practice was founded in 1907 and today has annualised fee income of £20 million, 47 partners and over 180 staff.
Repeatedly returning to sponsor the overall winner award at the Bricks, Streets’ award cannot be entered. The winner, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, will be selected from those nominated.
Speaking with Business Link, James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, said: “Streets Chartered Accountants, as specialists in property and construction, are looking to build on our reputation for looking after clients in the sector.
“Our continued support and engagement with the East Midlands Bricks Awards certainly is a great way to promote our work, support the sector and for us to connect with developers, contractors, agents and other professionals who across the region are engaged in a plethora of exciting, imaginative and innovative projects.
“The Bricks has earned an enviable reputation as a must enter awards for those involved in the construction and property sector from across the East Midlands. As such we are delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Overall Winner’ category for the sixth year in a row and are really looking forward to attending this year’s awards evening.”
Nicholas Associates Group – drinks sponsor
Nicholas Associates Group offers talent management solutions from apprentice to boardroom appointments. The combined group operates from locations across the UK. Brands include Apprentice Employment Agency, Stafforce, Cra-Cro Site Services, Nicholas Associates, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, Main-Board, NA Software and Olano.
Backing the Bricks for the first time this year, the business is the event’s drinks sponsor.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for Nicholas Associates said: “Nicholas Associates is thrilled to be sponsoring the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence in the construction and property sector.
“By sponsoring this event, Nicholas Associates aims to support and elevate the exceptional talent and ingenuity within the industry we have worked closely with since 1977.
“Through our involvement, we seek to foster collaboration, facilitate networking opportunities, and provide a platform for knowledge sharing among industry professionals. We firmly believe that acknowledging and celebrating achievements can inspire a culture of excellence that drives progress and innovation throughout the sector.
“We are looking forward to celebrating with all the category nominees and winners on 28 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.”
Tickets can be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 here.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
When: Thursday 28 September 2023, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Matt Wallace, Director of Estates and Building Services at Leicester City Council
Dress code: Standard business attire
Tickets: Available here
Parking: Due to the Notts V Middlesex 4 day County Championship fixture, parking will likely be limited at Trent Bridge on the day, therefore parking has been made available for Bricks guests at the Notts Sports Club, Holme Road, NG2 5AA (by Nottingham Rugby Football Club), quoting “Bricks Awards” to any parking and gate stewards.
