Celebrating Excellence, Driving Change, and Empowering Women in Construction
The Women in Construction Awards (WIC Awards), hosted by Design and Build UK, is one of the most anticipated events in the construction industry calendar. The WIC Awards 2026 will once again take place at the prestigious Royal Lancaster London, on 26th October 2026 celebrating the remarkable achievements of women, and their allies, shaping the future of the construction industry.
WIC Awards: A Night to Remember
The WIC Awards 2025, which took place on 26th September 2025, was a night to remember. This annual event was not just about recognising individual successes—it was about shining a spotlight on the collective effort to make the construction industry more inclusive and diverse.
Pre-Awards Event
Before the awards ceremony began, attendees participated in an exclusive pre-awards gathering. This was a fantastic opportunity for sponsors and industry leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of construction. WIC Awards have featured multiple pre-events including a keynote speech by Lord Hammond, who shared his insights on the then-upcoming budget, sparking conversations across the room.
Recognising Industry Leaders
The Women in Construction Awards is dedicated to highlighting the vital role women play in the construction industry. Although women currently make up only 14-15% of the workforce and 2-3% of site labour, Design & Build UK has championed their contributions since its founding in 2010. The awards celebrates these achievements, bringing together women, their companies, and their supporters for a night of inspiration.
The Scoring Framework
To maintain the integrity of these awards, every submission is evaluated against a 100-point framework. Our judges prioritise factual evidence and tangible results over general statements.
Entry Requirements:
- Strict Word Counts: Each question has a specific minimum and maximum word count. Entries that fall outside these ranges may be penalised.
- Weighted Scoring: While most questions are scored out of 10, key questions regarding measurable impact, innovation, and sustainability are weighted at 15 points.
- Judging Scale: Judges will assess your answers based on the following quality markers:
- Outstanding (90%–100% of available points): Detailed, measurable impact with clear evidence.
- Strong (80%–90% of available points): Well-evidenced and authentic examples.
- Satisfactory (50%–70% of available points): Meets the basic criteria with some examples.
- Limited (Under 50% of available points): Lacks detail, clarity, or supporting evidence.
Key Dates for 2026
- Nominations Open: 1st February 2026
- Nominations Close: 12th June 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: 10th July 2026
- Meet the Judges Day: 10th September 2026
- WIC Awards Event: 29th October 2026
WIC Awards Categories
The judging for all awards was based on the nominee’s contribution to the industry, time in the industry, how they have helped to attract others to the industry, problems they have overcome, achievements within their sector, the reasons they were nominated, and their future plans. These considerations were weighted specifically towards each category, and this weighting was shown while answering questions on the nomination application.
Business Owner
Recognise a woman who has built and led a thriving construction-related business, showing innovation, resilience, and leadership.
Community Hero
Celebrates an individual improving lives and opportunities in their community through construction-related work.
Contribution to Project
Recognises a woman whose skill or leadership significantly contributed to a project’s success.
Inclusive Company
Celebrates a company that actively promotes and embeds equality, diversity, and inclusion across its workforce.
Influencer
Recognises a woman using her platform to advocate for change and inclusion in construction.
Lifetime Achievement
Honours a career that has created a lasting legacy in construction.
Male Ally
Celebrates a man who actively supports, mentors, and advocates for the success of women in construction.
Male Pioneer
Honours a man who is leading the way in helping to implement pioneering changes that improve gender balance across the construction sector.
On the Tools
Recognises excellence in site-based trades, celebrating technical skill, craftsmanship, and a commitment to high operational standards.
Rising Star
Recognises excellence in site-based trades, celebrating technical skill, craftsmanship, and a commitment to high operational standards.
Role Model
Recognises an individual who inspires others through their professional conduct, leadership, and active empowerment of women in the sector.
Woman's Initiative
Nominate and celebrate a specific project, scheme, or campaign led by a woman/women that has successfully addressed industry challenges, supported female career progression, or fostered a more inclusive environment.
Support and Get Involved
The Women in Construction Awards supports important causes each year, such as the Maggie Oliver Foundation, which aids women and girls affected by sexual and domestic abuse, Mates in Mind, a UK charity focused on mental health awareness in the workplace, and Register of Tradeswomen who teach women, particularly from abusive backgrounds, how to take control of their homes and take their first steps into the trades. By promoting these causes, we aim to make a broader impact on the wellbeing of women in and beyond the construction industry.
We invite you to get behind the incredible Women in Construction Awards—not just this year, but every year—to continue supporting and celebrating women in construction.
Photo Gallery
Relive the unforgettable moments from last year’s awards by visiting our WIC Awards 2025 Photo Gallery, where we showcase the nominees, winners, and supporters who are leading the charge for a more diverse and inclusive industry.