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Opinion
Celebrating the people who make construction special
Caroline Gumble CIOB
Finally being able to hold the CMYAs and CIOB Awards in person was a reminder that construction has much to celebrate, says Caroline Gumble.
As I write, I’m still enjoying the celebratory glow from the Construction Manager of the Year Awards, just a couple of weeks ago. It was wonderful to bring people together for a much-needed celebration of an industry which has barely stopped since the pandemic began, despite facing some of the most challenging circumstances.
It was an honour to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of some of the most talented people in construction.
Our Construction Manager of the Year competition and the new CIOB Awards are very much about highlighting the best of leadership and talent in our sector; acknowledging those who set the standard and lead the way.
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Every year I’m impressed by all those who make it to the finals, but I was delighted that a long-standing member of the institute and long-time champion of the industry was recognised for his achievements as this year’s winner. Marc Burton FCIOB is an example of a true professional, offering leadership and an awareness of the impact our work can have, in the community and the wider industry.
Although there were many other medal winners on the night and a lot of people who deserve a shout-out, I do want to take a minute to reflect on the success of the women who gained recognition as part of CMYA this year.
“It was wonderful to bring people together for a celebration of an industry which has barely stopped since the pandemic began, despite facing some of the most challenging circumstances.”
Caroline Gumble
Almost two years ago, I wrote that we can do better in using this platform to shine a spotlight on the diversity of the talent in this industry. So I’m delighted to give a special shout-out to two of the women who made their presence felt as part of the competition this year.
Congratulations to Emily Hoggins MCIOB of BAM Construction, gold medal winner in the office category, who oversaw the construction of a three-storey office block in the heart of King’s Cross in London, with “inspiring leadership”, delivering on programme and in budget in her first project management role.
Congratulations also to Megan Forster MCIOB, of Coniston, for her win in the refurbishment and restoration (under £10m) category. It was a prestigious project on a Grade II-listed mansion, which needed a deep appreciation of heritage and conservation. She was praised for her “measured and meticulous” approach and “the high standard of quality she instilled”.
I’m delighted that the CIOB Awards could be held in person this year to celebrate the extraordinary talent we have in this industry.
The November/December 2025 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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