NFDC celebrates excellence, unity and progress

The NFDC event included a programme of presentations from industry experts (Image credit: NFDC)

The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) brought together members, partners, industry leaders and guests at the 85th AGM and awards on 20 March 2026.

Held at the Royal Lancaster hotel in London, the event celebrated achievement, leadership and the collective strength of the demolition industry.

President Adrian Corrigan said, “This event is always a proud moment for the federation. It allows us to come together as an industry, celebrate excellence, recognise the people who make such a difference across our sector, and reflect on the strength of our membership.”

The afternoon saw entertainment from Mike Phillips, Wales rugby star, whose contribution during the awards brought energy, warmth and a real sense of occasion to the room, according to the NFDC.

Meanwhile the presentation of this year’s awards shone a spotlight on the outstanding people whose skill, dedication and professionalism continue to raise standards across the demolition industry.

Winners of the 2026 awards included apprentice of the year Louis O’Brien from DDS Demolition, while Cory Probert from Prichard Demolition was highly commended.

Operative of the year went to David Lewis from Connell Brothers and highly commended to Artur Czarzast from J Freeley.

Plant operative of the year was Michael Webb, Haywood Crushing Demolition, joined by highly commended Michael Murray, Connell Brothers.

The judges chose Michael Watkins from R Collard as the supervisor of the year and gave highly commended to Joshua Thomas, Prichard Demolition.

Finally, manager of the year went to Laura Johnson from Demcom and highly commended to Darren Grainger of City Demolition Contractors (Birmingham).

The outstanding contribution award was given to NFDC chief financial officer Lesley Ransome in recognition of her long-standing dedication, leadership and lasting contribution to the federation.

The event also provided insights from a line-up of industry speakers.

José Blanco, secretary general of the European Demolition Association (EDA) gave a presentation on the “Change and Evolution of the Demolition Industry” offering an international perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector.

Other guest speakers included Graham Watts OBE, chief executive of the Construction Industry Council (CIC); Jan Andresen, HM principal specialist inspector of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE); and Adrian MacLean, president of the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE).

Their participation underlined the importance of collaboration across the industry and reinforced the NFDC’s ongoing commitment to working in partnership to drive standards, influence progress and support the future of demolition.

The federation has also announced that money raised for charities by NFDC members in 2025 amounts to a total of £153,000.

“This year’s AGM and awards was a fantastic success, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making it such a special occasion,” concluded NFDC president Corrigan.