Northern Ireland construction firm GRAHAM has been named as the New Engineering Contract (NEC) Contractor of the Year at the 2025 Martin Barnes Awards.

These awards recognise excellence in project delivery and showcase examples of good practice through collaboration. The Contractor of the Year award celebrates a contractor who goes beyond conventional practices to deliver outstanding results and promote sustainable ambitions.

A statement from GRAHAM noted that these winning qualities were demonstrated in the successful delivery of a series of critical healthcare construction projects through the ProCure22/23 collaborative framework.

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The statement said: "In partnership with NCIC NHS Trust and CCL Solutions, we embedded NEC and ISO44001 collaborative practices and leadership to deliver the Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC), West Cumberland Hospital Phase 2 and Workington Community Diagnostic Centre.

"The teams navigated challenges related to project complexity, tight timelines, budget constraints and the impact of Covid-19 to deliver projects that meet the needs of multiple stakeholders, enhance health services and improve facilities for NHS staff. This is exemplified by the NCCC, the first completed project under the New Hospital Programme, which was handed over ahead of schedule and under budget. Additionally, West Cumberland Hospital achieved over 70% premanufactured value incorporating modern methods of construction."

GRAHAM also highlighted that by reducing procurement costs, enhancing innovation through early contractor and supply chain engagement, and building trust to free up staff time, the New Hospital Programme has achieved significant public sector savings.