Plantworx innovation awards shortlist announced

Author Peter Haddock
Publication date 04/08/2025
Category Productivity

PlantWorx Innovation Awards 2025 shortlist revealed

PlantWorx 2025, the largest working construction show in the UK, returns to its new home at Newark Showground from 23–25 September 2025. The event will showcase cutting-edge technology, live demonstrations, and the latest products shaping the future of construction. As part of the celebrations, the PlantWorx Innovation Awards will recognise the very best in the industry — and this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be unmissable.

A night to celebrate innovation
The winners of the PlantWorx Innovation Awards will be revealed at the awards dinner on Tuesday 23 September 2025, following the opening day of the show. This high-profile evening will be hosted by magician Ben Hanlin and promises entertainment, networking, and a well-deserved celebration of the people and ideas driving change in our sector. Dress code: smart casual.

Judging panel
This year’s shortlist was selected by an expert panel of judges drawn from across the industry, each bringing a unique perspective and deep technical knowledge to the process. The panel included Graham Black, Editor of Earthmovers; Katie Kelleher, CPA Technical Publications & Careers Manager; Dale Hawkins, Editor of Awesome Earthmovers; Dr Joanna White, Research, Development & Innovation Director at National Highways and James Barden, Head of Major Projects Innovation at Lynch Plant Hire.

Shortlisted entries
Following detailed assessments by our independent judging panel, the following entries have been shortlisted in each category:

The Sustainability Initiative category attracted a strong field of entries focused on improving environmental performance on and off site. The judges were looking for tangible contributions to sustainability, whether through reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, or rethinking how resources are used. The shortlisted entries reflect a broad mix of approaches — from innovative energy management and filtration systems to practical, low-carbon solutions deployed in urban construction environments.

Sustainability Initiative
Sponsored by the Site Sustainability School
• Gaia Group – AutoMate energy management system
• Donaldson Europe B.V. – PowerCore® Edge
• Volvo Construction Equipment – Zero Emissions Construction in Central London – Mobile On-Demand Charging Service

The Security Initiative category highlights innovation in protecting people, plant and assets across the sector. This year, the judges unanimously agreed that Datatag’s RAPID solution stood head and shoulders above anything else submitted. It was the only entry to meet the threshold for shortlisting, recognised for its practical impact and sector-wide relevance in tackling equipment theft and improving site security.

Security Initiative
Sponsored by the CEA Police Fund
• Datatag – RAPID

The Safety Innovation category recognises products and systems designed to reduce risk and protect people working across construction and plant environments. This year’s shortlisted entries tackled safety from multiple angles — including enhanced operator awareness, improved control systems, and design changes that address common site hazards. The judges were impressed by the practical application of each solution and their potential to make a measurable difference on site.

Safety Innovation
Sponsored by TVH
• Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon – Xwatch MK2
• Conquip Engineering Group – Concrete Skip Safety-Led Attachments
• RSP UK Suction Excavators – RSP ESE 6

The Best use of engineering & technology innovation was the most hotly contested category, attracting a high number of standout entries from across the sector. The judges focused on practical engineering that solves real problems — whether through clever design, technical precision, or new applications of existing systems. After detailed consideration, four entries were judged to be a clear cut above the rest and fully deserving of a place on the shortlist:

Best Use of Engineering & Technology Innovation
Sponsored by Datatag
• Worsley Plant – Dynaset HRVB Hydraulic Recycling Vacuum Bucket
• Watson/Movax – SG VA Series
• Robustrack – Laurini Settanta

• SITE-ARC - SITE-ARC Welder Generator

The Excellence in Workforce Development category recognises organisations going above and beyond to attract, train, and retain talent in the construction and plant sectors. This year’s shortlisted entries reflect a strong commitment to building skills at every level — from inspiring school and college students to providing second-chance training programmes and delivering realistic simulator-based learning. Each entry brought something distinctive to the table, highlighting the different ways the industry is investing in its future workforce.

Excellence in Workforce Development
Sponsored by Personal Group
• Rethinking Futures – School & College Project and Careers Event
• Lynch Plant – HMP Training Programme
• CAT Sim – CAT Simulator

The Alternative Power Innovation category recognises advances in low- and zero-emission technology that support the industry’s drive towards cleaner, more efficient operation. This year’s shortlist features practical solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels — including electric retrofit technology, portable battery power, and solar-charged storage systems. The judges were encouraged by the range and readiness of these innovations, all of which offer viable alternatives for a more sustainable future on site.

Alternative Power Innovation
Sponsored by KGP
• Kubota – Kubota Electric Retrofit
• Instagrid – Instagrid GO 36 Game-changing Portable Power
• Prolectric – ProCharge Solar Battery Energy Storage System

Support Products
Sponsored by Krank
Towmate Trailers – Pivot Axle

SITE-ARC - SITE-ARC Welder Generator

Boss Cabins - Generator Free off-grid drying cabin

The Support products category recognises essential tools, equipment, and systems that improve how sites operate — often working behind the scenes but making a big difference to safety, efficiency, or sustainability. This year’s shortlist reflects a wide range of innovation, from smart trailer design and off-grid site welfare to compact, multi-purpose welding solutions. The judges looked for products that offered real-world benefits and addressed everyday site challenges with practical thinking.

The Special Achievement Award – Leadership in Sustainability and Alternative Power category highlights the companies helping to shift the dial across the wider industry. Much of this progress is being driven by major plant hirers and tier one contractors, who are investing heavily in cleaner equipment, alternative power solutions, and low-carbon site strategies — often in response to client demand, but also through their own determination to lead meaningful change. The four shortlisted companies – Flannery, Lynch Plant Hire, Plantforce, and BAM – are setting the pace when it comes to practical, scalable progress on real projects.

Special Achievement Award – Leadership in Sustainability and Alternative Power

Sponsored by PlantWorx
• Flannery
• Lynch Plant Hire
• Plantforce
• BAM

Join us for the big reveal

The PlantWorx Innovation Awards Dinner takes place on Tuesday 23 September 2025 at Newark Showground. Hosted by magician Ben Hanlin, the evening promises a brilliant mix of entertainment, industry conversation, and well-earned celebration — all set against the backdrop of the UK’s largest working construction show.

Tickets are £85 per person or £750 for a table of ten. Book your place now: https://plantworx-24955224.hs-sites-eu1.com/pwx-awards

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