On the 11th of December 2025, we celebrated our annual 2025 People Awards and announced the winners for each category.
These awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional work of our amazing people who consistently deliver outstanding contributions to Van Elle and our customers.
Congratulations to all who were recognised this year!
Values Award for Safety:
Stuart Ensor, Specialist Piling
Stuart is an excellent supervisor who leads by example, never compromising safety, consistently supporting his team, and demonstrating strong attention to detail and commitment worthy of the Safety Award.
Values Award for Integrity:
Daniel Mays, Specialist Piling
Dan has a great work ethic and is conscientious at all times. Reliable and supportive, he consistently delivers high-quality results and makes a real impact on the team.
Dean Goodrum, Housing
Dean consistently goes the extra mile, building strong client relationships, delivering quality projects nationwide, and remaining transparent and honest under pressure, resulting in repeat business for Van Elle.
Values Award for Teamwork:
Jason Lindley, Housing
Jason has successfully grown his setting-out team while delivering work across multiple divisions, liaising with engineers, managers, and clients, and adapting effectively in a fast-changing environment.
Values Award for Excellence:
Dom Torr, General Piling
Dom takes pride in his work, looks for ways to improve what we do, and approaches every task with dedication. A dependable colleague who makes a real difference to the team.
Sarah Flint, HSQE
Sarah is a key HSQE asset, working proactively to improve systems, develop FPS-commended flow charts, support STRATA during shortages, and drive the business-leading HSQE reporting performance.
Manager of the Year:
Gordon Chisholm, Housing Scotland
Gordon manages all Scottish Housing projects and the precast factory while driving business development. Known for his leadership and approachability, he builds strong client relationships, secures new contracts, and supports teams with dedication and efficiency.
Conor White, Strata
Conor is a young manager doing an excellent job leading his team. While in Scotland, he has shown strong leadership and a real commitment to supporting his team, consistently delivering results and guiding them effectively.
Supervisor of the Year:
Adrian Foulstone, Strata
Proactive and supportive leader who resolves issues for operatives and engineers, provides hands-on assistance to drillers, and promotes strong HSQE practices, boosting morale and maintaining high performance on a challenging Scottish project.
Steven Bell, Specialist Piling
Steve is a reliable and professional leader in the Drill and Grout Division, excelling on complex projects. Respected by colleagues and clients, he delivers high-quality, safe work and shows strong leadership and problem-solving ability.
Operative of the Year:
Daniel Szoke, General Piling
Dan has developed strongly over the past year, maintaining excellent safety and quality standards. As a standing foreman on major rotary projects, he improved QA processes, helped implement a paperless system, and shows clear potential for senior management roles.
Ian Hollingworth, Rail
Since joining this year, Ian has quickly become an integral member of the team, consistently going above and beyond in all tasks. Hardworking, polite, and reliable, he approaches every shift and role with 100% commitment, always willing to help others and delivering excellent results.
Rising Star of the Year:
Kezia Agulanna, Rail
Kezia has become a key member of the Rail team, excelling in compliance and audit roles. Meticulous, proactive, and eager to learn, she drives successful audit outcomes, ensures KPI targets are met, and has become an invaluable asset in maintaining high standards across the southern framework.
Campbell Crouser, General Piling
A highly dedicated and collaborative team member, he has quickly taken on increased responsibilities for a recent graduate. Helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive, he provides excellent guidance to the commercial team while maintaining a cheerful and approachable attitude.
Unsung Hero of the Year:
James Wales, Finance
James is an absolute superstar in Finance. Nothing is ever too much trouble for him; he’s always happy to help and consistently supports his team. His dedication, reliability, and positive impact make him someone everyone can count on, and he truly deserves recognition for the work he does behind the scenes.
Allison Bacon, Work Winning
Allison efficiently manages enquiries, preconstruction questions, and tender queries, supporting the estimating teams. She helps oversee the central hub with Billie-Jo, ensuring smooth communication and prompt responses, making her a reliable and key contributor to team success.
Team of the Year:
Loch Buidhe – Beauly Project, Strata
This team has worked for extended periods away from home in some of the most challenging conditions Van Elle has faced, maintaining high standards of safety, quality and morale throughout. Despite long shifts, adverse weather and remote locations, they remain motivated, professional and committed to delivering exceptional results. Their dedication, resilience and client-focused approach make them highly deserving of recognition.
Specialist Piling
Specialist Piling has demonstrated outstanding dedication and resilience, playing a key role in the company’s continued success. The team consistently meets targets while maintaining a supportive and positive work environment. Their commitment, strong team dynamic and focus on efficiency make them highly deserving of recognition.
Marketing and Communications
Claire and Hope have significantly elevated the company’s marketing, delivering the strongest communications and promotional activity seen. They manage social media, the website, internal communications, project updates and external engagement with professionalism and consistency, including the successful supplier conference. Their work promotes the company effectively while supporting employees, clients and the wider community.
Congratulations to all who were recognised this year.