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, Site Supervisor, Specialist Piling
Commended for leading by example, never compromising on safety, consistently supporting his team, and demonstrating exceptional attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.
Values Award for Integrity:
Daniel Mays, Commercial Manager, Specialist Piling
Recognised for his strong work ethic, reliability, and conscientious approach, consistently delivering high-quality results and making a positive impact on his team.
Dean Goodrum, Senior Estimating Manager, Housing
Awarded for consistently going the extra mile, building strong client relationships, delivering quality projects nationwide, and demonstrating transparency and honesty under pressure.
Values Award for Teamwork:
Jason Lindley, Site Engineering Manager, Housing
Recognised for successfully growing his setting-out team, delivering work across multiple divisions, and collaborating effectively with engineers, managers, and clients in a fast-paced environment.
Values Award for Excellence:
Dom Torr, Group Technical and Quality Manager, General Piling
Honoured for his pride in workmanship, continuous drive for improvement, and dedication to delivering dependable, high-quality outcomes that make a real difference to the team.
Sarah Flint, HSQE Manager, HSQE
Awarded for her proactive approach to improving systems, developing FPS-commended flow charts, and driving business-leading HSQE reporting performance.
Manager of the Year:
Gordon Chisholm, Regional Manager, Housing Scotland
Recognised for his leadership in managing all Scottish Housing projects and the precast factory, driving business development, securing new contracts, and supporting teams with dedication and approachability.
Conor White, Project Manager, Strata
Awarded for his strong leadership, commitment to supporting his team, and consistent delivery of results while managing operations in Scotland.
Supervisor of the Year:
Adrian Foulstone, Site Supervisor, Strata
Commended for his proactive and supportive leadership, hands-on assistance to drillers, strong promotion of HSQE practices, and ability to maintain morale and performance on challenging projects.
Steven Bell, Site Supervisor, Specialist Piling
Recognised for his professionalism and leadership on complex projects, consistently delivering safe, high-quality work and earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
Operative of the Year:
Daniel Szoke, Operative, General Piling
Awarded for his strong development over the past year, maintaining excellent safety and quality standards, improving QA processes, and demonstrating clear potential for future senior leadership.
Ian Hollingworth, Rail
Recognised for quickly becoming an integral team member, consistently going above and beyond, and demonstrating a hardworking, reliable, and positive attitude in every role undertaken.
Rising Star of the Year:
Kezia Agulanna, Graduate Engineer, Rail
Awarded for her meticulous and proactive approach to compliance and audits, consistently achieving KPI targets and becoming an invaluable asset to maintaining high standards across the southern framework.
Campbell Crouser, Quantity Surveyor, General Piling
Recognised for his dedication and collaborative approach, quickly taking on increased responsibility as a graduate and providing valuable support to the commercial team with enthusiasm and professionalism.
Unsung Hero of the Year:
James Wales, Senior Finance Assistant, Finance
Honoured for his unwavering support, reliability, and positive attitude, consistently going above and beyond to help colleagues and making a significant impact behind the scenes.
Allison Bacon, Administration Manager, Work Winning
Recognised for efficiently managing enquiries, preconstruction and tender queries, supporting estimating teams, and ensuring smooth communication through the central hub.
Team of the Year:
Scotland Ground Investigation, Strata
Awarded for maintaining exceptional safety, quality, and morale while working in challenging remote conditions, demonstrating resilience, professionalism, and a strong client-focused approach.
Specialist Piling
Recognised for outstanding dedication and resilience, consistently meeting targets while fostering a supportive and positive team environment that contributes to the company’s continued success.
Marketing and Communications
Commended for playing a key role in enhancing the company’s profile through professional and consistent marketing, internal communications, digital presence, and the successful delivery of events and campaigns, including a supplier conference.
Congratulations to all who were recognised this year.