Mainmark UK, the ground engineering specialist headquartered in Milton Keynes, has won the Best Place to Work – Small Firm category at the 2026 Construction News Workforce Awards.
The Stacey Bushes business received the award on its first entry to the competition, with judges highlighting how it acts on employee feedback and supports staff wellbeing and career development.
Mainmark UK employs 34 people. The company says its 2026 engagement survey recorded 92 per cent employee satisfaction, while all respondents said they felt valued and comfortable raising concerns.
Judges praised its use of staff surveys, regular leadership visits to sites and a “You Said, We Did” approach to addressing issues raised by employees.
They said: “The judges were particularly impressed by the personal stories of career growth and development, backed by tangible improvements in wellbeing, onboarding and workplace culture. Mainmark stood out for turning employee feedback into meaningful action and demonstrating a genuine commitment to investing in its people.”
The award was presented at the Hilton London Bankside, where 450 construction professionals gathered for the ceremony. More than 160 entries were shortlisted across 22 categories, with winners selected by a panel of almost 50 industry judges.
Ian Thornhill, general manager at Mainmark UK, said: “This award means so much because it’s a reflection of the people who make Mainmark what it is. We’ve worked hard to create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported and able to have a voice, but culture isn’t built by leadership alone. It’s built every day by our people.
“Thank you to every member of the Mainmark team for the passion, commitment and care you bring to the business. This award belongs to all of us.”
The company provides ground engineering services for residential, industrial, commercial, civil engineering, mining and heritage projects. Its work includes strengthening ground and raising, re-levelling and supporting buildings affected by subsidence.
Ian added: “From our engineers and site teams delivering exceptional results on projects across the UK and Ireland, to the colleagues supporting our operations behind the scenes, every person at Mainmark has contributed to creating a workplace where people can thrive.”
Other winners at the awards included Arcadis, Balfour Beatty, GMI Construction Group and OCU Group.
Ben Vogel, deputy editor of Construction News, said: “This year’s Workforce Awards highlight the many ways individuals and organisations are making construction a better place to work. From effective leadership and employee wellbeing to apprenticeships and greater inclusion, our finalists show what can be achieved when businesses invest in their people.”
Pictured: Ian Thornhill, general manager at Mainmark UK, celebrates the company’s Best Place to Work – Small Firm win at the Construction News Workforce Awards.
