We are extremely proud to host the DfT Special Recognition Awards, now in their sixth year, on behalf of the Department for Transport. The Awards were established by the late Steve Berry OBE, the Department for Transport's former Head of Highways Maintenance, Innovation and Resilience, and they are a testament to Steve's legacy, which continues to inspire excellence and progress within the sector.

The Awards are part of our annual Strictly Highways event, taking place from 30 September - 02 October at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. The winners will be announced during the DfT Special Recognition Awards ceremony on the evening of 01 October in the glittering setting of the iconic Ballroom at the Winter Gardens.

Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation Sector Award

Sponsored by Polaris Software 

This award provides recognition to an organisation or partnership demonstrating the best use of technology within the highways and transportation sector.

To enter this category and for more information on the criteria please click here​

Transport Technology Innovation Award 

Sponsored by Multevo

This award recognises transformative innovations addressing the evolving demands and future challenges of the highways and transportation sector.

To enter this category and for more information on the criteria please click here​

Highways Apprentice of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Winvic

This award celebrates outstanding apprentices who have made significant contributions and a positive impact on their course, workplace or the wider highways sector during their apprenticeship. 

The shortlist for this award will be selected from winners of the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards following the Innovation & Learning Festival in July.

Collaborative Partnership Award (between council(s) and supply chain)

Sponsored by Kiely Bros

This award provides recognition to outstanding partnerships, collaborations, or joint initiatives significantly contributing to the advancement and improvement of the highways and transportation sector.

To enter this category and for more information on the criteria please click here​

Net Zero Project of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Tarmac

This award recognises an outstanding innovation project delivered by an organisation/partnership that has demonstrably contributed to accelerating or reducing the cost of decarbonisation and evidencing a reduction in environmental impacts, managing embedded carbon within construction and reducing air pollution.

To enter this category and for more information on the criteria please click here​

Employer Initiative of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Triopsis

This award recognises an outstanding initiative that has demonstrably contributed to supporting the retention of employees and/or encouraged new employees into the sector, possibly demonstrating a wider social value impact.

To enter this category and for more information on the criteria please click here​

Best of Britain Award 

Sponsored by Gaist

Inspired by Will Britain, the founder of LCRIG, this award celebrates a public sector individual working on the Officer or Manager side of a local authority who has gone above and beyond to engage with their local community, improve local services, change local perceptions or play a key part in the sector.

To enter this category and for more information on the criteria please click here​

The DfT Special Recognition Awards are open to all.

Please note that shortlisted entries will be required to be represented at the awards ceremony. 

Dress Code

The dress code for the awards evening is smart / casual. 

Book a Table or Individual Place at the Awards Ceremony and Dinner here​