The Long Game of Awards: Not Just a Trophy, It's Your Business Card and Future Pipeline

In today's complex and challenging business landscape, the concept of "today's reality as tomorrow's problem" holds significant relevance, especially for organisations in the construction industry. While marketing is often about the long game, it doesn't necessarily help you have a full work schedule right now but no planning. What about the pipeline for six months from now? If you aren't working on it, you won't have work. This is where the role of awards comes into play, and it's more than just a shiny trophy.

The Tedious Process of Award Applications

Before you can even think about winning an award, there's a meticulous application process to navigate. This process is strikingly similar to a bid or tender and must be executed with precision. That's where I come in. My consultancy, Out of the Woods, specialises in helping companies with this exact challenge. Awards are not just decorative pieces for your office; they are testimonials that stay on your website, adding value to your company without ongoing costs.

The Intricacies of Award Writing Administration

Precision and Detail: Much like bids or tenders, award applications require a meticulous approach. Every word counts, and the presentation must be impeccable.

Strategic Positioning: I help businesses identify the awards that align with their brand and industry, ensuring that the application enhances their market position.

Time-Saving: The award application process can be time-consuming. With my expertise, businesses can focus on their core operations while I handle the nitty-gritty details of award writing.

The British Construction Industry Awards: A Case Study

The BCIA is a prime example of the diversity and depth of categories available in industry awards. With 11 categories highlighting best practices during project delivery and eight recognising successfully delivered project outcomes, the BCIA offers a comprehensive platform for companies to showcase their expertise. Categories range from "Carbon Net Zero Initiative of the Year" to "Utility Project of the Year," offering a wide spectrum of opportunities for companies to get recognised. More than 200 companies, including designers, contractors, and commissioning authorities, have made the shortlist for the 2023 BCIA, underscoring the competitive and prestigious nature of these awards.

Constructing Excellence: A Beacon of Best Practices

Constructing Excellence is another esteemed platform that recognises the best in the construction industry. Their award categories are diverse, encompassing areas like "Digital Construction," "Sustainability," "Health, Safety & Wellbeing," and "People Development," among others. These categories not only highlight the technical and operational excellence of projects but also emphasise the human element, the teams and individuals that drive innovation and best practices in the industry.

People, Pride, and Passion: The Three Pillars of Excellence

The Construction News Awards celebrate the "People, Pride, and Passion" of the industry. These three pillars encapsulate who we are: people at the heart of the industry, the passion we have to provide great service, and the pride we take when a job is done well. These traits resonate with the ethos of my consultancy, and I encourage businesses to demonstrate their own pride and passion in their award applications.

Why Awards Matter

Winning an industry award can present some really great marketing opportunities for your business. For instance, Buildcorp was recognised as an Employer of Choice at the Australian Business Awards, which has significantly aided their recruitment process. Multiplex's win at the 2018 Australian Construction Achievement Award for their work at Optus Stadium is another example. The project involved more than 150 subcontractors and consultants, with over 4.2 million man-hours worked, and was completed three weeks ahead of schedule. Such an award not only boosts your reputation but also provides a competitive edge when it comes to winning work.

The Underestimated Value of Awards

Credibility Boost: An award from a reputable organisation serves as a seal of approval from industry experts. It's a layer of credibility that can't be easily replicated. As the Construction News Awards aptly put it, winning such an award is a "well-recognised badge of excellence amongst clients and peers."

Client Trust: Awards act as social proof, reassuring potential clients that they are making the right choice. This is particularly crucial for consultancies aiming to be trusted advisers in the award nomination process.

Long-Term Value: Unlike other marketing strategies that require ongoing investment, awards are a one-time achievement with long-lasting impact. They remain on your website, continually adding value to your brand without any additional cost.

The Prestige of Construction News Awards

The Construction News Awards are among the most prestigious in the industry. They celebrate amazing projects, technical innovations, and forward-thinking companies. The awards have categories that highlight best practices during project delivery and others that recognise successfully delivered project outcomes. More than 200 companies have made the shortlist for the 2023 awards, showcasing the high level of competition and the value of winning. For more details on what's required, you can visit Constructing Excellence.

Awards for Women in Construction

While the focus is on the construction industry as a whole, it's worth noting that there are specific awards that recognise the contributions of women. These awards shine a light on women consistently excelling and pushing to make a difference across the Construction Industry. They serve as an additional layer of recognition and can be particularly impactful for companies striving for diversity and inclusion.

The Long-Term Benefits

It's not just about showcasing your skills. Being recognised as an Employer of Choice can have substantial benefits too. Many people looking for work will consider which employer has the best benefits or positive work environment. This type of award can go a long way when it comes to recruiting key personnel. Even if you don’t win, the fact you’re among the top players in your industry is enough to put you in front of high-quality candidates.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by the construction industry underscore the importance of embracing change, adapting to new circumstances, and overcoming obstacles. Awards serve as a powerful tool in this journey, offering both immediate and long-term benefits. They provide a platform to showcase your achievements, boost your marketing efforts, and even aid in recruitment. For those interested in diving deeper into the requirements for these prestigious recognitions, you can message me for more information and guidance.

So, as you plan for the future, consider the awards you could be applying for today. They might just be the key to unlocking your company's potential and ensuring a sustainable future.