Judges announced for Golden Hammer Awards 2026
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
A panel of experienced construction professionals is to judge the inaugural Golden Hammer Awards to identify the region’s top joiner.
Taking place at Hartlepool College on 30 May 2026, the judging panel will include Steven Henderson, construction director at True North Construction, Les Wharton, contracts manager at Able Construction and two experienced carpentry and joinery specialists, Graeme Fallowfield and Graeme Southward from Hartlepool College.
Organised by Northern Counties Builders Federation in partnership with True North Construction and Hartlepool College, the competition will challenge participants to complete a first and second fix joinery task. Competitors will be assessed on the accuracy, quality and finish of their work, as well as their overall approach to the challenge.
One standout entrant will be crowned the overall winner and receive a £5,000 prize, with awards also presented to the joiners finishing in second and third place.
The competition aims to celebrate the high standards of craftsmanship found within the construction industry while providing a platform for joiners to demonstrate their skills in a live environment.
Angela Carney, president of the Northern Counties Builders Federation, said: “The Golden Hammer Awards bring together a panel of judges who are among the most experienced and talented in the region, ensuring each entry is assessed with expert insight and fairness.
“The awards have been established to provide a platform for the region’s joiners to showcase their skills and craftsmanship. They recognise the vital contribution that skilled tradespeople make to construction and aim to highlight the standards of excellence that drive our industry forward.”
Steven Henderson, construction director at True North Construction, said: “The awards are very much about acknowledging the skilled tradespeople that are at the heart of construction, without whom the industry could not prosper. Joiners bring specialist knowledge and craftsmanship to projects, ensuring work is delivered to the highest standards.
“Being part of the judging panel is a great opportunity to see that talent first-hand and to celebrate the dedication and professionalism that joiners bring to the industry every day.”
The Golden Hammer Awards are designed to highlight the importance of skilled trades within construction, particularly at a time when the industry continues to face a well-documented shortage of skilled workers.
By celebrating craftsmanship and technical ability, the awards aim to inspire the next generation of tradespeople while recognising those already working in the sector who demonstrate exceptional standards in their day-to-day work.
The awards are supported by headline sponsor Jewson, in association with British Lead, organisations that share the goal of promoting and championing the skilled trades that form the backbone of the construction industry.
