Hosted by the Centre for Construction Innovation (CCI), the Constructing Excellence centre for the North West, and part of the School of the Built Environment at the University of Salford, 16 awards were presented to winners, selected from over 150 nominations from construction organisations across the region.

The judges were impressed with Create’s innovative approach to corporate responsibility. In partnership with the University of Salford, Create sought government funding through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme (co-funded by the Technology Strategy Board and ESRC) to develop a quality management system to address corporate responsibility. This is Europe’s leading programme for helping businesses to improve competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills through the employment of a Knowledge Associate with support of the University.

The Knowledge Associate, Eric Lou, has spearheaded the company’s aggressive strategy in corporate responsibility and, with 12 months to go, the project is well ahead of schedule, with responsible processes already embedded into the heart of the organisation.

By reducing construction waste, decreasing carbon emissions, employing locally, expanding local knowledge and giving back to the local community, Create believe they are moving ever closer to their goal of becoming a leader in their field.

Gill Mathison, Create Construction Director said, “We are delighted that we have been recognised for our innovative approach to corporate responsibility. Create is building an ethical plan to be a responsible leader taking the appropriate steps to ensure that we are responsible for what we build; we owe it to our employees, our clients and the community as a whole.”

Create were also shortlisted for the Young Achievers Awards, recognising the work of Eric Lou’s innovative approach to corporate responsibility, but narrowly missed out on the night.