The National Drainage Awards are back for their third year, and they’ve become a solid fixture on the drainage industry calendar. Run by the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC), the event is open to drainage firms and professionals across the UK and Ireland. Big or small, contractor or supplier, the awards recognise the people doing the hard, and often dirty, work underground.
When and Where
The 2025 event will take place on Wednesday 26 November at Charlton Athletic Football Club in South-East London. It’s a return to the venue where the first awards were held back in 2023. The evening includes a sit-down dinner, awards presentation, and a few surprises. In previous years, we have seen special guests like Frank Bruno and Harry Redknapp.
Tickets will be available via Eventbrite or the NADC website. Whether you’re up for an award or just want a good night out with the team, it’s a chance to meet others in the trade and give a nod to those doing a proper job.
Who Can Enter
Anyone working in drainage can enter or be nominated. You don’t have to be an NADC member. You can put your own company forward or nominate someone else. There’s no charge to enter.
You can enter up to two categories. To do so, fill out the nomination form and send it with any evidence you want the judges to see. You’ll need to give examples of work, customer feedback, or anything else that shows why you deserve to win. Nominations close on 31 July 2025.
Categories
The awards cover every corner of the trade. Here’s the full list for 2025:
- Small Contractor of the Year
For a local or independent drainage firm doing solid work. Often a family-run business. Judges look for strong results, good customer feedback, and a track record of doing the job right. - Regional Contractor of the Year
Open to mid-sized companies working across one or more counties. The winner will show good service, strong teamwork, and signs of steady growth. - National Contractor of the Year
For firms with a presence across the UK. The judges look for high standards, consistent results, and a clear plan for handling work at scale. - Irish Contractor of the Year
Open to contractors based in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. This award goes to a business that shows care, skill, and pride in the jobs it takes on. - Individual Irish Operative Achievement Award
This one is for someone on the ground in Ireland. It could be a one-person outfit or a team member who has gone above what’s expected in a hands-on role. - Overall Contractor of the Year
Picked from the winners of other contractor categories. It’s for the one that stands out across the board, no matter the size. - Individual Operative Achievement Award
For someone working on-site in the UK. Think engineers, jetting crews, CCTV surveyors. The kind of person who spots a problem, fixes it fast, and gets people out of a mess. - The Office Hero/Heroine Award
This award is for someone who keeps things moving behind the scenes. They might take bookings, chase parts, manage staff, or calm down angry customers. Often unnoticed, but always missed when they’re off. - Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
For someone new to the trade who’s made a strong start. They listen, learn, and turn up ready. Bosses or mentors can nominate them. - Sustainability Champion of the Year
For a company or individual who’s taken steps to work in a cleaner, safer way. Maybe it’s cutting waste or using kit that does less harm to the environment. - Specialist Supplier of the Year
For a business that offers something specific – maybe tools, tech or support – that makes the day-to-day easier for those on the ground. - Large Supplier of the Year
Open to bigger firms supplying gear, services or support to contractors across the UK. The winner will have strong customer service and proven results. - Innovation of the Year
For a fresh idea that’s made life easier for the trade. It could be new kit, better software, or a smart method. The judges want to see proof it works. - DrainSafe Contractor of the Year
This one’s for a firm signed up to the DrainSafe scheme that’s putting safety, service and standards first. Strong records and happy customers help here. - Lifetime Achievement Award
For someone who’s given their working life to the trade. This might be an engineer, boss or founder who’s trained others, raised standards, or stuck with the job through thick and thin. Sometimes given after their passing.
These categories are judged separately. You don’t have to be a big company to win. Some of last year’s winners were one-man bands. Others were well-known national firms.
Judging
Judges are independent and chosen by the NADC. They come from across the industry and know what good work looks like. Every category has its own criteria. Most look at qualifications, insurance, and how happy your customers are. But that’s just the starting point. Judges want to see people going further than they have to.
That could mean:
- Fixing a difficult job with smart thinking
- Supporting apprentices or young staff
- Improving safety or the environment
- Giving back to the local area
You don’t have to tick every box. But clear answers, strong evidence, and a short summary go a long way.
Past Highlights
In 2023, the first awards night brought hundreds of contractors together at The Valley stadium. Frank Bruno handed out the trophies. Metcor Environmental took National Contractor of the Year. A special award went to Peter Stacey for lifetime service.
In 2024, the awards were held at ExCeL London alongside the National Drainage Show. Harry Redknapp was the guest of honour. BP Drains picked up Small Contractor of the Year. TWD Drainage won Regional Contractor. Ray Smith received a posthumous Lifetime Award. A charity auction raised funds for a good cause.
The night mixes formal awards with laughs, good food, and a sense of pride in the trade. For many, it’s the only time they get recognised for work that usually goes unnoticed.
Sponsors and Support
The event’s sponsors make it possible. In 2024, Whale Tankers was the headline sponsor. FM Conway backed the entertainment, and Mantair sponsored the drinks reception. Drain Trader magazine has helped spread the word.
Sponsorship keeps the event affordable and lets more people get involved. It also shows that the big players are standing behind the people on the tools.
How to Enter
- Go to the NADC website or contact them directly
- Choose up to two categories
- Fill in the nomination forms
- Add evidence and a 150-word summary
- Send it in by 31 July 2025
If you’re unsure how to fill in the form, you can get help from the awards team. They’ll guide you through what to include.
Shining a Light
The National Drainage Awards aren’t about glossy suits or PR campaigns. They’re about rewarding real people doing tough jobs well. From blocked toilets to burst pipes, these awards shine a light on the work that keeps the country moving.
Whether you’re an apprentice, a back-office hero, or run a company with 50 vans, it’s worth throwing your hat in. You never know who’s watching.
For more info or to enter, visit nadc.org.uk.