Winners lift their LEEA Awards and raise the industry
Welcoming guests to the 7th LEEA Awards at Liverpool’s iconic Anfield stadium, Oliver Auston, the Chair of the LEEA Board acknowledged how the impressive attendance of 450 people was almost double that of the first the awards. “It’s impossible not to think about how far LEEA has come in the last 2 years, the last decade and also since that meeting of our own founding fathers in 1944, when they established the London Chain Testers Association.” He added: “This is an association that I genuinely believe has the momentum, the direction and certainly the appetite to progress and innovate.”
Anfield has many cups on display, won by Liverpool FC throughout its history. On the night of 18th November they were joined by ten special trophies presented to the following winners of the LEEA Awards 2025:
- Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Technical Integrated Services LDA: Rory Stewart of Europa Engineering Group.
- Excellence in People Development: SCE Academy, Street Cranexpress Ltd.
- Technical Excellence and Professionalism Award: Justin Powers, Select Plant Hire.
- Trainer of the Year – The Craig Morelli Award: Jim Beauchamp, Boilermaker National Training Trust Fund / International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.
- Excellence in Leadership, sponsored by Hoist: Steve Hutin, Rope & Sling Specialists.
- Sustainability Excellence Award: pewag UK Group.
- Excellence in Service Innovation Award: Lifting by Design, MGF.
- Excellence in Product Innovation, sponsored by International Lift & Hoist (ILH) joint winners: RUD CCS FASTLOX and BlueSupra, YOKE Industrial Corp.
- Excellence in Safety Award, sponsored by Rigging Services: Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba).
- Excellence in Lifting Operations Award, sponsored by IMES: Gareth McNary, Select Plant Hire.
Dr Ross Moloney, LEEA CEO and co-host of the ceremony, said: “This year’s awards attracted more applications than any previous year and competition was fierce. A special thank you to our 27 judges. And our deepest and heartfelt congratulations to all of our shortlisted candidates, with a particular mention to our runners up.”
Special guest for the evening was former England Rugby International, Will Greenwood, who enthralled the audience with his stories including his experiences with England’s World Cup winning team in 2003 – a tournament in which he was the joint top try scorer. He talked with many of the guests at the end of the ceremony.
Guests were generously scanning the QR codes on the screens to donate to Mind to help with the wonderful work carried out by the mental health charity before the presentations for the awards commenced.
Winners in detail
The LEEA Award 2025 winner details are as follows:
Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Technical Integrated Services LDA, honours individuals who demonstrate outstanding promise, initiative and potential for future success, inspiring others and serving as exemplary role models.
The winner is Rory Stewart of Europa Engineering Group. At just 22, Rory has already made his mark on his organisation and the wider lifting industry. His drive and vision have led to the successful leadership of a newly acquired division, the creation of an ex-forces training pipeline and the introduction of structured professional development. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, Rory’s achievements reflect maturity beyond his years – inspiring those around him and setting a high standard for the next generation of industry leaders.
The judges said of Rory’s nomination: “Very good examples were given of impact and measurable results. Also good in terms of integrating 16 new employees”. Rory “has contributed very positively to his company’s culture and appears to have delivered an impact”. Finally, the entry showed “excellent alignment with LEEA’s mission and values”.
Runner up is Blagoy Manzurov of Sunbelt Rentals.
Excellence in People Development recognises individuals and organisations that champion the growth and development of their people, creating a culture where learning, innovation and excellence can thrive.
The winner is SCE Academy, Street Cranexpress Ltd. Street Cranexpress is leading the way in developing the next generation of lifting professionals through its innovative SCE Academy. By providing structured training and mentorship and clear career paths, the company has seen real success, including apprentices who have completed Level 3 Diplomas and progressed to fully qualified engineers. Partnering with the University of Sheffield’s advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the Academy combines world-class technical training with specialist industry knowledge. This forward-thinking approach not only creates high-quality local jobs but also helps secure the future of the UK Lifting industry to ensure a strong, skilled workforce for years to come.
The judges said this detailed and well supported entry highlighted “genuine dedication to workforce development” and the clearly articulated submission showed “meaningful investment in skills and training” as well as “convincing evidence of a proactive approach to nurturing and empowering people”.
Runner up is MGF.
Technical Excellence and Professionalism Award recognises individuals who not only excel in their technical expertise but also set the standard for professionalism and leadership within their field. It celebrates those who actively seek to improve, embrace challenges and inspire colleagues through their commitment to continuous learning and advancement, making a lasting impact on both their organisation and wider industry.
The winner is Justin Powers, Select Plant Hire. Justin is a highly driven and dedicated professional, committed to both personal development and industry excellence. He takes the time to fully understand legislation, standards and best practice to ensure informed and effective decisions. Instrumental in building and growing Select Plant Hire’s Test & Inspection department, Justin played a key role in achieving and maintaining UKAS ISO 17020 accreditation. His passion, expertise and relentless drive for improvement have helped the department win multiple industry awards and set new benchmarks on major construction projects. Colleagues admire his work ethic, knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for the lifting and inspection industry.
The judges said: “Justin’s passion, leadership and commitment to excellence set a shining example for the lifting industry.” They added: “Justin demonstrates exceptional technical expertise and professionalism, driving continuous improvement and setting new standards across the lifting and inspection industry.”
Runner up is Tim Wilson, Lifting Solutions Group UK.
Trainer of the Year – The Craig Morelli Award recognises and celebrates trainers from the LEEA Accredited Training Scheme who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication and professionalism in their work. It honours those who go above and beyond to inspire, guide and develop others, making a tangible impact on their learning and success. Candidates for this award consistently show a passion for sharing knowledge, fostering growth and raising standards within the lifting industry, helping to shape the next generation of skilled professionals.
The winner is Jim Beauchamp, Boilermaker National Training Trust Fund / International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Jim Beauchamp’s influence as a trainer goes far beyond numbers. It is seen in the lasting transformation he inspires in individuals, organisations and the rigging industry as a whole. Through his leadership of the ITI Master Rigger Training Program, Jim has driven measurable improvements in learner performance, workplace safety and workforce development. Since its launch, he has successfully established the program in Alberta and Ontario, training over 486 participants across Canada, with exceptional completion and retention rates. Graduates consistently report meaningful skill development and understanding, describing the program as a career-defining experience that has deepened their knowledge and confidence in the trade.
The judges said: “Jim has changed the way people think about rigging in Canada. Nearly 500 workers have trained under him, and many say it’s the best learning experience of their careers. He teaches with passion and clarity, helping people not just to pass courses, but to truly understand, take pride in and work safer in their trade.” They also said: “Jim brings rigging to life in a way few trainers can. His blend of old-school know-how and modern teaching tools makes complex ideas click for everyone in the room. This is shared in the testimonials that customers and industry peers have given in the supporting documents.”
Runner up is Malcolm Peacock, pewag UK Group.
Excellence in Leadership, sponsored by Hoist. Leadership can often be a lonely place. Leaders carry the ultimate responsibility – making tough decisions, handling difficult conversations, and staying composed even after sleepless nights. Yet without strong leadership, progress stalls and innovation loses its spark. This category celebrates an individual whose vision, drive, and determination have made a measurable impact; someone who has successfully guided their organisation toward growth, improvement, and a more dynamic future. The award seeks clear evidence of vision, ambition, and dynamism in action.
The winner is Steve Hutin, Rope & Sling Specialists. Steve is a truly inspirational leader whose vision and integrity have transformed RSS from a small South Wales depot into a thriving national business with 10 depots, 84 staff and a £12.3 million turnover. Despite this growth, he has stayed true to his family-run values, fostering a caring, people-first culture where every employee feels valued. Passionate about development, Steve champions learning through initiatives like his new ‘learn and earn’ programme, helping nearly 100 team members gain LEEA qualifications. His innovative approach to safety, digitalisation, and sustainability continues to raise industry standards and. inspire those around him.
The judges said: “Steve clearly demonstrates original thinking, emerging technology use and strategic innovation.” There was “Good evidence of measurable growth, innovation, safety impact and workforce development” and “Steve is clearly a widely respected and inspirational figure within the lifting industry.”
Runner up is Ali Al Baqali of Aluminium Bahrain.
The Sustainability Excellence Award recognises organisations taking meaningful steps to secure a better future, for their business, their people, and the planet. We look for clear examples of tackling sustainability challenges, whether in workforce practices, energy use, or supply chains. Shortlisted candidates demonstrate measurable success in improving business practices, reducing environmental impact, and building long-term resilience.
The winner is pewag UK Group, which is taking sustainability into its own hands by generating renewable energy in-house through photovoltaic systems, hydroelectric plants, and a biomass power plant. In 2024, the company produced 6,697 MWh of self-generated energy, with some sites reaching up to 69% selfsufficiency, cutting reliance on external grids and delivering lasting carbon savings. Sustainability is embedded at every level of pewag, with the CEO and Supervisory Board driving long-term ESG goals, including a target for CO2 neutral production by 2030. This commitment is supported by a structured approach that brings together management, interdisciplinary teams, and external experts to turn strategy into action.
The judges said it was “a remarkable achievement within the environmental sustainability field”, adding: “Through CEO-driven governance and extensive multi-department collaboration, it’s impressive to see and understand the 14,000 hours of training that has been delivered via the pewag Academy. Other manufacturers should strive to meet and exceed the high bar that pewag has implemented.”
Runner up is GAP Hire Solutions.
The Excellence in Service Innovation Award celebrates services that have been transformed through creativity and forward-thinking innovation. We are looking for original ideas - whether completely new services or significant improvements to existing ones - that deliver real added value to customers. Services that leverage digital technology, embrace smart solutions, or are developed through close collaboration with clients are especially welcomed, as they demonstrate both innovation and a customer-focused approach.
The winner is Lifting by Design, MGF. MGF’s Lifting by Design service provides a tailored, engineered alternative to standard off-the-shelf solutions. Developed in response to growing demand for customised lifting systems, it bridges the gap between standard equipment and fully bespoke design, delivering clear improvements in safety, efficiency, and performance for its users.
The judges said the nomination showed “clear evidence of forward thinking with continuous improvement embedded”, and “Originality through repurposing existing fleet components into bespoke lifting systems”,
Runner up is BlueSupra, YOKE Industrial Corp.
Excellence in Product Innovation, sponsored by International Lift & Hoist (ILH) recognises members who are transforming the lifting industry with inventive new products. Shortlisted candidates clearly address a genuine industry need, offer a novel or significantly improved solution and make lifting operations safer, more efficient or more versatile. Successful products demonstrate originality, practical usability and forward-thinking design that helps the industry operate at higher standards in challenging environments.
The joint winners are: RUD CCS FASTLOX and BlueSupra, YOKE Industrial Corp.
The RUD CCS FASTLOX represents a significant step forward in lifting technology. As the first clickable clevis shackle, it was developed to enhance both efficiency and safety in lifting operations. Its intuitive ‘Insert - Click - Lock – Done’ design removes the need for bolts, nuts, or cotter pins, allowing connections to be made up to 80% faster than traditional systems. This simple yet highly effective innovation demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can streamline operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability.
The judges said: “This is a very good product with real benefits to risk reduction,” adding that it has a “very innovative design reducing human error significantly,” and “Innovative and creative. It addresses a known and so far unresolved problem.”
BlueSupra is YOKE Industrial Corp’s bold step into the future of lifting. Designed with the EU's upcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) in mind, BlueSupra is ready for 2027 and beyond - carrying a built-in Digital Product Passport (DPP) from day one. As the world's first born-digital lifting solution, its DPP capability is integrated right into the hardware from the forging stage, making compliance effortless while setting a new standard for performance, safety, and innovation.
The judges said: “The product has the capacity to be a market leader,” and “sustainability clearly achieved by reducing waste,” and the “LEEA mission of lifting standards worldwide is clearly achieved here since it’s a global product.”
The Excellence in Safety Award, sponsored by Rigging Services, recognises organisations that place the highest priority on the health, wellbeing, and safety of their employees. We seek candidates who demonstrate leadership in creating a strong safety culture, implement innovative safety practices or technologies, and show a commitment to continuous improvement in safety management. Entries should highlight measurable impact, proactive risk management, and initiatives that go beyond compliance to make lifting operations safer for everyone involved.
The winner is Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba). Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) sets the standard for industrial safety with its ‘Safety First, Safety Always’ culture. Its commitment to protecting employees is measurable and impressive: as of September 2025, Alba achieved 39 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury, a record-setting milestone. The company has also gone nine consecutive summers without a single heat-related injury, thanks to proactive risk management, targeted health campaigns, and strong leadership engagement. Alba's achievements demonstrate how a deeply embedded safety culture can make a real difference, both on-site and across the wider community.
The judges said: “This is an inspiring example of proactive safety management, combining innovation and workforce engagement across the organization.” They added: “39 million safe working hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI) as of 3 September 2025 – an incredible achievement.”
Runner up is WH Scott Group.
The Excellence in Lifting Operations Award, sponsored by IMES, recognises and celebrates individuals or teams who demonstrate exceptional skill in executing lifting operations safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulations and industry best practices.
The winner is Gareth McNary, Select Plant Hire. During the M25 Junction 10 / A3 Wisley Interchange project, Gareth led his team through complex bridge beam installations with exceptional professionalism and care. He worked closely with his colleagues to develop a lifting strategy that delivered outstanding safety and efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Known for his integrity and strong ethical leadership, Gareth inspires confidence and respect within his team, setting a shining example of what great leadership in lifting operations looks like.
The judges said this was a “well-presented entry showcasing outstanding leadership and innovative thinking in lifting operations” and there was “very clear evidence of upholding LEEA’s vision and values”.
Runner up is Shrewsbury Hospital Project, MGF.
In addition to the ten award categories open to entry, it was LEEA’s great privilege and honour to present its Outstanding Contribution Award to Len Latham, Richard Money, Kevin Smith, Tony Stringer and Chris Towne in recognition of their outstanding commitments and contributions to the Association over many years.
