Leading construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has celebrated a landmark year at its annual Summit, bringing together teams from across the UK and Ireland.
Held jointly at the company’s headquarters in Belfast and Union Theatre in London, the event was also live-streamed to colleagues gathered in Bristol and at Gilbert-Ash offices on Dawson Street in Dublin.
Project teams took to the stage to share the successes, challenges and lessons learned from some recently completed schemes. A ‘Bid to Build’ panel also showcased the collaboration and expertise behind the bidding, estimating and programming process.
Employees heard about progress on Gilbert-Ash’s ESG strategy as the business continues to work towards its target of becoming net zero by 2040. There were also significant updates shared on the company’s new Health and Safety initiatives.
In addition, the annual internal Make Your Mark Awards shone a light on the incredible work delivered by staff at Gilbert-Ash on a daily basis, with the winners announced during the event and awarded Make Your Mark trophies.
The Summit follows the news that Gilbert-Ash has been included in the Sunday Times Best Places To Work list for the second year in a row. In addition, this year the business was Highly Commended in the 55+ category, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting its people throughout their careers.
Last year, Gilbert-Ash transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust, putting the future of the business firmly into the hands of its people.
Looking back over the past 12 months, Managing Director Ray Hutchinson paid tribute to staff for their contribution to the company’s success.
Ray said: “This has been a remarkable year for Gilbert-Ash and this year’s Summit gave us an opportunity for our people to come together as one and reflect on everything we’ve achieved over the past year.
“The panel discussions are always insightful and give our teams a platform to share experiences and lessons learned. That culture of knowledge sharing is central to how we grow and improve as a business.
“The Summit also provides an opportunity to say thank you to those teams and colleagues who have made their mark on our projects, people and planet through their innovation, collaboration and determination.”
Those present also enjoyed Building Culture, a Gilbert-Ash film highlighting the company’s proud association with the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize. Gilbert-Ash projects have been shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize five times, including the National Portrait Gallery in 2024, while the Everyman Theatre won the coveted award in 2014.
Gilbert-Ash is currently delivering landmark projects including the construction of a new tech campus in Bristol, a new sports facility at Eton College in Windsor, and major refurbishment works at Tate Liverpool. Topping out has also taken place recently at Premier Inn hotels at Jervis Street and O’Connell Street in Dublin.
For more information, visit gilbert-ash.com