UKSTT Awards Dinner Celebrates the Best of Trenchless Technology in Spectacular Masquerade Style
The UK Society for Trenchless Technology (UKSTT) celebrated the achievements, innovation and people of the trenchless industry at its 2026 Awards Dinner, held during No-Dig Live at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
The much-anticipated UKSTT Awards Dinner brought together professionals from across the trenchless community for an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition and entertainment.
This year’s Masquerade theme provided a spectacular backdrop to the evening, with guests embracing the occasion and arriving in an impressive array of masks.
The venue was transformed for the celebration, including a stunning lounge area featuring vintage seating and dramatic floral and feather displays, creating an elegant setting for guests to meet, relax and celebrate together.
Entertainment continued the Venetian-inspired masquerade theme throughout the evening. Wandering jesters mingled with guests, captivating the room with levitating crystal spheres, while fire-wand performances added further spectacle to the celebrations.
At the heart of the evening were the UKSTT Awards, recognising outstanding achievements from across the trenchless industry. A total of 12 awards were presented during the ceremony, celebrating excellence, innovation and achievement across the sector.
UKSTT would like to thank everyone who submitted an entry for this year’s awards. The quality of the submissions demonstrated the exceptional work taking place throughout the industry and made the judging process particularly competitive.
Congratulations go to all of the finalists, and especially to the 2026 award winners, whose achievements were announced during the evening.
The Awards Dinner also provided an opportunity for the trenchless community to support ANDYSMANCLUB, the men’s suicide prevention charity. UKSTT was proud to support the charity as part of this year’s event and help raise awareness of its important work.
Following the awards ceremony, celebrations continued with an after-party and disco, sponsored by Vortex. Guests filled the dance floor as DJ Damage – aka Paul Brooker – kept the party going and brought a fantastic evening to a fitting close.
UKSTT extends its sincere thanks to all of the sponsors whose support helped make the 2026 Awards Dinner possible, as well as everyone who attended, entered the awards and contributed to the success of the evening.
A very special thank you must also go to the Westrade team for their exceptional creativity, professionalism and organisational skills in bringing this spectacular evening to life. Particular recognition goes to Kathryn Boi, whose dedication, attention to detail and hard work played an instrumental role in making the 2026 UKSTT Awards Dinner such a memorable occasion. From the stunning masquerade setting to the seamless delivery of the evening’s celebrations, the team’s efforts helped create a truly unforgettable experience for everyone who attended.
The event once again demonstrated the strength and spirit of the UK trenchless community – bringing the industry together not only to recognise technical excellence and innovation, but also to celebrate the people and organisations driving trenchless technology forward.
UKSTT Award Winners & Finalists 2026
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY
An award that covers emerging and applied product/system/install/renovation to support the use of trenchless techniques and must demonstrate that it has been accepted for use in the utility industry. Innovative technologies must be trenchless and new to the UK market e.g. asset health inspection, underground mapping, installation equipment, new materials, and techniques.
Sponsored by: VORTEX
Comprex ® Impulse Cleaning
> IES UTILITY SOLUTIONS / NORTHUMBRIAN WATER GROUP
Comprex® Impulse Cleaning is a patented trenchless pipe cleaning technology introduced to the UK by IES Utilities Group (IES). Using precisely controlled pulses of medical-grade air and water, it removes sediment, biofilm and mineral deposits while using up to 95% less water and no chemicals. Proven in Europe but new to the UK, this technology restores mains to near-new condition, without excavation and minimal customer disruption. It’s deployment in Saxmundham with Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) demonstrated its ability to resolve high risk water quality issues, extend asset life, reduce carbon, and provide a scalable, low-impact alternative to traditional methods.
Digital Twin Monitoring During Urban Piling Works
> ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNIQUES / TETRATECH / KAINOS / NORTHERN IRELAND WATER
Environmental Techniques, working with Good Friday Robotics, delivered an innovative digital asset monitoring solution for the Belfast Stormwater Tunnel during piling works for the Kainos development in Belfast. Using an underground drone equipped with LiDAR, surveys were completed before and after piling from Shaft 6, creating a 3 mm accurate digital baseline of the tunnel. Compared with traditional man-entry inspections requiring approximately 12 personnel, weeks of mobilisation and multiple confined space entries, the drone required only two operators and completed surveys in 5–10 minutes. The technology confirmed no structural impact from the piling while creating a permanent digital record for future asset monitoring and comparison.
Always In Supply (AiS)
> ARLINGTON WATER / THAMES WATER / BRISTOL WATER / SEVERN TRENT
Arlington Water’s AiS (Always in Supply) technology is transforming how underground water infrastructure works are delivered by maintaining customer water supply during planned and reactive interventions. Unlike traditional approaches relying on bottled water and bowsers, AiS uses intelligent, digitally controlled pumping to infuse potable water directly into isolated sections of network, keeping customers supplied at the tap. As an enabling technology for trenchless and low-disruption works, AiS reduces customer impact, improves resilience, supports vulnerable users, lowers logistics requirements and helps utilities complete essential underground interventions more safely, efficiently and sustainably.
DETECTION, LOCATION & INSPECTION
This award will be presented to the entry that best demonstrates the use of detection, location, or inspection techniques to overcome significant challenges in the use of remote and less intrusive ways of assessing existing underground assets.
Sponsored by: PROKASRO
iDetect365
> NATIONAL GAS SERVICES
iDetect365 is an innovative, trenchless monitoring system that transforms underground pipeline inspection by enabling continuous, real time detection of third-party activity using integrated sensing and AI. Trialled across 112 UK sites with 98% accuracy, it reduces reliance on intrusive inspections and manual monitoring. The system improves safety, lowers operational costs, and minimises environmental impact by cutting patrols and ground disturbance. With strong cross team collaboration and scalable deployment, iDetect365 delivers a step change in asset protection, combining high performance, sustainability, and efficiency to set a new standard for infrastructure monitoring.
Drainage Misconnection Investigation & Pollution Prevention Programme
> GLANVILLE ENVIRONMENTAL / SOUTH WEST WATER
Glanville Environmental delivered a large-scale drainage misconnection investigation programme supporting South West Water’s “Solution to Pollution” strategy. Using an integrated approach that combined CCTV surveying, dye tracing, and geospatial analysis, the team completed 359 property investigations, identifying 40 genuine misconnections and eliminating 224 suspected cases. The non-intrusive methodology avoided excavation, reduced carbon impact by an estimated 70%+, and minimised disruption to customers and highways. By providing clear, auditable evidence of drainage connectivity, the programme enabled targeted intervention and prevented pollution at source. This scalable, data-driven approach establishes a proactive model for efficient and effective pollution prevention across wastewater networks.
Fowey Estuary Lateral Sewer Investigation
> GLANVILLE ENVIRONMENTAL / SOUTH WEST WATER
Glanville Environmental delivered a complex lateral sewer investigation along the Fowey Estuary, supporting Amplify and South West Water in identifying tidal inflow and infiltration. Using an innovative combination of LiDAR modelling, tidal surveys, and bespoke mini camera techniques, the team mapped approximately 1km of foreshore assets and pinpointed active infiltration pathways. The fully trenchless approach avoided excavation, reduced carbon by an estimated 70%+, and minimised community disruption. Delivering a reusable digital dataset, the project enables targeted intervention, improved asset performance, and long-term pollution reduction within a sensitive coastal environment. This scalable methodology establishes a new standard for tidal infrastructure inspection.
NEW INSTALLATION – LARGE PROJECT (>£500k)
This award will be presented to companies demonstrating their key roles in successful new installations of cables, ducts, or pipelines using trenchless techniques.
Sponsored by: TRACTO UK LTD
Green Lane Sewer Diversion
> TERRA SOLUTIONS LTD / BALFOUR BEATTY VINCI JV / COWI
The Green Lane Sewer Diversion enabled construction of the HS2 Green Lane Embankment through approximately 500 metres of twin 1.8m diameter tunnelled sewer, installed using pipe-jacking techniques beneath one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure programmes. Acting as both Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, Terra Solutions integrated engineering design, construction delivery, CDM compliance and innovation within a single delivery model. The project created a more resilient strategic wastewater asset while minimising community disruption, environmental impact and construction risk through trenchless engineering. Combining exemplary safety, measurable sustainability benefits and industry-leading innovation, Green Lane establishes a benchmark for nationally significant trenchless infrastructure delivery.
Old Oak Common Western Outfall Sewer
> JOSEPH GALLAGHER / HS2 / BALFOUR BEATTY / VINCI / SYSTRA EXPANDED STRUCTURES LTD / WSP
In May 2024, Joseph Gallagher Limited (JGL) was appointed by Expanded to deliver a critical rack drainage connection from the future HS2 Old Oak Common Station beneath the live Great Western Main Line and into an operational Thames Water manhole within the Hitachi Rail Maintenance Depot. Following the discovery that previously surveyed access dimensions were incorrect, the planned Micro Tunnel Boring Machine (MTBM) recovery method became unviable. Faced with significant structural, railway and operational constraints, JGL developed an innovative alternative solution to safely recover the MTBM from within a live manhole, eliminating the need for high-risk structural modifications and ensuring the success of this technically complex operation.
A UK Benchmark in Pipe-Pushed HDD Landfall Installation – Orkney–Caithness 220kV HVAC Transmission Link
> OCU GROUP / SCOTTISH & SOUTHERN ELECTRICITY NETWORKS TRANSMISSION (SSENT) / RJ MCLEOD / MCCORMACK DRILLING
McCormack Drilling – an OCU Group Company successfully delivered two parallel 1,200m HDD landfall crossings as part of SSEN Transmission’s 220kV Orkney–Caithness HVAC link. Installed in a remote and environmentally sensitive coastal location, the project overcame complex geology, fault zones and significant logistical challenges through the innovative use of pipe-push technology combined with Horizontal Directional Drilling. Delivered safely, on programme and under a single mobilisation, the project established a UK benchmark and is believed to represent the UK’s longest forward-reaming pipe-push installation. The works, along with similar landfalls on the mainland at Dounreay, now form a critical component of Scotland’s renewable energy transmission infrastructure.
NEW INSTALLATION – SMALL PROJECT (£100k – £500K)
This award will be presented to companies demonstrating their key roles in successful new installations of cables, ducts, or pipelines using trenchless techniques.
Sponsored by: UIS TOOLING & TECHNOLOGIES
Sherford Sewer Rehab
> MCALLISTER, A VORTEX COMPANY / WESSEX WATER
McAllister undertook renovation works of several sewer runs in Sherford as apart of sewer improvement works on behalf of Wessex Water. Sherford Team was working during the hottest week of the year so far, still achieving incredible 6 liner installations within one week. Regardless the highest temperatures of the century crew exceeded expectations and yet delivered outstanding quality without any downtime.
REHABILITATION – LARGE PROJECT (>500K)
This award covers successful UK pipeline rehabilitation projects of any diameter or technique for cables, ducts, culverts, and pipelines for any utility type, using trenchless techniques.
Sponsored by: IMPREG
Northern Outfall Sewer 14 – Stratford High Street
> MCALLISTER GROUP / THAMES WATER / BLEJKAN S.A. (PL) / COMPOSITE DESIGN STUDIO / FAIRHURST
McAllister’s rehabilitation of the NOS14 Stratford High Street Underbridge, a critical component of Bazalgette’s 160-year-old Northern Outfall Sewer, used a trenchless GRP segmental liner solution to restore full highway loading to a Victorian sewer under-bridge carrying 40,000 vehicles per day. Rather than a disruptive full replacement, bespoke Glass Reinforced Polymer modules were precision-engineered, offsite-manufactured in Poland, and installed via a custom handling system within a live sewer environment, delivering a 120-year design life extension, zero lost-time injuries, a 40% cost saving versus conventional methods, and Thames Water’s internal Gold Award for project excellence.
Eastern Road Rising Main Rehabilitation Project
> CAPPAGH BROWNE UTILITIES LTD / VORTEX
The Eastern Road Rising Main Rehabilitation Project delivered the trenchless rehabilitation of 4km of critical 600mm wastewater rising main adjacent to the internationally protected Langstone Harbour. Following 16 failures in five years, Southern Water required a long-term solution that would protect customers, businesses and the environment whilst minimising disruption. Cappagh Browne and Lining Division Ltd. (Vortex Companies) delivered an innovative pressure-rated CIPP solution incorporating Fero Force liner technology and VeriCure® real-time cure monitoring. Completed on programme with zero pollution incidents and minimal disruption, the project established a new benchmark for quality assurance, sustainability and innovation in pressure main rehabilitation.
London Victorian Mains Rehabilitation
> BROWNE / THAMES WATER
Thames Water awarded Browne a stretch target of 42km for the first year of AMP8 as part of its Victorian Mains Rehabilitation programme. In response, Browne delivered 43,264m of mains replacement, 64% (27,892m) of which was delivered in London.The programme exceeded all performance targets, achieving 27,892m of water main renewal. Operating in some of the UK’s most complex urban environments, 42% of works utilised trenchless ‘no-dig’ techniques to minimise disruption and carbon impact.Exceptional collaboration with highways authorities and proactive community engagement ensured high-quality outcomes with minimal public impact. Browne also achieved an industry-leading 98% joint-quality compliance, as scored by an independent inspector.
REHABILITATION – SMALL PROJECT (100K – £500K)
This award covers successful UK pipeline rehabilitation projects of any diameter or technique for cables, ducts, culverts, and pipelines for any utility type, using trenchless techniques.
Sponsored by: Minicam Group
Thanet Way, Kent
> FM CONWAY
FM Conway’s Thanet Way Sewer Investigation and Rehabilitation project successfully surveyed and rehabilitated 883m of 300mm diameter vitrified clay sewer that multiple previous contractors had been unable to access. Using its fully integrated “One Team, One Solution” delivery model, FM Conway self-delivered all specialist disciplines, combining innovative trenchless technologies to minimise excavation, disruption and environmental impact. The project achieved an 87.8% carbon reduction compared with open-cut replacement, was completed with zero reportable incidents, improved long-term asset resilience and maintainability, and received excellent feedback from both the client and the asset owner.
Environmental Rehabilitation of a Failing Wastewater System within a Sensitive-Heritage Environment
> ROGER LITTLE (NORTH WEST) LTD t/a DYNO-ROD
A complex wastewater rehabilitation project transformed a failing drainage system serving a sensitive, environmentally constrained site into a fully compliant, future-proof asset using innovative trenchless technology. Extensive root ingress, environmental constraints and limited access prevented conventional excavation, making CIPP lining the only practical rehabilitation solution. Over 220 metres of 225mm pipeline was structurally rehabilitated before a new biological treatment plant was installed and commissioned, eliminating the risk of contamination to a nearby watercourse. Delivered safely, on programme and with minimal environmental impact, the project demonstrates how trenchless technology can overcome challenging site conditions while protecting both critical infrastructure and the natural environment
Belfast Harbour Phase 1 – Sewer Rehabilitation Works
> ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNIQUES / ARUP / BELFAST HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS
The Belfast Harbour Phase 1 Sewer Rehabilitation Works delivered a data-led trenchless rehabilitation programme to improve the resilience of the harbour’s ageing sewer network while supporting continued commercial, residential and tourist activities. Environmental Techniques undertook CCTV investigations, flow monitoring, conductivity surveys and topographical surveys to identify areas most affected by groundwater and tidal infiltration before installing 1,054m of CIPP lining across nine sewer sections. Delivered within a live operational harbour, the project maintained business continuity through careful planning and flow management. Post-construction monitoring demonstrated a 46% reduction in dry weather flow, confirming significant infiltration reduction, improved hydraulic capacity, enhanced sustainability and long-term asset resilience.
SMALL SCHEME (<100K)
This award is offered by UKSTT to encourage applicants to submit projects that, despite being small, are examples of excellence either technically or professionally, that they believe support the aims of the awards ethos as well as demonstrate innovation in street works and the protection of the environment. It is designed to encourage submissions from a wider range of entrants in the trenchless world that can be related to any underground infrastructure projects such as cables, ducts, culverts, & pipelines for any utility using trenchless techniques.
Sponsored by: Lateral Repairs
Bow Lakes
> PSS UTILITIES (ADLER & ALLAN) / CAPPAGH BROWNE UTILITIES / TRACTO-TECHNIK UK LTD
The Bow Lakes project showcases how innovative trenchless engineering can deliver effective solutions on a small-scale, cost-conscious scheme. A critical foul water rising main beneath a sensitive watercourse had suffered severe structural damage and was at imminent risk of failure. With less than 1 metre of cover below the riverbed, conventional methods such as Pipe Bursting and Horizontal Directional Drilling were unsuitable due to the risks of riverbed heave and drilling fluid breakout. Open-cut excavation was prohibited so PSS designed and delivered a trenchless pipe ramming and slip-lining solution, replacing the rising main with no environmental impact or stakeholder disruption.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Biodiversity Through Innovative Trenchless Rehabilitation
> S1E LTD / EPS ADLER & ALLAN
This project demonstrates how trenchless technology can successfully deliver critical infrastructure rehabilitation within some of the most environmentally sensitive and operationally constrained environments. Delivered by EPS Adler & Allan in partnership with S1E Ltd, the scheme rehabilitated a failing drainage asset while protecting habitats for great crested newts and nesting peregrine falcons, maintaining public access, and avoiding excavation. Completed within a strict four-day programme and over £10,000 under budget, the project combined technical innovation, specialist trenchless expertise, and collaborative delivery to provide a sustainable, low-disruption solution that exceeded client expectations.
1A Barnfield Crescent, Exeter – Structural Sewer Rehabilitation
> GLANVILLE ENVIRONMENTAL / KIER NSA DIVISION / SOUTH WEST WATER
Glanville Environmental delivered an emergency trenchless rehabilitation of a partially collapsed brick culvert (85% loss) beneath a residential property in Exeter. Using a precision patch-lining approach and bespoke packer, the team restored structural integrity without excavation. The scheme reduced the programme by over 75%, cut costs by up to 60%, and achieved a 75%+ carbon reduction while avoiding 10–15 tonnes of waste. Delivered with zero safety incidents and minimal disruption, the project protected the property from collapse. It demonstrated innovative, targeted use of trenchless technology to achieve high-value outcomes in a constrained, high-risk environment.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL
The UKSTT Chair award will go to the professional (<30 years) who can best demonstrate their contribution to Trenchless Technology. We will be looking for evidence of an understanding of Trenchless Technology, the individual’s contribution made, the quality of the submission, and the candidate’s vision for the future of Trenchless Technology. The Winner of this award receives a Trophy and a £250 Amazon Gift Voucher.
Sponsored by: RSM Lining Supplies Global
MANRAJ TOOR
> ATKINSRÉALIS
Manraj is a Civil Engineer specialising in trenchless technology, with over three years of experience delivering complex trenchless installations on major UK infrastructure projects. He has successfully led the design of three land to sea HDD installations at Sizewell C, delivering significant carbon and cost reductions, while maintaining a strong focus on safety and constructability. He is passionate about advancing low carbon infrastructure, promoting innovation, knowledge sharing and best practice. As Trenchless Manager for the proposed Lincolnshire Reservoir, he is now leading the development of trenchless solutions to support the UK’s future water security, climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure objectives.
STEVEN RICHARDSON
> PICOTE UK LTD
At just 23 years old, Steven Richardson has rapidly established himself as a highly respected Technical Trainer at Picote UK. Since joining full time in 2023, he has trained hundreds of contractors from more than 25 countries, travelled independently to 13 countries supporting customers and live projects and contributed to internationally adopted product innovations. Steven played an instrumental role in the UKSTT award-winning Beaulieu Flexi-Sliplining project and has supported complex installations across the UK and Europe. Combining technical expertise, engineering innovation, exceptional customer support and a commitment to continuous learning, Steven is an outstanding ambassador for the trenchless industry.
FREDDIE FOWLER
> MCALLISTER GROUP (VORTEX)
In just two and a half years, Freddie has established himself as an emerging leader in trenchless technology, delivering complex wastewater rehabilitation projects across the Thames Water. He has successfully managed innovative schemes, including the installation of 2.5m diameter GRP segmental liners beneath Stratford High Street and the UK’s first Geokrete lateral spray lining installation, while maintaining an outstanding safety record. Freddie has contributed to nationally and internationally recognised award-winning projects, achieved significant cost savings for clients and championed sustainable engineering solutions. Passionate about innovation, collaboration and continuous professional development, Freddie is helping shape the future of the trenchless industry.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the trenchless industry over many years. It celebrates exceptional dedication and commitment that goes beyond their professional role, helping to advance, develop and promote trenchless technologies, knowledge and best practice across the UK.
Sponsored by: Picote
DON RIDGERS
With a lifelong passion for engineering, Don has built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades across civil engineering, sewerage and trenchless technology. Beginning in local government before joining Thames Water in 1985, he became a strong advocate for innovative trenchless solutions, helping to advance techniques including microtunnelling, directional drilling and sewer rehabilitation. His commitment to learning from both success and challenges has also seen him play an important role in developing Water Industry, British and European standards, including pioneering leak-tightness testing for CIPP linings. Through his expertise, innovation and dedication to best practice, Don has helped improve industry reliability, advance asset management and leave a lasting legacy across the trenchless sector.
TRENCHLESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
The UKSTT’s Trenchless Woman of the Year award recognises a woman who plays a leading role within the year within the UK trenchless technology industry. The recipient is someone who goes above and beyond their role in the sector, striving for excellence, as well as someone who actively advocates for other women within the industry.
Sponsored by: FM Conway
DAWN GREIG
Throughout her career, Dawn has been a passionate advocate for innovation, collaboration and the advancement of trenchless technology. Bringing a strong background in leadership, marketing and business development, she has successfully helped introduce pioneering trenchless solutions to market, supporting their adoption across the industry while championing more sustainable infrastructure practices.
As the first female Chair of the UK Society for Trenchless Technology (UKSTT) in its 30-year history, and through her continued leadership roles with both UKSTT and the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT), she has played a key role in raising the profile of the industry, promoting education, encouraging collaboration and driving greater awareness of trenchless solutions.
HONORARY FELLOW
The Honorary Fellow award is the Society’s highest honorary distinction, awarded by the Council in recognition of an individual who has made an exceptional and sustained contribution to trenchless technology and/or to the aims of UKSTT.
DR. DECLAN DOWNEY
With a career spanning four decades, Dec has made an outstanding contribution to the development and promotion of trenchless technology in the UK and internationally. After beginning his career in concrete pipe manufacture, his introduction to pioneering trenchless techniques led him to join Insituform in 1986, where he developed business across the Asia-Pacific region. Alongside his professional achievements, Dec has demonstrated exceptional commitment to industry advancement through UKSTT and ISTT. A former UKSTT Chair, ISTT Chairman and long-serving ISTT President, he has championed knowledge sharing, standards, education, mentoring and international collaboration, making him a highly deserving recipient of the UKSTT Fellow Award.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION – Dr Iain Naismith
The UKSTT Special Recognition Award has been introduced for the very first time to honour an individual
whose extraordinary dedication, commitment and service have made a significant and lasting impact on the Society. This award is reserved for those whose contributions extend far beyond their professional role, recognising individuals whose passion, leadership and generosity have helped shape the future of UKSTT and the wider trenchless community.
It is therefore a privilege to present the inaugural UKSTT Special Recognition Award to Dr Iain Naismith, PhD, Senior Research Fellow and UK & International Project Manager at IKT – Institute for Underground Infrastructure.
Iain is widely respected for his technical expertise, international knowledge and enthusiasm for the trenchless industry. Since becoming involved with UKSTT, he has generously shared his time, knowledge and experience, making a significant contribution to the Society and its members. His commitment to technical excellence, industry relationships, encourage knowledge sharing and promote best practice both in the UK and internationally.