Leading construction, refurbishment, and fit-out contractor Gilbert-Ash has marked a landmark year during its annual Summit, which united personnel from across its UK and Irish operations.

The event was held jointly at the company's Belfast headquarters and the Union Theatre in London, while also being live-streamed to regional teams gathered in Bristol and at the firm's Dublin offices on Dawson Street.

During the Summit, project teams took to the stage to present the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from a range of recently completed schemes. A 'Bid to Build' panel discussion further highlighted the internal collaboration and technical expertise that drives the company's bidding, estimating, and programming operations.

Attendees received updates on the progression of Gilbert-Ash's ESG strategy, which outlines the company's roadmap to achieving net-zero status by 2040. Crucial updates regarding the business's latest Health and Safety initiatives were also shared.

The gathering featured the annual internal Make Your Mark Awards, which recognise the daily contributions and high-calibre work delivered by Gilbert-Ash personnel, culminating in the presentation of the Make Your Mark trophies to this year's winners. The corporate event follows the recent announcement that Gilbert-Ash has secured a place on the Sunday Times Best Places To Work list for the second consecutive year. The business also received a Highly Commended accolade in the 55+ category, highlighting its ongoing commitment to supporting employees across all stages of their professional careers. This milestone follows the company's transition to an Employee Ownership Trust last year, a move designed to place the future governance of the business into the hands of its workforce.

Reflecting on the achievements of the past 12 months, Managing Director Ray Hutchinson commended the staff for their vital role in driving the company's performance.

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."

Attendees were also treated to a screening of Building Culture, a bespoke Gilbert-Ash film that charts the company's long-standing association with the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize. To date, Gilbert-Ash projects have achieved a place on the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist five times—most recently with the National Portrait Gallery in 2024—while its Everyman Theatre project secured the coveted award in 2014.

Gilbert-Ash is actively delivering several high-profile landmark schemes across the UK and Ireland. Current projects include a new technology campus in Bristol, a state-of-the-art sports facility at Eton College in Windsor, and extensive refurbishment works at Tate Liverpool. Additionally, the contractor recently celebrated topping-out milestones at Premier Inn hotels located on Jervis Street and O'Connell Street in Dublin. For further details, visit gilbert-ash.com