Friday September 12, 2025
A night of celebration, recognition, and industry pride.
The seventh annual British Demolition & Asbestos Awards 2025 lit up the stunning Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Paul’s in London, as professionals from across the sector gathered to honour excellence, innovation, and the people who make the industry exceptional.
Cawarden’s success across three major categories highlighted their dedication to safety, investment in emerging talent, and recognition of lifelong contribution to the demolition industry.
Safety Innovation of the Year
In an industry where safety is paramount, Cawarden’s Health & Safety Training Video Library stood out as a game-changing initiative. Produced entirely in-house and presented by the company’s own subject matter experts, the bespoke, scalable library integrates real-world scenarios into training – making safety education more inclusive, practical, and effective.
By embedding these videos into day-to-day operations, Cawarden ensures safety remains a living priority, tailored to the realities of demolition site work. Crucially, the library complements – rather than replaces – traditional and mandatory training, enhancing it with consistent, accessible, and engaging content.
The judges recognised this forward-thinking approach with the Safety Innovation of the Year award, applauding the team’s dedication to keeping people safe and informed.
Apprentice/Trainee of the Year – Brandon Hargreaves
The full story behind Brandon Hargreaves’ incredible win at the 2025 British Demolition Awards is one of grit, growth, and genuine impact. Since joining Cawarden in 2023, Brandon has consistently demonstrated initiative, technical skill, and a quiet determination that’s earned him the respect of colleagues across the business.
From contributing to major projects and embracing digital tools, to leading outreach during National Careers Week, Brandon’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when opportunity meets drive. His award for Apprentice/Trainee of the Year is a testament to everything he’s achieved so far – and the potential still ahead.
See why Brandon stood out to the judges in his nomination video, which captured his journey, his impact, and – in Brandon’s own words – “It’s changed my life.”
Demolition Hall of Fame – Malcolm Lowes
The night’s most special moment came with the induction of Malcolm Lowes, Cawarden’s Demolition Director, into the Demolition Hall of Fame. Nominated by Demolition Hub’s own Ben Chambers, “Malc” was welcomed into the Class of 2025 in recognition of his 44-year career – a journey that began as a general labourer and evolved into a legacy of leadership and impact.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Malcolm reflected on the friendships, challenges, and triumphs that shaped his path:
“This industry is fantastic. It’s tough, it’s challenging, but it’s also rewarding and filled with some of the best people you could ever hope to meet.”
Malcolm now joins fellow legends, including Cawarden Managing Director William Crooks, Robin Powell, and Howard Button, to name but a few – each a pillar of our profession.
It was a fantastic evening celebrating the very best of our industry. To all the winners and nominees – it’s great to see how we are, together, continuing to push boundaries and elevate what we as an industry can achieve. I’m especially proud of the Cawarden team; the passion, innovation, and dedication made this night one we’ll remember for a long time.
A special mention must go to Malc, whose induction into the Demolition Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary career, and to Brandon, our Apprentice of the Year, whose drive and potential represent the future of our industry.
A huge thank you to Ben Chambers and the Demolition Hub team for hosting another outstanding event, and to the judges for recognising the people and projects that drive our sector forward.”