GPH Builders Merchants (GPH) were celebrating twice as hard at the 10-year anniversary of the Trades Awards as they secured the first and last trophies of the night.
It was a fantastic start to the evening at Ardoe House when one GPH’s newest and youngest members of staff stepped on stage to accept the Sustainability in Construction award. The category really resonated for GPH coinciding as it did with the implementation of their new environmental strategy.
Winner Ryan Scott – a graduate trainee at the firm who has been instrumental in the development of the project, used the acceptance as a platform to encourage other organisations to measure their carbon footprint, and be proactive in their approach to net zero.
Judges were impressed by the progress already made and goals aimed at delivering on ambitious net zero targets. With governmental targets outlined for the UK’s transition to carbon neutral, GPH aim to be an industry leader. The strategy focuses on key areas, such as fleet changes, infrastructure upgrades and replacements, research into alternative and sustainable product lines, establishing sustainable supply chains, and staff education.
Managing Director Grant Shewan said: “Net zero is something that GPH are keen to get ahead of the curve on, we have a lot of plans for the future that will benefit both the environment and our business, we would encourage our fellow builders’ merchants to do the same.”
GPH also claimed the final award of the evening, an award recognising the lifetime achievements of founder and chair, Mike Macaulay. The Outstanding Achievement award shines a light on the incredible contributions that Mr Macaulay has made over the last 40 years. Not only in his local business focus with GPH, Aberdeen & Northern Marts, and Ringlink Scotland, but also his exceptional work in the community, the Inverurie Locos Football Club, and countless charitable causes. Humble in acceptance, Mike used the platform to encourage all in positions of seniority to, “always take someone under your wing”, words which were followed by a round of applause from the audience.
It seemed a fitting that the night began with one of the newest members of the team and ended with one of the most experienced and well-regarded figures in the industry. With 40 years in business, and just over 40 years age between the two, GPH will likely have plenty to celebrate for years to come.