Read the autumn 2026 RIDBA Journal now! Thank you to Briarwood, Eternit, Kingspan, STRUMIS, Trimble, Filon, Steadmans, Barrett Steel and Wedge Group Galvanizing for their support.

Here’s what’s inside…

Industry news

• Page 5: Government to speak on BS EN 1090 compliance at RIDBA Industry Day
• Page 6: 70 years of RIDBA
• Page 7: Other RIDBA news

Technical and safety insights

• Pages 8-9: Health and safety consultant Nick Redpath and Rob Harris, of edge protection experts Harrigen, on working at height safely

• Pages 12-13: Martin Heywood, technical consultant, on steel sub-grade selection

Livestock and sustainability

• Pages 10-11: Jamie Robertson, RIDBA’s livestock consultant, on the value of space

Member news

• Pages 15-17: Member news from Filon, KR Group, Powell Gee, Steadmans, STRUMIS and Timmins Engineering

Steeling the Limelight

• Page 22: Andy Harrison, sales and marketing director at Wedge Group Galvanizing, takes his place in the RIDBA Journal hot seat.

Read the autumn 2026 RIDBA Journal now.

Government to speak on BS EN 1090 compliance at RIDBA Industry Day

An excellent line-up of speakers and sponsors has been confirmed for RIDBA’s Industry Day.

Taking place on September 10 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), the day will bring together members from across the sector for a day of insight, networking and discussion.

The programme has now been confirmed and we are pleased to announce that Gerry Hearne, operational policy manager at the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), will deliver a keynote presentation on the government’s work to support compliance of BS EN 1090.

Following extensive engagement with industry over the summer, Gerry will outline the progress made by the government and provide an update on how we are seeking to increase levels of compliance across the sector.

RIDBA chairman Simon Pelly said: “Our members have made it clear that the high levels of non-compliance of BS EN 1090 is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry.

“RIDBA has continued to press for greater clarity and a more effective approach. This is an important opportunity for members to hear directly from government about the work that has taken place over the summer and what they can expect to see happen next.”

In addition, Nick Crawford of Twist ,will provide an introduction to AI and there will be an update on RIDBA’s priorities and what they mean for members.

There will also be a tour of the MTC, a talk from the MTC and RIDBA’s AGM will take place.

Barrett Steel is the headline sponsor for the event. The event sponsors are STRUMIS, Thomas Panels and Profiles, Wedge Galvanizing and Trimble. We thank them for their commitment and support.

Simon Pelly continued: “The RIDBA Industry Day has always been about bringing together the issues that matter most to our members, alongside opportunities to learn, network and look ahead.

“With updates on compliance, AI, innovation and the future direction of our sector, this year’s programme is one of our strongest yet and I look forward to welcoming members to the Manufacturing Technology Centre in September.”

RIDBA members can book to attend the day here.

RIDBA members visit Construction Metal Sales and Celtic Manor

RIDBA members visit Construction Metal Sales and Celtic Manor for two days of networking, industry engagement and friendly competition.

RIDBA members enjoyed two days of networking, industry engagement and friendly competition.

The event began with RIDBA’s latest golf day at Celtic Manor where, despite the wet weather, members enjoyed a successful day on the course.

The following day attendees visited supplier member Construction Metal Sales for a tour of the company’s facilities. The visit provided members with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the business’s operations and see its work first-hand.

The two-day programme offered valuable opportunities for members to connect and discuss the key challenges and issues affecting the industry.

Representatives from across the sector exchanged views on a range of topics while reinforcing the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing.

RIDBA would like to thank Construction Metal Sales for hosting the event and all of those members who came along.

See upcoming RIDBA events.

Read the Summer 2026 RIDBA Journal now! Thank you to Briarwood, Kingspan, STRUMIS, Trimble, Filon and Steadmans for their support.

Here’s what’s inside…

Industry news

• Page 5: Tackling the rise of non-compliant steel buildings in the marketplace
• Page 6: Welcoming RIDBA’s new members
• Page 7: RIDBA Industry Day 2026

Livestock and sustainability

• Pages 10-11: Jamie Robertson, RIDBA’s livestock consultant, assesses the impact of different types of lighting

Technical and safety insights

• Pages 8-9: Health and safety consultant Nick Redpath explains what you need to know about asbestos

• Pages 12-13: Martin Heywood, technical consultant, takes a look at steel specifications

Member news

• Pages 14-17: Member news from S&A Fabrications, Steadmans, STRUMIS and Filon.

Steeling the Limelight

• Page 22: Alex Bailey of Thomas Panels & Profiles takes his place in the RIDBA Journal hot seat.

Read the Summer 2026 RIDBA Journal now.

A tour of a leading research and manufacturing tech company will headline the RIDBA Industry Day 2026 this autumn.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), in Coventry, will host the event which will bring together RIDBA members, partners and stakeholders from across the UK.

The MTC is a world-class research and technology organisation at the forefront of manufacturing innovation. Working with SMEs and major organisations, it helps tackle complex manufacturing challenges and drive technological advances.

As part of the day, attendees will be able to go behind the scenes for an exclusive tour and see the centre’s cutting-edge capabilities in action.

In addition to the tour, there will be a series of speakers who will tackle some of the challenges faced by members.

There will also be an update on RIDBA’s work and, in the association’s 70^th year, a celebration of its history.

Opportunities for networking and catching up with industry colleagues will be available at points during the day with lunch provided for attendees.

RIDBA chairman Simon Pelly said: “Our Industry Day is always a fantastic event and a great opportunity for our members to hear new ideas, meet up with industry friends and see their RIDBA membership in action.

“The Manufacturing Technology Centre is the perfect venue to host the day and I’m sure attendees will enjoy visiting and having the chance to look around.

“It’s just one day away from your business and you stand to gain and learn so much by joining us. Don’t miss out – I’ll see you in September!”

RIDBA’s AGM will take place during the day. The Manufacturing Technology Centre, in Coventry, will host the event on Thursday, September 10.

This event is free for RIDBA members to attend. Click here to book.

See information on how your business can sponsor the Industry Day here.

The RIDBA Building Awards 2025 winners have been revealed at a ceremony in Manchester.

Hundreds attended the event at the Concorde Conference Centre which celebrates the best the rural and industrial design and building sector has to offer, bringing together contractors, designers and manufacturers from across the UK.

There were more than 50 entries across six categories, showcasing an impressive range of work from agricultural storage and livestock facilities to striking commercial and residential builds.

These are the projects and products for which members took home prizes on the night.

Winners

Commercial award

Winner: A.C. Bacon Engineering, Aylsham Garden Centre

Highly commended: Timmins Engineering, Grimsby Town Football Club

Farm storage award

Winner: A.C. Bacon Engineering, Woburn Farm Partnership

Below £3m turnover winner: JOHNSTRUCT, Home Farm

Industrial and production award

Winner: Nick Kenward Construction, Mezel Hill Barns

Highly commended: Jaques International, Hornsey Steel Panels and Sections

Livestock award

Winner: S&A Fabrications, Kynren Aviary

Below £3m turnover winner: DJ Pink Construction, Coton End Farm

Residential and offices award

Winner: Tek Clad, Stoney Ridge Farm

New product or service

Winner: Ficep UK, Ficep Gemini LS

First-time entrant winner

Winner: Nick Kenward Construction, Mezel Hill Barns

Overall winner

Winner: Nick Kenward Construction, Mezel Hill Barns

Congratulations to all of the winners! The 2025 awards saw RIDBA receive a record number of entries and there were more first-time entrants than ever before, so thank you to all of the businesses who took the time to enter.

A judging panel of five was tasked with picking out the best among the entrants. They were RIDBA consultants Martin Heywood, Nick Redpath and Jamie Robertson, Build UK’s Debbie Iley and honorary RIDBA member Geoff Simpson.

Thank you to the RIDBA Building Awards sponsors – Hornsey Steel Panels and Sections, Kingspan Insulated Panels, Steadmans, Ficep UK and Citation. Thank you too to media partner Farming Monthly.

Read more about the awards in the winter edition of the RIDBA Journal which will be out in November.

The RIDBA Building Awards 2025 will take place on Friday, September 19 at the Concorde Conference Centre, in Manchester, celebrating the very best in rural and industrial building design and construction.

We would like to thank all of this year’s sponsors for their support:

Premium Sponsors

• Kingspan Insulated Panels

• Steadmans

• Hornsey Steel Panels and Sections

Event Sponsor

• Ficep UK Ltd

RIDBA would also like to thank Citation for their support and media partner Farming Monthly.

Some of our sponsors have shared their thoughts ahead of the event:

Kingspan Insulated Panels

“The RIDBA Building Awards is a great opportunity to celebrate the work and innovation we see across our sector and we’re delighted to be sponsoring the event again,” said Helen Taylor, regional manager.

Hornsey Steel Panels and Sections

“As a family-run business with long-standing ties to the agricultural and industrial sector, Hornsey Steel Panels and Sections are proud to sponsor the RIDBA Awards. We firmly believe that this fabulous event provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of RIDBA members who are at the forefront of driving innovation throughout our industry,” said Samuel Hornsey, CEO.

Ficep UK Ltd

“We’re keen to sponsor the RIDBA Building Awards as they shine a light on the outstanding achievements that define the UK’s agricultural and industrial building sectors. By supporting this event, we continue to champion progress in the industry and reinforce our commitment to driving productivity, precision, and quality across the sector through advanced steel-processing technology,” said Chris Berriman, sales director.

Steadmans

“The RIDBA Building Awards are a highlight of the industry calendar. They not only celebrate technical excellence but also the dedication of the people behind the projects, something we at Steadmans are proud to support,” said Darren Hall, managing director.

Tickets for the RIDBA Building Awards 2025 are available now. Click here to book your place.

RIDBA Building Awards 2025 shortlists

RIDBA is delighted to share the shortlists for the RIDBA Building Awards 2025.

The awards celebrate the best projects and products across the agricultural, industrial and commercial building sectors and RIDBA members did not disappoint with their entries.

A record 51 entries were submitted by 24 members across six categories with a judging panel of five tasked with picking out the best.

The panel (RIDBA consultants Martin Heywood, Nick Redpath and Jamie Robertson, Build UK’s Debbie Iley and honorary RIDBA member Geoff Simpson) spent several days deliberating over the entrants and scoring them.

Lead judge Martin said: “The standard of the entries this year has exceeded what we’ve seen for previous awards.

“My fellow judges and I always enjoy seeing the unique innovations and different approaches RIDBA members come up with, as well as the sheer hard work and pride they apply to every job.

“It’s been a real pleasure to see and judge all of the entries.”

The winners will be announced at an awards evening hosted by comedian Lucy Porter at the Concorde Conference Centre, in Manchester, on September 19.

RIDBA chairman Simon Pelly said: “Thank you to every member who took the time to enter the awards.

“It’s great to see the enthusiasm for the event among the membership and that’s been confirmed by the record number of entries we received this time around, as well as the fact we’ve got more first-time entrants than ever before.

“Congratulations to those members who have made the shortlists. The rest of the board and I look forward to celebrating with you all at the awards ceremony later this year!”

The shortlisted entries are:

Commercial category

• Avant 400, A.C. Bacon Engineering
• Aylsham Garden Centre, A.C. Bacon Engineering
• Briarwood Trade Counter, Curtis Engineering
• Barnsgrove, Jaques Int.
• Brocksbushes Farm Shop, S&A Fabrications
• Pentre Awel, Shufflebottom
• Tapstone, Tek Clad
• Goodwin & Tucker, Timmins Engineering
• Grimsby Town FC, Timmins Engineering
• Health Innovation Dudley, Traditional Structures

Farm storage

• Grange Farm, A.C. Bacon Engineering
• Woburn Farm Partnership, A.C. Bacon Engineering
• Audley End, AT Bone & Sons
• Northwold Farm, Colley Farm Buildings
• E. B. Gwatkin & Son, Jaques Int.
• Home Farm, JOHNSTRUCT
• Muck store, SA Mogg
• West Midlands Safari Park, SA Mogg
• Glenworth Scottish Farms, Timmins Engineering
• Pemberton Dairies, Wareing Buildings

Industrial and production

• Hitchcocks Business Park, C&R Construction SW
• Hornsey Steel Panels & Sections, Jaques Int.
• Breckland Group, MD Anthony
• Mezel Hill Barns, Nick Kenward Construction
• K14660 Shortland TJ Waste, Shufflebottom
• Edward Vinson, Timmins Engineering
• Pyramid Plastics, Timmins Engineering
• Walsall Waste, Traditional Structures
• Henco, Wareing Buildings
• Whitfire Shavings, Wareing Buildings

Livestock

• Seckington Dairies, C&R Construction SW
• Coton End Farm, D J Pink Construction
• Borderway Mart, Robinsons Group
• Kynren Aviary, S&A Fabrications
• Andrew Buckley, Timmins Engineering
• Andrew Knapton, Timmins Engineering

Residential and offices

• Wold Farm Garage, Colley Farm Buildings
• Stoney Ridge Farm, Tek Clad
• Cobblecrete, Timmins Engineering
• Ha’Penny Hatch, Traditional Structures
• YSB 3960 McDonald, Yorkshire Steel Buildings

New product or service

• AshGrid+, Ash & Lacy
• Ficep Gemini LS, Ficep UK
• Concave and Convex Crimp Curving Solutions, Hornsey Steel Panels and Sections
• Gemello® Revive, Steadmans Roofing & Cladding

RIDBA would like to thank Hornsey Steel Panels and Sections, Kingspan, Steadmans, Ficep UK, Citation and Farming Monthly for their support of the RIDBA Building Awards 2025.

If your business is interested in a sponsorship package, please email [email protected].

Book your tickets to be at the RIDBA Building Awards 2025.

Comedian Lucy Porter will host the RIDBA Building Awards 2025 this September.

A regular on BBC Radio 4 panel and comedy shows, Lucy has regularly appeared on Have I Got News For You and Mock the Week.

An enthusiastic quizzer, Lucy has also been on The Chase, Pointless, 15 to 1, The Weakest Link and Celebrity Mastermind, where she set a record-breaking score,

A veteran of the UK comedy scene, Lucy has written and performed 13 solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival and regularly appears at comedy festivals including Kilkenny, Manchester, Glasgow, Latitude and others.

Time Out has described her as ‘one of the most talented comics on the circuit.’

Away from comedy, Lucy has starred alongside Christian Slater in the stage version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Lucy will host the awards at the Concorde Conference Centre, in Manchester, on September 19.

RIDBA chairman Simon Pelly, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Lucy to the awards later this year. “It’s always great to be able to celebrate the best our industry has to offer and we look forward to hearing Lucy’s takes on what is sure to be a fantastic event.”

Book your awards tickets by clicking here.