CHIP Awards 2026 Winners Announced
We are delighted to announce the winners of the CHIP Awards 2026, celebrating outstanding individuals and organisations making a real difference across the housing and construction sectors. The evening brought together colleagues, partners and supporters from across the industry to recognise excellence in social value, mentoring, career development and positive impact.
The event also raised a record breaking £4,000+ through the raffle, with all proceeds going directly towards supporting CHIP’s ongoing work in championing social value across the sector. Thank you to everyone who donated, bought tickets and helped make this such a successful evening.
The Ian Winslet Award – Mentor of the Year
Sponsored by ARK Consultancy
For this award the standard of applicants was so impressive, the CHIP Trustees decided to award two winners.
Winner: Shannon Walker (Crawford & Co Surveyors Ltd)
Shannon was recognised for her exceptional ability to mentor, combining high standards with genuine care. As Crawford’s first female Retrofit Assessor, she has progressed into a director-level role while investing heavily in her own professional development through retrofit qualifications, AssocRICS progression, and an apprenticeship in surveying.
Having worked across multiple departments, Shannon brings a deep understanding of operational pressures and uses this to guide others with empathy and clarity. Her approach is grounded in listening first, removing barriers, and helping colleagues build confidence through practical, structured support.
Winner: Madi Sharma (LJM Solutions Ltd)
Madi was recognised for her outstanding commitment to people, values and social value leadership. Alongside her compliance role, she has taken on a pivotal position shaping social value strategy, acting as an Enterprise Adviser and Careers Lead, and supporting school partnerships through meaningful engagement on apprenticeships and employability.
Beyond her organisation, Madi dedicates significant personal time to mentoring women in business globally and supporting SEND employment initiatives. She is known for strengthening governance, challenging strategy constructively, and ensuring that growth is always aligned with values and purpose.
The Maggie Punyer Award – High Achiever of the YearSponsored by CHIC
Winner: Ashley Crawford (Crawford & Co Surveyors)
Ashley was recognised for transforming Crawford & Co from a one person business into a nationally respected consultancy employing over 90 people. Under her leadership, the organisation has invested over £1 million into training, apprenticeships and professional development.
She has supported more than 50 employees to achieve DEA and retrofit accreditation and enabled over 20 staff members to progress through apprenticeships, degrees and master’s level study. Her leadership has built a culture focused not only on business success, but on unlocking potential and creating long term opportunity for everyone in the organisation.
Career Development Excellence AwardSponsored by Severnside Security
Winner: Eve Hunt (LJM Solutions Ltd)
Eve was recognised for her rapid progression from Office Apprentice in 2024 to a key member of the management structure. She now operates across multiple roles including Office Manager, Marketing Executive and Customer Services Lead, while also studying for a marketing degree.
She has taken on budget responsibility early in her career and consistently demonstrates initiative, reliability and a strong commitment to supporting the business beyond her formal responsibilities.
Social Value Employer of the YearSponsored by Synergize
Winner: Dodd Group
Dodd Group was recognised for its leading approach to social value, including a three-pillared strategy focused on People, Climate and Community, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
With strong apprenticeship delivery, high retention rates, and significant investment in workforce development, the organisation continues to demonstrate long term commitment to skills and opportunity. Dodd Group’s work also includes extensive charitable fundraising, community refurbishment projects, and partnerships delivering environmental and social initiatives across the UK.
Positive Impact AwardSponsored by Geberit
Winner: United Infrastructure – Heath Town Regeneration
United Infrastructure was recognised for delivering transformational social value through the Heath Town regeneration programme, with over £20m in social value created.
The project has delivered local employment, skills development, digital inclusion programmes, community facilities and ongoing resident support. From volunteering hours to donations and infrastructure improvements, the programme represents a holistic approach to long term community regeneration and wellbeing.
Special Thanks – Headline Sponsor
A special thank you goes to our headline sponsor, calfordseaden, for its incredible support of this year’s awards.
During the event, they delivered a powerful and thought provoking speech on what “social value” truly means in practice, highlighting the importance of embedding purpose, responsibility and long term thinking into everything we do as an industry. Their message strongly resonated with the audience and reflected the shared ambition across the sector to deliver meaningful, lasting impact.
Calfordseaden is a multidisciplinary property and construction consultancy with a long standing commitment to delivering quality, sustainability and social value across the built environment. Their ongoing work continues to demonstrate how technical excellence and community impact can go hand in hand.
You can download the slides from their presentation here: Download slides
Congratulations once again to all winners and shortlisted nominees. The standard this year was exceptionally high, and every applicant has contributed to advancing social value, professional development and positive change across the sector.
Thank you to everyone who attended the CHIP Dinner & Awards for making it such a memorable evening.
