Award Win: Small Business of the Year in the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2025
By Holly Ward, Head of Sales and Marketing
What a month it’s been so far; we’ve been donning our dinner jackets and party frocks and hitting the town with not one but two award wins. Winning Small Business of the Year in the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards was a significant moment for us, and we couldn’t have been prouder. It joins our silverware for winning the Stevie’s International Business Award for Company of the Year- Materials & Construction – Small. What with that and being finalists in five other awards we’re excited about the future for Carnegie.
The Lloyds British Business Excellence Award win for Small Business of the Year is a milestone moment for us. As a homegrown, independent company founded by two old friends, committed to an ethos of putting people first with communication and integrity, it’s hugely important for us to have national recognition through award wins. We’ve always believed shared values and trust are the bedrock of a successful company, and this win validated that belief.
Why we won the Small Business of the Year award, according to the judges:
“Carnegie Group was named the Small Business of the Year 2025 at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards, recognised for its integrity-led growth, authentic leadership, and powerful people impact. The judges praised Carnegie for redefining what success looks like in the construction sector — proving that purpose, ethics, and excellence can go hand in hand.
The founders’ authentic leadership and integrity stood out, as they spoke openly about both their successes and challenges, sharing how their partnership was built on trust and shared values. Their strong stance on paying suppliers and subcontractors promptly — a commitment born from personal experience — reflects a business built on fairness and respect.
Carnegie’s commitment to people was evident through its work creating opportunities for disadvantaged and young individuals, with an emotional employee story illustrating the company’s genuine, caring culture.
Competing — and excelling — beyond its own industry awards, Carnegie impressed the judges with credible growth, transparent communication, and grounded confidence.”
As the panel concluded, “Carnegie Group represents integrity-led growth that lifts people and suppliers alike — a construction business that competes, communicates, and cares at the highest level.”
We have been lucky enough to win the Bronze Stevie Award in the 2025 International Business Awards for Company of the Year – Materials & Construction – Small, and the Gold for Employee of the Year at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards and now we can add to that with the win at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards. It’s been a very busy year and we have been moving at a rapid pace, but we have taken some time to reflect on the reasons the judge’s said we won; our people, our caring attitude to suppliers and clients and most of all the fact that we want everyone who encounters Carnegie to feel positive about the experience.