2025 Winners | APM Awards

Company of the Year Award  | Arup

Since 1946, Arup has combined design and engineering ambition with a strong sense of social purpose and excellence in project delivery across the built environment.

Today, our global team of 17,000+ people work from over 90 offices, contributing to projects in more than 160 countries. Our Programme and Project Management (PPM) teams help organisations implement change by transforming strategic thinking into deliverable programmes of work.

We enable robust governance, enhance decision-making, and improve certainty of outcome-led delivery, working hand in hand with Arup’s full range of technical experts to help meet broader goals and shape a better future for all.

Judges comments: A confident, world-class submission showcasing depth, agility and innovation across an extraordinary range of projects. The panel were impressed by their integrated “Total Design” delivery approach, underpinned by strong governance and a clear social purpose. Arup’s investment in people through Arup University, accredited programmes and international placements, sets a benchmark for the industry. The establishment of a Strategy Office ensures vision translates into action. A passionate team, united by purpose, and delivering excellence on a global scale.

Small to Medium Enterprise of the Year Award  | Method Grid

Method Grid is a high-performing SME delivering structured project capability and digital innovation to complex, safety-critical sectors. With a dual delivery model - consulting and SaaS platform development - we empower national infrastructure and global consulting clients through robust playbooks, AI-enhanced tools, and deep domain expertise.

We prioritise people development, inclusive culture and knowledge equity, while supporting major transformations like Network Rail’s Digital PACE playbook and SSE’s capital programme. Our agile, feedback-driven approach drives continuous improvement, measurable impact, and sustainable outcomes.

As a small team with outsized influence, we help the profession advance - project by project, playbook by playbook.

Judges comments: The judges described Method Grid as a small company making a big industry impact. Their playbook platform stood out as a brilliant fusion of technology and project management expertise. The panel praised their maturity, agility, and ability to deliver complex projects while continuously learning and evolving. Their use of AI and assurance tools reflects genuine foresight, and their commitment to professional growth and inclusive practice really shone through. A dynamic, passionate team who have made real impact.

Not-for-profit Organisation of the Year Award  | Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps has embarked on a mission to improve programme delivery through a structured Project and Programme Management Maturity Model, tailored to the complexity of humanitarian contexts. By embedding global standards, professional development, and digital innovation we are strengthening performance, governance, and accountability. Project leadership is actively developed and supported, while quality assurance is decentralised and data-driven.

Through continuous learning, inclusive practices, and sustainability principles, Mercy Corps ensures that programme management is not only efficient and high-performing, but also equitable, and fit for the future.

Judges comments: The judges commended Mercy Corps’ unwavering commitment to achieving impact in some of the world’s most challenging and unpredictable environments. Their structured approach to project maturity and capability building ensures teams remain skilled, agile, and ready to respond. The panel praised the organisation’s strong learning culture, clear career pathways, and robust systems that connect people, purpose, and performance.

Public Sector Organisation of the Year Award  | Renfrewshire Council

Renfrewshire Council delivers projects in a high-complexity, high-accountability public sector environment, where outcomes impact the daily lives of more than 175,000 residents. Project delivery is influenced by diverse political, financial, and community factors.

Over the last ten years, project management capability within the Council has grown significantly from having a small project management team focused mainly on small-scale systems implementations, into a mature, high-performing project delivery service supporting a wide variety of projects across the entire organisation spanning capital infrastructure, digital transformation, service redesign, and social change programmes.

Judges comments: Renfrewshire Council impressed the judges with its clear focus on delivering outstanding public value through projects that truly serve the community. The panel praised their structured career pathways, strong assurance framework and commitment to continuous improvement. Their “Better Working Together” toolkit and emphasis on collaboration show real cultural maturity. A confident, values-driven team demonstrating how project management can transform public service and strengthen communities for the long term.

Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure of the Year Award  | Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Phase 1 - bp

GTA Phase 1 is an LNG development offshore Mauritania and Senegal. The concept was unique, designed to take advantage of proven liquefaction technology and locating it in the Atlantic Ocean. Facilities were fabricated all over the world before being integrated offshore M&S. It fulfils a key driver of parity for both countries across the border, while also representing their first hydrocarbon investments of this scale.

The project faced challenges like COVID19 and a typhoon, but overcame them through strong leadership and collaboration. It has positively impacted local infrastructure, provided training for national technicians, and initiated environmental and social programmes.

Judges comments: Described as a tremendous project by the judges, following challenges like COVID and complex interfaces which required a re-base line mid-flight, Greater Tortue Ahmeyim delivered its multinational subsea project on-time, on-budget against the updated business case, and to high standards. Strong governance, risk management, and a skilled, diverse team ensured successful execution. Benefits span infrastructure, apprenticeships, and social investment, boosting opportunities in Mauritania and Senegal. Innovation shone through the digital performance management system, while lessons learned were systematically captured and shared. Judges praised the team’s handling of “broad coordination across multiple regions and partners” and the clear demonstration of high-level planning in a challenging environment.

Social Project of the Year Award  | Rochdale Town Hall Quarter: a heritage-led regeneration - Rochdale Development Agency

The restoration of the Grade 1 listed Rochdale Town Hall presented an opportunity to engage local people with heritage as well as offering conservation training on one of the most significant heritage projects in the Borough and the Country. The ethos of the project centred on giving the building back to the people of Rochdale.

Starting through the construction phase, local people were able to make a meaningful contribution through employment, volunteering or training and now, for the first time in its history, the building is open to the public, free to enter, allowing everyone to experience it first-hand.

Judges comments: A local initiative that has had wide-reaching social impact. Delivered on time and budget, the project trained volunteers, created jobs, drew 100,000 visitors in its first year, and generated £700k in social value. Judges praised the team’s bold approach to risks and inclusion, as well as innovative conservation techniques and a bespoke PM toolkit. Despite COVID and global disruptions, the team’s passion and vision ensured a lasting legacy, demonstrating how heritage projects can drive real community benefit and set new standards for socially focused regeneration.

Digital and Technology Project of the Year Award  | Hendon Evolution Programme - Home Office

The Hendon Evolution Programme (HE) is laying technology foundations for future policing and law enforcement data systems.  HE is managing the exit of ageing data centres, their staff, and criminal records data into secure and sustainable facilities that meet the needs of modern policing.

HE adapted best practice tooling, management, and delivery approaches to navigate a complex stakeholder and technological landscape, with zero-tolerance to risk of service outage. Using a lean governance and delivery model, HE is delivering outcomes and benefits across sustainability, service resilience, and health & safety to the Home Office, Policing, and wider society

Judges comments: The Hendon Evolution Project delivered a flawless migration of critical policing systems with zero downtime, achieving £45M+ savings and £8.5M sustainability gains. The judges said that the project advanced national policing capabilities and set new public sector standards, reducing carbon emissions through 30% hardware decommissioning and proving legacy modernisation. They highlighted the team’s risk-aware governance, clear benefits, and replicable innovations, marking it as a standout example of applied, high-impact project delivery.

Transformation Project of the Year Award  | Transforming DE&S's Productivity to Protect our Nation and Help it Prosper - DE&S and Turner & Townsend

The Operating Model Transformation Project (OMT) is believed to be the largest collaborative transformation in UK public sector history, delivering fundamental organisational change for Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S). Against the backdrop of rising global threats and increasing demands, DE&S successfully implemented mass-participation, iterative design, engaging 3,000+ stakeholders.

The project streamlined governance, reduced costs and inefficiencies, and enhanced agility, exceeding business case targets, achieving £60M+ in annual savings and delivering Full Operating Capability as planned. By embedding sustainability, diversity, and innovation, OMT set a new benchmark for transformation, demonstrating exceptional project management and lasting operational impact.

Judges comments: DE&S’s transformation programme achieved its aim of creating a smaller, more efficient organisation, engaging over 3,000 people and exceeding business case targets on time and within budget. Over 400 workshops, a live innovation system, and 1,000 lessons learned shaped ongoing improvements. Governance, risk management, and leadership cohesion were exemplary. Judges noted a refreshing and welcome approach to behaviour-led recruitment, focusing on those open to change.

Programme of the Year Award  | Heathrow Asset Management and Compliance Programme - Heathrow Airport

The Asset Management and Compliance programme is Heathrow’s biggest capital investment programme. Whilst the airport welcomes record-breaking numbers of passengers, behind the scenes our programme progresses the refurbishment and replacement of our vast infrastructure and technology asset base, from rail tunnels to runways, toilets to terminals, pavements to passenger escalators – all with minimal disruption to our live operation, airlines, and customers.

With 75% of our programme now in flight, we’re on track to deliver over 40 tranches of work, investing £5B into keeping our colleagues and consumers safe and secure, keeping critical functions operational, and ensuring compliance to regulatory standards.

Judges comments: This programme sets a benchmark for exemplary programme management at scale. Heathrow’s AMC Programme blends strategic foresight with operational precision, delivering critical infrastructure improvements while keeping a live airport running smoothly. Judges highlighted innovative delivery models like squads, rolling lifecycles, and robust governance. The AMC Programme is a compelling example of programme management excellence with replicable impact across the industry.

APM Sustainability Award  | SkyTeam – The Aviation Challenge - SkyTeam and PA Consulting

The Aviation Challenge (TAC), organised by SkyTeam, is a global friendly sustainability competition among airlines and aviation partners to test, scale, and share impactful environmental solutions. Participants execute showcase flights within their networks, implementing sustainable solutions in real-world setting and scaling them in operations.

In 2024, the programme united 24 airlines to complete 33 showcase flights, achieving over 10% reduction in CO₂ intensity compared to their baselines, and 20% against industry standards. More than 140 solutions were successfully scaled beyond testing phases. TAC sparks collaboration and knowledge sharing to accelerate sustainability progress across the aviation industry.

Judges comments: Described by the judges as an imaginative, data-driven and refreshingly collaborative response to transforming how airlines approach sustainability. This global programme turns competition into collective progress - uniting 24 carriers through shared data, expert evaluation and a powerful digital platform. The panel praised its measurable results, including a 10% CO₂ reduction across showcase flights, and its focus on scaling proven innovations as well as discovering new ones. Combining disciplined project management with open-source collaboration, this initiative represents a bold new model for industry-wide climate action.

PMO of the Year Award  | Data Communications Company PMO - Data Communications Company

At the Data Communications Company (DCC), the PMO has transformed from a siloed setup into a high-performing, strategically aligned team supporting a portfolio valued at £240million. The PMO has unified frameworks, enhanced governance and improved forecasting—increasing on-time delivery by 53% and cutting PM resource needs by 21%.

It plays a central role in building delivery capability, embedding a data-driven culture, and enabling innovation across a complex, regulated environment. With strong stakeholder engagement and measurable efficiency gains, the PMO is now a trusted enabler of DCC’s purpose; to make Britain more connected so we can all lead smarter, greener lives.

Judges comments: The Data Communications Company truly impressed the judges with its PMO transformation story - from fragmented functions to a unified, high-performing team driving Britain’s smart energy transition. The panel praised their use of automation, real-time insight, and strong knowledge sharing to embed continuous improvement. What really stood out was their passion, energy, and pride in progress - hallmarks of a mature, purpose-driven PMO that’s delivering measurable impact.

Emerging Project Professional of the Year Award  | Hannah Kirsopp - United Utilities

I have played a key role in the £183 million Oswestry WTW project, enhancing water supply for 1.4 million customers on a live, uninterrupted site. As Junior Project Manager, I’ve supported governance, facilitated collaborative meetings, developed and executed a communication plan and led a team on a work package to refurbish an existing process asset.

As Lessons Learned Champion, I captured and shared lessons to improve future project delivery. I also progressed personally by achieving my PFQ and PMQ qualifications. My contributions have helped deliver resilient, user-friendly assets and embed valuable lessons for future capital projects across the organisation.

Judges comments: Hannah impressed the judges with her thoughtful, hands-on leadership on a complex clean water project for Merseyside. As Lessons Learned Champion, she embedded continuous improvement, drove team collaboration, and ensured stakeholder engagement was proactive and meaningful. The panel highlighted her use of practical measures, like reducing 5,000 wagon road trips, as examples of both impact and creativity. A standout entry that combines project professionalism with the ability to inspire and support those around her.

Project Professional of the Year Award  | Wayne George - Local Partnerships LLP

Wayne is a Project Director at Local Partnerships LLP (owned by HM Treasury, Local Government Association and Welsh Government). He successfully designed and delivered the Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) data discovery project commissioned by the Department for Transport and Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.

Delivery of project requirements coincided with a complex and changing legislative backdrop, completing in-depth engagement with public and private stakeholders to understand data sharing readiness, data use cases and future data demands. By delivering an interactive CAM data gap map the Department was able to prioritise strategic risks and opportunities to inform future legislation. 

Judges comments: Wayne demonstrated exceptional skill leading the Connected and Automated Mobility Data Discovery project. Tackling a mix of challenges in a complex environment, judges highlighted his stakeholder management, use of change models, incorporation of international research and proven outcomes for the project overall. Wayne combined technical expertise with practical impact and his submission reflects both personal growth and a lasting contribution to the project.

Chartered Project Professional of the Year Award  | Tamsin Alli-Balogun - AtkinsRéalis

I’m passionate about effective, inclusive and sustainable project delivery. As well as leading successful, high-profile strategic projects in my organisation, I also champion ethics and inclusion as an Integrity Ambassador and I have led internal initiatives recognised for advancing diversity.

I invest a lot of my own time in supporting the wider project profession, including by speaking at events, promoting thought leadership, and helping guide research into what makes a successful project transformation. All my work is grounded in the values of integrity, collaboration and continuous improvement, and I am always looking for better ways to deliver successful projects.

Judges comments: Tamsin's passion for project management, advocacy for the next generation, and dedication to societal impact is clear in every initiative she undertakes. Judges highlighted her innovative project ideas, and strong stakeholder engagement, all delivered with humility and professionalism. Beyond her professional achievements, she also finds time to volunteer for APM, contribute locally through STEM and community activities, showing consistent curiosity and energy. Her work not only advances her organisation but leaves a lasting imprint on the wider profession and society.

Safe Project Management of the Year Award  | Cromer and Mundesley Coastal Protection Scheme

The Cromer and Mundesley Coastal Protection Scheme successfully safeguarded 600 properties against coastal erosion while prioritising zero harm and operational excellence. With 123,949 hours worked incident-free, the project maintained zero Lost Time Injuries and RIDDOR incidents, reinforcing industry-leading safety.

Stakeholder collaboration, real-time reporting tools and innovative logistics ensured minimal disruption and environmental sustainability. The scheme generated £1.97 million in social value, benefiting local businesses and sustainability efforts.

Multiple awards recognised its commitment to safety and operational excellence. Continuous learning and engagement guarantee lasting improvements, establishing the scheme as a benchmark for safe and sustainable coastal defence projects.

Judges comments: The judges commended this project for setting a strong benchmark in coastal infrastructure safety. Delivered in a complex, public environment, the team achieved an exceptional record - over 120,000 hours worked with zero incidents and a ‘perfect safety record’. Safety was clearly embedded at every level, from leadership to site teams, supported by tools like BIM and the Observation App to mitigate risk. This entry is a great example of proactive planning, collaboration and continuous learning.

Innovation in Project Management Award  | Intelligent Project Prediction; Unlocking the Power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capability - MIGSO-PCUBED

This submission describes an innovative and technology-based project combining the skills and experience of MIGSO-PCUBED, greyfly.ai and DHL.

Recent advancements have unlocked the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capability to support data-driven decisions, to improve efficiency in project management and to improve project outcomes.

The Intelligent Project Prediction (IPP) platform uses advanced analytics and machine learning to predict project outcomes to enable better risk focus, to improve decision-making, and to enhance project management maturity.

Judges comments: We all have a lot to learn about the future impact of AI - and this submission has a lot to tell us about its successful implementation in Project Management. MIGSO-PCUBED showed they were at the cutting edge, using AI to deliver positive results in project reporting, and helping to predict performance without relying on PM instincts. This project’s innovative use of AI has made a demonstrable difference to effective project delivery in two specific areas – the quality of the data and the ability to manage budgets and prevent overspend. Building confidence in the robustness and value of AI and in addition, by reducing failures and wastage has made a significant contribution to sustainability.

Project Management Challenge Award  | Team NextGen: SAY Women Partnership - Babcock International - Scotland Network

Team NextGen from Babcock made a lasting impact by supporting SAY Women, a local charity providing accommodation and support for young women affected by abuse. The team’s efforts raised over £2,800, nearly a year’s worth of essential care packs, and social media management support to boost SAY Women’s engagement and reach. Through a Ben Nevis climb, internal fundraising, and collaboration with a professional marketing agency, the team strengthened awareness and advocacy for the charity, ensuring continued support for those who need it most.  

Judges comments: Team NextGen impressed the judges with a professionally delivered, values-driven project that combined strong governance, careful planning, and social compassion . Tackling fundraising and awareness raising campaigns, the team used advanced Earned Value Management techniques, risk registers, and change control while learning and growing together. Their work on the Ben Nevis climb, care pack donations, and social media exceeded expectations, leaving a lasting legacy for their charity partner.

Innovation in Project Management of the Year Award  | SkyTeam – The Aviation Challenge

The Aviation Challenge (TAC), organised by SkyTeam, is a global friendly sustainability competition among airlines and aviation partners to test, scale, and share impactful environmental solutions. Participants execute showcase flights within their networks, implementing sustainable solutions in real-world setting and scaling them in operations.

In 2024, the programme united 24 airlines to complete 33 showcase flights, achieving over 10% reduction in CO₂ intensity compared to their baselines, and 20% against industry standards. More than 140 solutions were successfully scaled beyond testing phases. TAC sparks collaboration and knowledge sharing to accelerate sustainability progress across the aviation industry.

Judges comments: The judges described this as a ‘truly new way of collaborative thinking’. Tackling sustainability in a highly regulated sector, SkyTeam’s data verified approach turned disparate airline efforts into a structured, share‑and‑scale programme. The panel praised the digital repository, expert-scored awards and Dialogue Days. They also commended the focus on refining and scaling proven ideas, as well as celebrating the new.

Overall Project of the Year Award  | Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Phase 1 - bp

GTA Phase 1 is an LNG development offshore Mauritania and Senegal. The concept was unique, designed to take advantage of proven liquefaction technology and locating it in the Atlantic Ocean. Facilities were fabricated all over the world before being integrated offshore M&S. It fulfils a key driver of parity for both countries across the border, while also representing their first hydrocarbon investments of this scale.

The project faced challenges like COVID19 and a typhoon, but overcame them through strong leadership and collaboration. It has positively impacted local infrastructure, provided training for national technicians, and initiated environmental and social programmes.

Judges comments: Described as a tremendous project by the judges, following challenges like COVID and complex interfaces which required a re-base line mid-flight, Greater Tortue Ahmeyim delivered its multinational subsea project on-time, on-budget against the updated business case, and to high standards. Strong governance, risk management, and a skilled, diverse team ensured successful execution. Benefits span infrastructure, apprenticeships, and social investment, boosting opportunities in Mauritania and Senegal. Innovation shone through the digital performance management system, while lessons learned were systematically captured and shared. Judges praised the team’s handling of “broad coordination across multiple regions and partners” and the clear demonstration of high-level planning in a challenging environment.