Golden Hammer Awards launches to find North East’s top joiner
A panel of experienced construction professionals will judge the first Golden Hammer Awards, a new regional competition designed to identify the North East’s leading joiner.
The event will take place at Hartlepool College on 30 May 2026.
The judging panel will feature Steven Henderson, construction director at True North Construction; Les Wharton, contracts manager at Able Construction; and two experienced carpentry and joinery specialists from Hartlepool College, Graeme Fallowfield and Graeme Southward.
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Organised by the Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) in partnership with True North Construction and Hartlepool College, the competition will challenge entrants to complete a first and second fix joinery task, with judges assessing the accuracy, quality, and finish of each entry, as well as the competitor’s overall approach to the challenge.
The overall winner will receive a £5,000 prize, with awards also presented to the joiners finishing in second and third place.
Celebrating Craftsmanship in Construction
The Golden Hammer Awards are designed to showcase high standards of craftsmanship within the construction sector while providing a platform for joiners to demonstrate their skills in a live, competitive environment.
Angela Carney, president of the Northern Counties Builders Federation, said: “The Golden Hammer Awards bring together a panel of judges who are among the most experienced and talented in the region, ensuring each entry is assessed with expert insight and fairness.
“The awards have been established to provide a platform for the region’s joiners to showcase their skills and craftsmanship. They recognise the vital contribution that skilled tradespeople make to construction and aim to highlight the standards of excellence that drive our industry forward.”
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Steven Henderson, construction director at True North Construction, added: “The awards are very much about acknowledging the skilled tradespeople that are at the heart of construction, without whom the industry could not prosper. Joiners bring specialist knowledge and craftsmanship to projects, ensuring work is delivered to the highest standards.
“Being part of the judging panel is a great opportunity to see that talent first-hand and to celebrate the dedication and professionalism that joiners bring to the industry every day.”
Tackling the Skills Shortage
The awards come at a time when the construction industry continues to face a well-documented shortage of skilled tradespeople. By highlighting technical ability and craftsmanship, the Golden Hammer Awards aim to inspire the next generation of joiners while recognising those already working in the sector who demonstrate exceptional standards in their day-to-day work.
The awards are supported by headline sponsor Jewson, in association with British Lead, organisations committed to promoting and championing the skilled trades that form the backbone of the UK construction industry.
