From a teenager who went from struggling at school to thriving on site with a hands-on apprenticeship, to a fifth-generation family firm still leading with heart over a century on, this year’s North Master Builder Awards are a celebration not just of beautiful homes, but of the people behind them.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has announced the regional winners of the 2025 Master Builder Awards, recognising the builders, teams and apprentices transforming lives and landscapes across the North.

This year’s winning stories span rain-drenched rooftops in the Lake District, repurposed oak beams in remote Yorkshire cottages, and custom kitchen spaces brought to life with precision and care. But more than that, they reveal an industry built on trust, teamwork, and quiet determination, values shared across generations.

Chris Carr, Director of FMB North said: “I am absolutely delighted to celebrate the outstanding talent and dedication of builders across the North at this year’s Master Builder Awards. These awards recognise exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and customer service—qualities that set our members apart in an increasingly competitive industry.

“As someone who works in the North, I know the challenges our members are facing. The North Master Builder Awards showcase the very best projects, from stunning renovations to sustainable new builds, highlighting the vital role that skilled local builders play in shaping our communities. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners for their commitment to excellence and raising the standards of the construction sector.”

Winners will now go on to compete for a national title at the Master Builder Awards in Manchester this September, where they’ll also be in the running for a brand-new Isuzu D-Max Pick-Up Truck worth £42,000, courtesy of headline sponsor Isuzu.

Commercial/Public Sector Project Winner: SR Design & Build Ltd - Lancaster
SR Design & Build Ltd turned a hidden Lancaster courtyard into a luxurious boutique experience with their "Secret Suites" project. Working within a heritage site with extreme access restrictions, the team craned mini diggers and hot tubs over the roofs to complete two stunning serviced apartments. Every detail, from preserving the external façade to delivering striking, bespoke interiors, was handled with creativity, care, and respect for the site's history.
Client Testimonial:
"SR Design & Build brought our vision to life with minimal stress. Their solutions, craftsmanship, and attention to detail are why we keep coming back." Joe Crookall, CEO of Secret Suites Lancaster
Judges’ Comments:
Danny Clarke: "A strong project that ticks all the right boxes - quality finishes and thoughtful heritage preservation."

Outstanding Builder of the Year: Joshua Robertson, Sheffield Loft Conversions Ltd
Joshua Robertson’s journey from an apprentice with no GCSEs to company director at 22 years old is a story of extraordinary ambition, grit, and passion. Combining technical expertise with an old-fashioned dedication to customer service, Joshua not only drives the business forward but inspires a new generation of tradespeople by supporting local workshops and mentorship schemes.
Judges' Comments:
“An exceptional young leader who is already changing the industry for the better.”

Large Renovation Project Winner: Byram Construction Ltd - Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
Breathing new life into a decommissioned 1930s Methodist chapel, Byram Construction crafted a home that respects the spirit of the original building while boldly embracing the needs of modern family living. The soaring pitch pine beams and rugged stonework were meticulously preserved, while glass balconies, large open-plan living spaces, and contemporary insertions like the reimagined gable end create a stunning dialogue between old and new. Every waterproofing challenge, structural nuance, and planning hurdle was navigated with sensitivity and innovation. The resulting home is not just functional-it’s emotional: a space that honours the past while making way for a vibrant future.
Client Testimonial:
“We feel like custodians of something truly special. Every visitor is blown away by what Byram Construction has achieved.”
Judges' Comments:
“A breathtakingly sensitive conversion that balances ambition and reverence.”

House Builder Award Winner: York Builder.com Ltd - Helmsley, North Yorkshire
In the picturesque town of Helmsley, York Builder.com Ltd has crafted a new two-bedroom bungalow that defies expectations. Designed by local architects and delivered with meticulous care, this is no ordinary home - soaring monopitch roofs create cathedral-like spaces, while hidden doorsets and a flawless high-end fitout by GRID13 and Holt Living elevate the experience even further. Taking over a project where the original contractor had been dismissed, the team showed resilience, professionalism, and a real commitment to quality. The judges praised the “keen attention to detail” and the “unpretentious, sensitive project that doesn't have a lot of ego” - exactly what a great building should be.

Sustainable Building Award Winner: Byram Construction Ltd - Newmill, Holmfirth
Pushing the boundaries of sustainable residential construction, Byram Construction’s Newmill project achieved Passive House standards with flying colours. Delivering twice the airtightness required, and incorporating features like a Sedum green roof, locally sourced stonework, eco-certified Thermowood cladding, and a full MVHR system, the home slashes energy use while maximising comfort and beauty. It's a blueprint for what sustainable rural living can and should look like.
Client Testimonial:
“Our dream was a beautiful, sustainable home built right the first time-and Byram Construction delivered it perfectly.”
Judges' Comments:
“A future-defining project for sustainable construction in the UK.”

Commercial or Public Sector Project Winner: R.N. Wooler & Company Ltd - Bradford City Centre
Transforming the derelict Bradford Odeon into a vibrant entertainment venue was an undertaking of epic proportions, and R.N. Wooler & Company Ltd rose to every challenge with technical excellence and sheer tenacity. Restoring ornate Art Deco plasterwork, repairing a crumbling roof under one of Europe’s largest temporary scaffold structures, and sensitively integrating modern performance spaces, the team brought Bradford Live back to life while preserving the building’s unique spirit. Collaboration, flexibility, and craftsmanship turned a city landmark from forgotten relic to regional jewel.
Client Testimonial:
"R.N. Wooler worked with us as true partners. Their passion for the project shines through every inch of Bradford Live."
Judges' Comments:
“A monumental project, brilliantly managed and delivered with pride.”

Business of the Year: R & B H Alderson Ltd - County Durham
Alderson Builders is more than 100 years old-but its mindset is thoroughly modern. Now in its fifth generation, this family-run firm continues to set the standard for craftsmanship, client care, and community contribution. From installing the village’s only defibrillator to sponsoring local youth sports and investing in employee wellbeing, Aldersons is leading by example in every sense.
Judges’ Comments:
Christine Thornley: “A company that’s not just building structures, but a community legacy.”