An evening worth remembering
As part of the association’s 80th anniversary celebrations on Friday 23 October 2026, ATLAS presented a series of awards recognising outstanding projects, achievements and individuals across the steeplejack and lightning protection industry.
From conserving historic landmarks and protecting critical infrastructure to recognising those dedicated to training and development, and rising stars making their mark, the awards showcased the breadth of talent and expertise across the ATLAS membership.
Judging panel Howard Wright, Mike Fuller, Graeme Fisher, Bill Butcher and Peter Bennett OBE faced the difficult task of selecting this year’s winners, while noting the exceptionally high standard of entries.
The winners for this year’s 2026 awards are…
Best conservation & heritage project by a steeplejack member
Winner: Churchill Specialist Contracting – Bowthorpe Water Tower, Norwich
The £539,000 refurbishment, undertaken for Anglian Water, involved work on the 40m water tower, a structure recognised for its architectural and historical significance. Churchill designed and installed a bespoke motorised cradle and suspension system to enable the refurbishment works, impressing the judges with both its specialist approach and the quality of the award submission.
Highly commended: Igoe Up – Falkland Palace South Range Roof, Cupar.
Best conservation & heritage project by a lightning protection member
Winner: Cloud to Ground – Chester Cathedral
Recognised for creating a safe and functional lightning protection system while respecting the heritage and character of the 14th-century building. Cathedral records show lightning conductors were first installed in 1871, and over time, seven separate protection systems had been installed across the building. Cloud to Ground carried out repairs and successfully integrated these systems into one modern installation, using components supplied by A.N. Wallis.
Highly commended: Osborne Delta (Lightning Conductors) Ltd – King’s College London.
Best commercial & new build project by a steeplejack member
Winner: Delta Steeplejacks – Fawley Refinery
Unfortunately, representatives from Delta Steeplejacks were unable to attend the ceremony; ATLAS president, John Jolly, accepted the award on their behalf before leaving the stage. The project involved the design, supply and installation of Dralo safety netting, with the judges recognising the technical complexity and specialist expertise required to complete the work.
Best commercial & new build project by a lightning protection member
(Sponsored by A.N. Wallis)
Winner: Churchill Specialist Contracting – Siemens Energy Converter Station, Ipswich
Securing the company’s second award of the evening. The winning project involved the installation of a high-performance Level 1 lightning protection system at a converter station in Ipswich for Siemens Energy. The station processes clean energy from an offshore wind farm in the North Sea, transported through 180km of cabling, making it an important piece of energy infrastructure. The project presented several technical challenges, including the installation of 10mm Alimag conductors and specialist fittings, with materials supplied by DEHN UK.
Highly commended: Omega Red Group – Parley Anaerobic Digestion Plant.
Outstanding individual contribution to training & development
(Sponsored by PTSG)
Winner: Matthew Waldram, Technical Manager – Omega Red Group
Having delivered ATLAS training since 2016, Matthew has made a lasting contribution to learners and the wider industry through his dedication to sharing technical knowledge and supporting professional development. Highly respected by colleagues and industry peers, Matthew’s commitment to training earned praise from the judges, who described him as an “all-round good egg!”
Highly commended: Anthony Colley and Craig Channon – PTSG.
ATLAS Rising Star Award
(Sponsored by Cuttings)
Winner: Caden White – Omega Red Group
Caden completed his lightning protection apprenticeship in 2025 and has already progressed to the role of site leader. Described by colleagues as one of Omega Red Group’s most promising young engineers, he impressed the judges with his strong work ethic, willingness to learn and determination to succeed. His achievement highlighted the importance of developing new talent and encouraging the next generation of professionals entering the industry.
A special surprise – Outstanding contribution to the Industry
An additional award, not included in the evening’s programme, had been arranged to recognise two individuals whose dedication and expertise have helped shape the steeplejack and lightning protection industries over many years. Ben invited Daniel White and Will Wylie onto the stage to introduce this special award category.
Both took a moment to reflect on the recipients’ contributions, highlighting their years of experience, dedication to training and the important role they have played in developing generations of skilled professionals.
Then, in a perfectly timed moment, Daniel and Will announced together into the microphone: “The winners are… Bill Butcher and Howard Wright!”
Bill and Howard were invited onto the stage to receive their awards, recognising their many years of service as lecturers at CITB, where they have shared their specialist knowledge, trained countless individuals entering the industry and helped pass on valuable skills and experience to future generations.
It was an emotional moment for Bill and Howard, who took the opportunity to share a few words of thanks with the room. The surprise awards recognised not only their dedication throughout their careers but also the lasting impact they have made on the industry and the people working within it.
With all the awards presented, Ben invited John Jolly and the evening’s winners back onto the stage for a group photograph, bringing the awards ceremony to a close.
Celebrating our members and their achievements
The ATLAS awards 2026 provided an opportunity to celebrate the people, projects and organisations contributing to the continued success of the steeplejack and lightning protection industry.
From technical achievements and conservation projects to training, emerging talent and lifetime contributions, the awards reflected the breadth of skills, knowledge and dedication found across the ATLAS membership. ATLAS congratulates all the winners, highly commended entries, and shortlisted nominees, and thanks every member who took the time to submit an entry.
Special thanks also go to the judging panel for their time and expertise, and to headline sponsor Cuttings and sponsors Kingsmill Industries, Churchill Specialist Contracting, A.N. Wallis, and PTSG for supporting the ATLAS 80th anniversary celebrations and awards.
