Milton-Keynes based Mainmark UK Scoops “Best Place to Work” Award
Ground engineering specialist Mainmark UK, headquartered in Stacey Bushes, Milton Keynes, has been named the ‘Best Place to Work – Small Firm’ at a leading industry awards.
Entering the annual Construction News Workforce Awards for the first time, Mainmark UK secured the award at the Hilton London Bankside Hotel in front of 450 construction professionals gathered to celebrate excellence across the industry. The awards recognise individuals, teams and initiatives improving working practices across construction, from apprenticeships and staff development to health, safety, wellbeing and inclusion.
The judges advised: “Mainmark Ground Engineering is our winner for its outstanding commitment to employee wellbeing and engagement. By listening to employees through surveys, regular leadership site visits and a strong "You Said, We Did" approach, the company has created a culture in which people feel heard, valued and supported.
“The judges were particularly impressed by the personal stories of career growth and development, backed by tangible improvements in wellbeing, onboarding and workplace culture. Mainmark stood out for turning employee feedback into meaningful action and demonstrating a genuine commitment to investing in its people.”
More than 160 entries were shortlisted across 22 categories, with the winners selected by a panel of almost 50 industry judges. Other award winners included Arcadis, Balfour Beatty, GMI Construction Group, Mott Macdonald and OCU Group.
Mainmark UK has 34 employees, and its 2026 engagement survey recorded 92 per cent employee satisfaction and 100 per cent saying that they feel valued and comfortable raising concerns.
Ian Thornhill, General Manager at Mainmark UK, said: "This award means so much because it's a reflection of the people who make Mainmark what it is. We've worked hard to create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported and able to have a voice, but culture isn't built by leadership alone. It's built every day by our people. Thank you to every member of the Mainmark team for the passion, commitment and care you bring to the business. This award belongs to all of us."
Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) Ltd, headquartered in Stacey Bushes, Milton Keynes, serves residential, industrial, commercial, civil engineering, mining and heritage sectors, providing effective solutions for diverse ground engineering problems.
“From our engineers and site teams delivering exceptional results on projects across the UK and Ireland, to the colleagues supporting our operations behind the scenes, every person at Mainmark has contributed to creating a workplace where people can thrive,” Ian continued.
Ben Vogel, Deputy Editor of Construction News, commented: "This year's Workforce Awards highlight the many ways individuals and organisations are making construction a better place to work. From effective leadership and employee wellbeing to apprenticeships and greater inclusion, our finalists show what can be achieved when businesses invest in their people.
"Our panel of judges had a tough job to sift through more than 160 shortlisted entries to select each winner in the 22 categories. The range and quality of the winning entries reflect the talent, ambition and good practice found across the sector. They also demonstrate the important role that individuals and teams play in creating workplaces where people feel valued and able to develop their careers,” Ben continued.
Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) Ltd, established in 2016, is a subsidiary of the global Mainmark group. With over three decades of innovation, Mainmark is internationally recognised for solving complex ground engineering challenges. By combining deep industry knowledge with a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Mainmark continues to redefine standards in foundation underpinning and soil strengthening worldwide.