Warden is proud to have won the ‘Transformation Award’ at the 2025 Red Rose Awards – one of the region’s leading business awards events.

The prestigious award recognises businesses that can demonstrate how ongoing transformation has resulted in improved performance or growth, while servicing customer needs and securing new opportunities.

Last year we made significant investments in our people-focused strategies and also putting social value at the heart of everything we do.

This included building a more inclusive workforce, focusing on continuous development opportunities, and empowering employees with the tools and training they need to grow.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden, said: “Transformation is an ongoing journey that we’ve embraced by embedding our values into everything we do. We’re passionate about making sure our people feel valued by creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

“Beyond the workplace, we’ve built a real sense of team spirit, whether we’re tackling a Tough Mudder together or driving sustainability initiatives, we know our impact goes beyond just business. Through training incentives to our apprenticeship programme, we’re constantly investing in our people because their success is our success. This award reflects that commitment, to wellbeing, learning, and growing together as a team.”

As well as winning the ‘Transformation Award’, we were also a finalist for the ‘Built Environment Award’ which recognises businesses whose work contributes to Lancashire’s built environment.

Hosted by Lancashire Business View, the Red Rose Awards celebrate Lancashire’s business excellence by providing a platform to showcase success, highlight achievements and build connections across the county’s industries.

For more information and to see the full list of winners, please visit: www.redroseawards.co.uk.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of a new social value lead, reinforcing our commitment to delivering lasting benefits to the communities we operate in.

Heather Thompson has joined as a social value co-ordinator, ensuring that meaningful social value continues to be embedded at the highest level in every project we deliver.

Drawing on 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Heather brings a strong background in stakeholder engagement, community outreach, and project coordination, with proven expertise in managing community-focused initiatives.

She will lead our corporate social responsibility efforts, oversee events and develop strategies to boost the positive impact of its projects by working closely with community groups and suppliers to support workforce development and training.

This involves building strong relationships with clients and developing communications with the site teams to achieve social value targets. She will also support with apprenticeship recruitment and preconstruction bids.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden, said: “At Warden, our philosophy of building something greater goes beyond constructing buildings, it’s about improving lives and enriching communities.

“Heather’s background is a perfect match for our commitment to social responsibility. She will help to ensure our projects create real, measurable benefits within our communities while driving sustainable growth and lasting success.

“We’re excited to see the fresh ideas she brings to the team and trust her approach will set a new standard for community-focused business practices across all our projects.”

Heather adds: “I was really impressed with Warden’s dedication to social value. The whole team has bought into the ethos of benefiting people, communities and the environment, as well as creating a more inclusive, responsible industry.

“I’m excited to step into my new role and make a meaningful difference, building on the great work Warden has achieved over the years.”