From producers of pre-cast panels to manufacturers of revolutionary concrete canvases, family-run firms in the UK concrete sector are making big waves—and earning well-deserved recognition. These businesses combine technical know-how, innovation, and generational stewardship. Let’s meet the winners reshaping the industry.
1. Red Rhino Crushers UK
Award: Family Business of the Year 2024 – Midlands Family Business Awards
Grantham-based Red Rhino produces compact crushers and screeners that turn concrete and brick waste into reusable materials. Judges praised their innovation, UK manufacturing, and export success. They’re a great example of a small family enterprise making a global mark.
2. Concrete Canvas Ltd
Awards: King’s Award for Enterprise (International Trade) 2024, St David Award for Innovation, Made in the UK Sold to the World 2023.
Concrete Canvas revolutionized concrete deployment with innovative flexible blankets that harden on hydration. A multi-award-winning tech pioneer with strong global appeal.
3. Mannok (formerly Quinn Group)
Recognition: Queen’s Awards in Export/Innovation (multiple occasions); industry leadership in cement and concrete blocks.
Started as a small family quarry in Northern Ireland, now a major manufacturer of concrete and cement products—proudly family-led.
4. Pell Frischmann
Award: Queen’s Award for International Trade (2015)
While primarily an engineering consultancy, Pell Frischmann has deep roots in structural concrete design, blending family heritage with global engineering excellence.
5. Gallagher Group
Achievement: Long-standing family-owned provider of ready-mix concrete, quarrying, civil engineering—known for projects like stadiums and infrastructure.
Run across generations, Gallagher combines quarry operations and concrete delivery with construction know-how.
Also read: 10 Award-winning family plumbing businesses in UK
6. Wates Group
Recognition: CIOB Project of the Year (Doncaster Civic Hall) and sustained industry leadership.
One of the UK’s oldest family-owned construction firms. Their projects are concrete-heavy and widely celebrated, blending tradition and quality.
7. FM Conway
Accolades: Multiple awards including Health & Safety Trophy, Carbon Reduction, Equality & Diversity – plus ‘Mineral Products Association Health & Safety’ award.
Their extensive use of concrete infrastructure—roads, curbs, utilities—has earned them high marks for sustainability, safety, and employee welfare.
8. Speller Metcalfe
Awards: RIBA Award, Green Apple Gold, Considerate Constructors Scheme accolades .
A family-run contractor focusing on concrete structures in education, residential, and commercial sectors-with repeated recognition for quality and sustainability.
9. AG Paving and Building Products
Award: KTP Future Leader (2022); Plant & Civil Engineering R&D Innovation; NISO/NISG Safety & Environmental awards .
A family business in Northern Ireland making concrete paving stones—innovators recognized for R&D and safety excellence.
10. Concrete4Change
Awards: UNCOP26 Innovation, EUTEC Sustainable Design, Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise, UKBAA Hard Tech Investment.
A young family-founded startup tackling sustainable precast concrete and climate challenges through cutting-edge innovations.
What Sets Them Apart
These businesses excel because they combine:
| Strength | Example |
| Innovation | Concrete Canvas’s flexible concrete, AG Paving’s eco-flagstones |
| Heritage & Values | Gallaghers and Wates carrying generational leadership |
| Safety & Sustainability | FM Conway & Speller Metcalfe leading with care |
| Impactful Scale | Mannok’s cement empire with roots in family quarries |
Final Thoughts
These stories show that family businesses can lead in industrial innovation and sustainability. They thrive by combining engineering excellence, social responsibility, and familial continuity. Awards not only recognize their achievements—they also signal leadership in an evolving sector.
