Norwich tradesperson wins Plant Operator of the Year award

​​​​​​​Liam Lambert, director of Liam Lambert Construction took home the grand prize of £10,000 and the winner’s trophy

The UK Plant Operator of the Year (UKPO) 2025 occurred at CITB’s National Construction College (NCC) in Bircham Newton, Norfolk, on Saturday 6 September.

The competition brought together the best plant operator competitors, global manufacturers, national and regional plant hirers, and contractors from across the UK. The overall winner collected the grand prize of £10,000 from a total prize pot of £20,000. 

Competitors showcased their skills in ten unique category challenges. Categories included Excavators, Mini-Excavators, Site Dumpers, Backhoes, Articulated Dump Trucks, Tiltrotators, Grapple Grabs, Fork Attachments, Dozers, and Wheeled Loaders.

No other UK plant operator competition offers finalists the variety of brands to compete on. In addition to the grand prize, individual category winners were each awarded £250 and a trophy.

The UKPO 2025 results are:

• Champion – Liam Lambert, Director of Liam Lambert Construction
• Second place – James Covell, Owner of Kings Lynn Construction
• Third place – Lewis Jarman from Breheny Civil Engineering

The head of CITB’s NCC, Gary Cumiskey said: “This year’s competition didn’t disappoint – it was a hotly contested event! And it is such a wonderful reminder of the wide array of talent we have in the industry.”