The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to introduce the judging panel for the FPS Awards 2026, a respected group of industry professionals bringing together expertise from across geotechnical engineering, specialist contracting, infrastructure and construction communications.
Together, these judges bring a strong mix of technical knowledge, leadership experience and industry perspective to the awards process. Their combined expertise will help ensure that submissions are reviewed with fairness, rigour and a clear understanding of the challenges, achievements and innovation shaping the piling and geotechnical sector.
Introducing…
Claire Smith, Managing Editor, UK and Europe, Mott MacDonald
Claire is a geotechnical engineer by training and spent several years working in the sector before moving into construction journalism. She was editor of Ground Engineering from 2011 to 2020 and then went on to lead New Civil Engineer for four years. Today, she is Managing Editor for UK and Europe at Mott MacDonald, bringing both editorial insight and a long-standing passion for geotechnics to the judging panel.
Stuart Hardy, Associate Director, Arup
Stuart is an Associate Director in Arup’s London geotechnical team, a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, with more than 20 years’ experience across building and infrastructure projects. He holds a PhD in soil mechanics, was Geotechnical Manager for the S1 and S2 contracts on HS2 and was one of the lead authors of CIRIA C760 on the design of embedded retaining walls.
Yvonne Ainsworth, Principal Associate, Hawkins & Associates
Yvonne is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers with more than 25 years of experience in the UK and international construction industry. Her career has spanned major infrastructure and energy projects, combining technical capability with strategic and operational leadership. She brings extensive expertise in geotechnical design and construction, risk management, HSEQ improvement and business operations.
Bob Thompson, Managing Director at Bob Thompson FICE and Non-Executive Director, Acero Construction
Bob worked for geotechnical contractors in the UK and overseas before establishing Systems Geotechnique. Following the sale of the business to Keller UK in 2007, he went on to manage its geotechnical divisions and became Managing Director in 2015, where he was actively involved in Keller’s own and joint venture work on HS2. Since retiring from Keller in 2023, Bob has become a Non-Executive Director of Acero Construction.
Why get involved in the FPS Awards?
The FPS Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the achievements of individuals, teams and companies helping to drive standards, innovation and excellence across the piling and geotechnical sector.
Whether you are considering entering, attending, or supporting the event through sponsorship, the awards are designed to celebrate the work that keeps the industry moving forward, from technical achievement and leadership to collaboration, delivery and professionalism.
The FPS Awards 2026 will take place on Friday 4 December, at the Hilton London Bankside Hotel.
For the latest information on the event please visit the FPS Awards 2026 event page here: https://www.fps.org.uk/events/fps-awards-2026/