Fresh eyes. Fresh honours. Be in the running
2026 Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards officially launched

Octabuild has officially launched the 2026 all-island Builders Merchant Excellence Awards, with builders’ merchants across the island invited to enter when submissions open on 2nd February 2026.

Now firmly established as one of the most respected programmes in the sector, the Octabuild Awards celebrate excellence within the builders merchant trade, recognising businesses and individuals who are setting high standards in operational performance, customer service, people development and innovation.

Octabuild’s members, leading Irish manufacturers – Bostik, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement and Kingspan Insulation – are united by a long-standing commitment to supporting excellence across the building, construction and DIY sectors, and to strengthening Ireland’s home-grown supply chain.

For 2026, the Awards have been refreshed to reflect the realities of modern merchanting, with emphasis on sustainability, digital capability and people, alongside the core principles of operational and customer excellence.

Speaking at the launch, Mike Glennon, Chairperson of Octabuild, said:
‘The Octabuild Awards are your awards and designed to showcase what’s best in our industry. They remain a cornerstone of our engagement with the merchant sector. As the industry continues to modernise, our focus is on recognising the businesses and people who are leading the way – whether through innovation, sustainability or strong investment in their teams. I strongly encourage merchants of all sizes to take part.’

Three new awards have been introduced for 2026:
the Unsung Hero Award, recognising behind-the-scenes contribution;
the Sustainable Business Excellence Award, celebrating meaningful environmental action; and
the Digital Excellence Award, recognising progress in digital capability and innovation.

The judging panel has also been refreshed for 2026, bringing together Phil Derby, Steve Collinge, Brian McIntyreand Lorraine Higgins, whose combined expertise spans merchant operations, business strategy, sustainability and digital transformation.

Mike Glennon added: ‘The entry process has been designed with busy merchant teams in mind. Clear guidance allows entrants to focus on showcasing genuine achievements, supported by practical examples and evidence of real impact.’

Entries close on 31st March 2026, with winners to be announced at an Awards ceremony at a gala event in The Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin on Thursday, 1st October 2026. Full details available at www.octabuild.ie/awards

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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine

Email: michael@irishconstruction.com      WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE