The UK's construction industry is worth over £100 bn a year to the economy and Waldeck, one the country's fastest growing engineering firms, has beaten off stiff national competition to be crowned Consulting Engineer of the Year.

Waldeck, which has an office in Nottingham, was one of five finalists who battled it out for the title at the Builder & Engineer Awards 2011 in Manchester on Wednesday (5th October).

This year's event saw the highest attendance in its eight-year history with almost 500 key movers and shakers from the industry.

The award win comes after a busy few months for Waldeck, which now has nine offices across the UK.

The firm provides a range of engineering services, including structural engineering, civil engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering and sustainable design, to sectors including industrial, social and private housing, care homes, education, sport and leisure and retail.

"To win this prestigious award is a real boost for the company and great recognition for all the effort and hard work the whole team has put in over recent years," said Managing Director Paul Waldeck.

"We've managed to confront the recession head-on and overcome the challenges that come with increased financial pressures. Using creative engineering and innovative thinking we add value to projects while reducing the budget and at the same time maintain the same high level of quality, commitment and service to our clients."

As well as celebrating the very pinnacle of endeavor in the building sector the evening also raised over £2,200 for the award's charity partner, Cancer Research UK. 

The 2011 Builder & Engineer Awards judges were Derek Bostock, Director-General of the Federation of Master Builders; Colette McKune, Director of Asset Management for City West Housing Trust; Michael Ankers, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association; and Ruth Reed, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).