Heroes Awards Introduce Highly Commended Medals for Three Prestigious Categories

New recognition will celebrate exceptional finalists whose achievements deserve national acclaim

The Heroes Awards has announced the introduction of Highly Commended Medals in three of its most prestigious categories for 2026, ensuring that more of the remarkable individuals making a difference across the UK's transport and infrastructure sectors receive the national recognition they deserve.

For the first time, judges will have the opportunity to award Highly Commended Medals in the Rising Star of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Community Champion Award categories where they believe the standard of entries warrants additional recognition.

The move follows another record-breaking year for nominations, with the judging panel highlighting the exceptional calibre of individuals who continue to demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, dedication and service across the industry.

Unlike traditional runner-up awards, the Highly Commended Medal is not guaranteed to be presented in every category. It will only be awarded where the independent judging panel believes a nominee has delivered an exceptional contribution worthy of national recognition, even if they are not ultimately selected as the overall winner.

Alicia Hibberts, Event Director of the Heroes Awards, said:

"Every year we are humbled by the stories we receive. Behind every nomination is someone who has gone above and beyond for their colleagues, their community or the wider industry.

"In some categories the standard has become so incredibly high that selecting a single winner simply doesn't reflect the depth of talent and dedication we see. Introducing Highly Commended Medals allows us to recognise truly exceptional people whose achievements deserve to be celebrated on a national stage.

"These medals are not participation awards. They will only be presented when the judges unanimously believe an individual has demonstrated an extraordinary contribution worthy of special recognition."

The three categories have been carefully selected because they represent some of the industry's most inspirational people.

The Rising Star of the Year recognises emerging talent already making a significant impact early in their careers.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honours individuals whose careers have left a lasting legacy across the sector through decades of commitment, leadership and influence.

The Community Champion Award celebrates those who have made an outstanding difference to the lives of others, both within the workplace and the communities they serve.

Each Highly Commended recipient will receive a specially produced commemorative medal alongside national recognition during the Heroes Awards ceremony.

The Heroes Awards has established a reputation for celebrating the people who keep Britain's transport and infrastructure networks moving safely every day. From frontline operatives and engineers to emergency responders, apprentices, volunteers and senior leaders, the awards recognise the extraordinary commitment that often goes unseen by the public.

Winners and Highly Commended recipients will be announced at the Heroes Awards 2026, taking place on Monday 30 November 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane, bringing together

hundreds of leaders from across the highways, rail, transport, utilities and infrastructure sectors for an evening celebrating excellence across the industry.