Heroes Awards Shortlisted in Focus: Maisy Knox – Fortel Group’s Rising Star

Fortel Group’s Supply Chain and Marketing Assistant, Maisy Knox, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Rising Star Award at this year’s Heroes Awards — a national celebration of excellence, dedication and innovation across the highways and construction sectors.

Now in their fifth year, the Heroes Awards recognise individuals and teams who go above and beyond to make a difference in their industries — from improving safety and inclusion to driving positive social and environmental change. The 2025 ceremony will take place on Tuesday 26th November at the London Hilton on Park Lane, bringing together leaders and changemakers from across the UK to honour those who embody the true spirit of professionalism and purpose.

Maisy is a shining example of that spirit. As Supply Chain and Marketing Assistant at Fortel Group, she has built a reputation as a young professional who brings energy, innovation and heart to everything she does.

Having first joined Fortel over three years ago as a Sales Ledger Assistant, Maisy’s journey has been one of growth and reinvention. After exploring opportunities outside the company — including roles in waste management and at HMP Oakwood — she returned to Fortel in a newly created strategic position that perfectly reflects both her development and the company’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent.

In her current role, Maisy plays a pivotal part in streamlining supply chain processes, driving efficiency, and leading marketing and branding initiatives that strengthen Fortel’s presence in the marketplace. Her unique ability to blend technical precision with creative thinking has helped elevate Fortel’s profile and deepen its partnerships with suppliers and clients alike.

Beyond her operational contributions, Maisy is also Vice Chair of Fortel’s Diversity and Inclusion Panel, a board-reporting initiative focused on creating a more inclusive culture within Fortel and across the wider construction industry. She brings empathy, authenticity and collaboration to her work on the panel, helping to shape initiatives that remove barriers, improve recruitment and progression pathways, and ensure every colleague feels seen and valued.

Maisy’s positive influence extends beyond the workplace. Earlier this year, she represented Fortel at Ernulf Academy in St Neots as part of a careers initiative with Skanska and The Rotary Club. Alongside colleagues, she conducted mock interviews with students, providing them with honest feedback and confidence-building advice. Her message —

“Always be yourself. Never change to become someone or something you aren’t” —struck a chord with pupils and teachers alike.

She has also successfully completed a Content Creation Apprenticeship, equipping her with valuable digital marketing expertise that she now uses to strengthen Fortel’s internal and external communications.

Whether she’s leading creative campaigns, mentoring young people, or championing diversity and inclusion, Maisy consistently demonstrates professionalism, compassion and drive.

Her colleagues describe her as reliable, passionate and solutions-focused — someone who leads by example and uplifts those around her.