Whether on a personal or professional level, January is a time for reflection and renewal—a chance to look back on the achievements of the past year and set goals for the year ahead. At Keystone, this period of introspection fuels our continuous drive to deliver excellence in ecological consulting and contracting.
One way in which we’re celebrating progress is by entering Keystone for an industry award. Whilst no one relishes an early January deadline, I’ve learnt that by engaging in this process, it’s provided an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, showcase our innovative work, and gain recognition that inspires us to keep raising the bar. These awards are not just accolades; they are milestones that reflect our journey, validate our efforts, and inspire us to push boundaries.
So, if you’re knee-deep in reports and still on the fence as to whether the time investment is worth it, here’s 5 quick wins as to why you might consider submitting your project for an award this year:
1. Celebrate our team’s achievements
Behind every successful project lies the dedication, expertise, and hard work of a whole team. Awards provide a platform to recognise and celebrate their contributions. Whether it’s the Ecology and Habitats teams’ work on the A417 Missing Link scheme, which earned us the International Silver Green Apple Environmental Award, or our ongoing efforts in biodiversity and habitat creation, these achievements deserve to be highlighted.
2. Showcase our expertise
Industry awards allow us to demonstrate our capabilities and showcase the innovative solutions we offer clients. Winning or being shortlisted is testament to the high standards we uphold and our ability to deliver exceptional results. Our privileged role as ecological consultants and contractors for the Wichelstowe development exemplifies our client-focussed collaborative approach to planning, habitat restoration, and biodiversity enhancement.
3. Building trust and credibility
Recognition from professional body, CIEEM, reassures our clients and partners that Keystone is a trusted and reliable choice. Awards validate the quality of our work and reinforce our reputation as leaders in our field. Holding certifications like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 further demonstrates our commitment to excellence and compliance.
4. Inspiring innovation and growth
The process of preparing award submissions encourages us to reflect on our progress and identify areas for improvement. We’re able to showcase the innovative solutions we bring to ecological challenges, from habitat creation to sustainable planning strategies. As a CIEEM Registered practice, we benefit from a platform that highlights excellence. It ensures that our projects are evaluated by professionals who understand the complexities of our field, further validating the quality of our work. By engaging in these opportunities, we learn from others, benchmark our practices, and strive for even greater impact.
5. Supporting our vision
By promoting Keystone through awards and increasing our brand presence, we’re making steps to support our vision: applying technical excellence, practical knowledge and innovation to nature recovery across the UK. CIEEM’s awards align with our mission by showcasing projects that prioritise biodiversity and environmental sustainability, championing those that make a meaningful difference in our sector.
Looking Ahead
So, are these awards worth bothering with? I think so. They aren’t just about winning— although anyone will tell you at Keystone how I love to win – they’re about recognising progress, fostering innovation, motivating a team and reinforcing the values that guide us. At Keystone, we’re proud to engage in these opportunities and to continue to make a positive impact through our work.
Best of luck!
Rob