The managing director of a Tonbridge-based consulting engineers has been highly commended in an awards ceremony held in London.

Steve Hale, MD of Crofton, was recognised in the Achiever of the Year category at a gala dinner on July, 3 at the South East Constructing Excellence Awards.

The awards aim to “celebrate the best and inspire the rest” with the category highlighting outstanding performance or influence by an individual who has been inspirational in the opinion of their sector during the past year.

Hale was recognised by the judges as being a “thought leader” for consulting engineers, reinvesting in his profession, and his leadership.

Judges were also impressed by his championing of apprenticeship schemes, and an “employee share trust” scheme he has installed for Crofton’s staff.

“I am honoured to be highly commended in this category..." - Steve Hale, MD Crofton

Constructing Excellence seeks to improve construction industry performance in order to produce a better built environment.

Mr Hale said: “I am honoured to be highly commended in this category. Crofton will continue to focus on delivering what is best for the south east construction industry, as well as investing significantly in apprenticeships, staff training and development.”

Crofton works on projects in Kent and across the country including the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and the University of Kent in Canterbury.

It provides structural, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering design for the construction industry and has offices in Tonbridge, Kent; Newhaven, East Sussex and in London.