The finalists have been announced for the 2026 Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards, following a record number of submissions from builders merchants across the island of Ireland. With 22 businesses now in contention across eight award categories, they reflect the strength, resilience and innovation that continue to define the sector.
Following a highly competitive entry process, finalists are now in the running for four Regional Awards, the Digital Excellence Award, the Sustainable Business Excellence Award and the overall Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Award.
In addition, 9 employees have been nominated for the Rising Star Award, recognising emerging talent within the industry, while 23 individuals have been put forward for the inaugural Unsung Hero Award, celebrating those whose dedication and contribution behind the scenes play a vital role in the success of their businesses.
Now approaching four decades of recognising excellence in the builders’ merchant trade, the Octabuild Awards continue to provide a platform for celebrating the individuals and businesses raising standards across the industry.
The finalists represent merchants of all sizes and from every region of the island, demonstrating excellence across customer service, people development, operational performance, sustainability and digital innovation.
Following visits to shortlisted merchants throughout recent weeks, judges Phil Derby and Steve Collinge praised both the quality and depth of this year’s entries.
Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Phil Derby said: ‘The standard of entries this year has been exceptionally high, and it was clear at every stop that merchants are genuinely investing in their businesses – in stores, yards and merchandising, but just as much in people, training, digital capability, sustainability and customer experience.
‘It has been a real privilege to meet with so many impressive people across the builders’ merchants sector and to witness firsthand how they are moving the needle in their businesses. What impressed the panel most was the consistency: across every category, we saw businesses actively strengthening every customer touchpoint, whether that’s in person, on the phone, online or through newer digital channels. The calibre of this year’s finalists reflects a sector that isn’t standing still – it’s evolving, competing hard, and raising its own bar.
‘Reaching this stage is the result of a rigorous judging process, and every shortlisted business should take real pride in what they’ve achieved.’
Speaking on behalf of the eight Octabuild members – Bostik, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Keystone and Kingspan Insulation – Octabuild Chairperson Mike Glennon said: ‘The response to the 2026 Awards has been phenomenal, with a record number of submissions received – the highest in the history of the Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards. That level of participation speaks volumes about the pride, ambition and commitment that exist across our industry.
‘It has also been hugely encouraging to see the strong level of engagement with our new award categories, particularly the Unsung Hero Award, which has shone a light on the remarkable people working behind the scenes in builders’ merchants across the island.
‘These Awards are about celebrating excellence and recognising the people and businesses that continue to strengthen our industry. Congratulations to all of this year’s entrants and we look forward to celebrating with the builders’ merchant community in the Round Room at the Mansion House in October.’
The winners will be announced at the 2026 Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday, 1st October in The Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin.
