Awards for Individual Recipients
Deadline for entries: 29 May 2026
Apprentice of the Year
This is an important category in the PFM Awards, recognising and celebrating the contributions of emerging talent in the industry. It recognises an apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional progress, initiative, and potential. Judges will assess the nominee’s ability to apply learning to practical challenges, contribute to team objectives, and achieve measurable results. Evidence of commitment, skill development, problem-solving, and feedback from mentors will be key. This award not only highlights the hard work and dedication of apprentices but also underscores the importance of vocational training in developing skilled professionals.
Leader of the Year
Open to Executive/C-Suite candidates (MD, CEO, CFO, COO etc), this Award is looking for outstanding leaders from the FM sector who are able to demonstrate their success, not just in terms of strategy and bottom line, but also in terms of meeting and exceeding objectives around ESG, Net Zero and the people function. Entrants to this category will be highly respected by their peers and wider industry; the successful individual must be able to evidence that they have created strategic value through their endeavours, ongoing enterprises and overall bearing. They will be demonstrating their abilities to energise and inspire their people, clients and the wider FM profession on a public platform. Applications are welcomed from individuals directly or by nomination, and must include a resume, letters of support from employing agency or third parties, and a personal statement. Finalists will be invited to present to a panel of judges in London in early September. For the purposes of confidentiality, finalists can choose to remain anonymous, with only the winner announced.
Information Pack
Team Member of the Year
This category is only open to finalists within the Partnership categories and must be a non-managerial member of staff from either of the partners, with no line management responsibilities. The Award will acknowledge an individual whose consistent dedication, initiative, and performance positively influence colleagues, clients, and operations. Judges will look for tangible contributions, problem-solving, teamwork, reliability, and measurable outcomes that go beyond standard expectations.
Account Director of the Year
This category recognises an Account Director who has delivered measurable client value through leadership, strategic insight, and operational excellence. Judges will assess evidence of long-term account growth, client satisfaction, risk management, team leadership, and innovation. Entries should include details of key account/s managed, innovations and achievements delivered and may include testimonials from clients and facilities users and supporting information for successful partnership working.
Information Pack
Young Leader of the Year
Run in collaboration with the Emerging Workplace Leaders (EWL) voluntary organisation, the Young Leader of the Year (YLOTY) category highlights the wealth of emerging talent seen throughout the FM sector. The Award celebrates an emerging leader who has demonstrated initiative, innovation, and measurable impact early in their career. Entrants should be 35 years old or less and be prepared to deliver presentations at live EWL events and also to the organisation's panel of judges, who will look for evidence of problem-solving, team influence, leadership potential, and achievements that set them apart within their organisation or sector.
Unsung Hero - NEW
This category recognises an individual within Facilities Management (FM) who consistently goes above and beyond, yet rarely seeks the spotlight. It celebrates those whose dedication, reliability, and positive influence make a meaningful difference to colleagues, clients, and service delivery. Judges will look for clear evidence of exceptional commitment, initiative, teamwork, and measurable impact, as well as testimonials that demonstrate the nominee’s lasting contribution to their organisation and the wider FM community. The Award might also recognise someone who has made a meaningful impact outside of work through charity work, volunteering, or outstanding contributions within their local community.
Information Pack
Peter Middup Lifetime Achievement in FM Award
Submissions can be submitted by candidates themselves or nominated by others, detailing the successes achieved within the person’s FM career and may include testimonials from colleagues, clients and others, further complemented with information on support for or membership of industry bodies.
Special Recognition Award
Open to anyone from the sector – from the shop floor to senior management, self-nominated or nominated by a third party – this award acknowledges an individual whose extraordinary contribution goes beyond normal expectations. Judges will assess evidence of exceptional achievement, resilience, innovation, or service that has made a tangible, positive difference within Facilities Management (FM).