The Highways Heroes Awards has announced that this year’s ultimate accolade, its special recognition award, will be sponsored by one of the UK’s biggest traffic management companies, HW Martin.

The highlight of the industry’s blue ribband ceremony, the special recognition award is unique in that unlike the other Highways Heroes awards it is chosen as a stand alone recognition of somebody whom the industry feels may otherwise go unrecognised.

Previous winners have included Neil Sampson, Managing Director of Solar Gates whose work to rehabilitate ex offenders was a trailblazing initiative for the highways sector.

Presented at the finale of the ceremony, which this year takes place at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London, the award represents the ultimate recognition of an individual whose achievements truly embody the spirit of the awards.

Speaking about his commitment to the awards and also the reasons why HW Martin wanted to be associated with the accolade, Dave Shaw, Director of the company. said: “H W Martin thrilled and honoured in equal measures to be sponsoring the special recognition award. 30 yrs in the sector has allowed me to witness the incredible and often unrecognised work, interventions and good deeds undertaken by those working on the front line of our sector every day and night .

“I can’t speak highly enough of the people who carry out essential tasks on our highways within a challenging and dynamic environment, There are few causes closer to my heart than supporting our girls and guys and celebrating their achievements .

“Highways Hero’s awards gives us all the chance to bestow some richly deserved praise and recognition in their direction .

Judging for the Highways Heroes awards takes place on the 21st July with the shortlist announced the following day to the industry.