Fresh eyes. Fresh honours. Be in the running. That is the message to builders’ merchants across the island as Octabuild officially launches the 2026 all-island Builders Merchant Excellence Awards, with entries opening on 2nd February.
Now firmly established as one of the most respected programmes in the sector, the Octabuild Awards recognise merchants who are setting the standard for excellence – in how they operate, serve customers, develop people and respond to a rapidly evolving industry.
Founded in 1984, Octabuild is a group of leading Irish manufacturers – Bostik, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement and Kingspan Insulation – united by a long-standing commitment to supporting excellence across the building, construction and DIY sectors.
For 2026, the Awards have been refreshed to reflect the realities of modern merchanting, placing emphasis on sustainability, digital capability and people, alongside core measures of operational and customer excellence.
Speaking about the launch, Mike Glennon, Chairperson of Octabuild, said: “The Octabuild Awards are your awards and designed to showcase what’s best in our industry. They remain a cornerstone of our engagement with the merchant sector. As the industry continues to modernise, our focus is on recognising the businesses and people who are leading the way – whether through innovation, sustainability or strong investment in their teams. I strongly encourage merchants of all sizes to take part.”
Three new awards have been introduced for 2026: the Unsung Hero Award, celebrating behind-the scenes contribution; the Sustainable Business Excellence Award; and the Digital Excellence Award, recognising meaningful progress in digital capability.
The judging panel has also been refreshed with four new judges, Phil Derby, Steve Collinge, Brian McIntyre and Lorraine Higgins, bringing an international perspective alongside expertise across merchant operations, strategy, sustainability and digital innovation.
Mike Glennon added “The entry process has been designed with busy merchant teams in mind. Clear guidance allows entrants to focus on showcasing genuine achievements, supported by practical examples and evidence of real impact.”
Entries close on 31st March 2026, and winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony at a gala event in The Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin on Thursday, 1st October 2026. Full details available at www.octabuild.ie/awards.
