2025 Outstanding Builder of the Year national winner: Martin Sneddon of Martin & Son Builders

National winner: Martin Sneddon of Martin & Son Builders

Martin Sneddon of Martin & Son Builders has been named Outstanding Builder of the Year for his professionalism, generosity, and deeply client-focused approach. Nominated by a homeowner for whom he built an extension, who said Martin stood out from the very first meeting – offering helpful, honest advice and design suggestions long before he was awarded the job. 

Throughout the project, Martin navigated build challenges with care and creativity. When a steel beam conflicted with a planned window, he didn’t bring a problem – he brought a solution, reworking the design into a more elegant, practical feature. As costs tightened, he even offered a flexible repayment plan to ensure the family could finish their garden safely for their young daughter. 

Martin is also a powerful role model within the industry. As a deaf builder, his communication is clear, thoughtful and adaptive. He leads by example, with a team praised for their respectful attitude – not just by clients, but by neighbours too. Beyond the site, Martin volunteers in schools during ‘World at Work’ week to encourage the next generation into construction and raises thousands for causes close to home, including a clay pigeon shoot in honour of a team member receiving cancer treatment and over £11,000 for Crosshouse Hospital’s Cochlear Implant Suite. 

As one judge noted, “Martin delivered a thoughtful, client-focused project with practical solutions and personal generosity.” From client care to community action, Martin demonstrates the true meaning of building better – changing lives, not just homes.