Celebrating Success – MMC Awards 2025

Celebrating Industry Innovation at the MMC Awards 2025

We’re delighted to share the news of our recent success at this year’s Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Awards, which took place on Thursday 8^th May at the prestigious Grand Hotel Birmingham. The event brought together trailblazers and innovators from across the construction sector to celebrate outstanding achievements in modern construction techniques – and it was a particularly proud night for the team at Advanté.

Held in partnership with the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), the MMC Awards shine a spotlight on individuals and organisations leading the way in modular and portable buildings. This year’s ceremony marked the introduction of a very special award – and we’re honoured to say it was presented to one of our own.

Stan Chapman Wins ‘Stuart Norris Technical Achievement Award’

The Stuart Norris Technical Achievement Award was introduced for the first time in 2025 to recognise remarkable contributions to technical excellence within the industry. The award was created in memory of Stuart Norris, the late Technical Manager at Portakabin, who was a respected and long-standing member of the MPBA Technical Committee and Council.

We are incredibly proud that Stan Chapman, our former R&D Director and the inventor of the Oasis ‘instant start’ welfare unit, was selected as the inaugural recipient of this meaningful award.

“Stan is a true innovator who has changed the face of our industry. He truly embodies the values Stuart stood for, and I can’t think of a more fitting recipient for this award in its first year.”

– James Cowell, UK Technical Director, Algeco UK

Stan’s name has become synonymous with innovation and progress in the welfare sector. With a career that began on-site in the 1960s, Stan’s drive to improve the lives of site workers and raise the standard of welfare provision led to one of the most significant developments in the sector’s history. Responding to a request for hot and cold running water on-site – a requirement prompted by changing health and safety regulations – Stan took it upon himself to find a better way.

The result was the very first fully self-contained Oasis welfare unit, launched in 1998. This game-changing solution transformed site welfare by integrating canteen space, toilet facilities, drying rooms and office space into one easily deployable, standalone unit – complete with power, water, and waste systems.

“Not many people can say they’ve invented a whole new industry – but Stan can. The creation of Oasis was a phenomenal achievement, and it’s transformed welfare in construction forever.”

– Mandy Messenger, Managing Director, Advanté

Mandy Messenger Recognised in Women in MMC Category

We were also thrilled to see Mandy Messenger, our Managing Director, receive a Highly Commended award in the Women in Modern Methods of Construction category.

As one of the steering forces behind the Oasis welfare brand since its inception in 1998, Mandy has played a central role in developing the business into the market leader it is today.

Her recognition at the MMC Awards highlights the importance of diverse leadership and the positive impact of inclusive and forward-thinking business strategies within construction.

A Great Night for Group

We also want to give a special mention to our sister company Algeco UK, who received a Highly Commended award for their outstanding work on the Gridserve project – another example of our group’s commitment to excellence and sustainability in construction.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the awards, we are filled with pride and gratitude – not only for the recognition received but for the people behind our continued progress. From Stan’s pioneering spirit to Mandy’s inspiring leadership, this is a celebration of the values that define us: innovation, integrity, and care for people and the planet.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the MPBA and the organisers of the MMC Awards for a fantastic evening and for recognising the contributions of those working to shape a better, smarter construction industry.

To find out more about the MMC Awards, visit www.awardsmmc.com