Costain hails a Highway Hero!
1 December 2023
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company is celebrating Costain’s highways customer lead, Richard Paddey, who last night was awarded a Highways Hero Award.
The Highways Heroes Awards celebrate those who have coped admirably in the face of adversity, recognise heroic actions, or those who have helped someone or improve a situation, either in the communities they work, or in their team. National Highways is the principal supporter of the Awards and the 2023 award ceremony took place on Thursday 30 November.
Richard was nominated by Zak Martin, a young autistic man, and his mother Marie, as they credit Richard with changing Zak’s life, when he felt suicidal aged 14. Richard arranged work experience for Zak at Costain’s highways site; this work experience led to subsequent site and project visits. Richard also introduced Zak to other companies with whom Costain works, including National Highways.
Zak Martin said: “We nominated Richard for a Highways Heroes Award, as in our eyes he truly deserves that and more. For the past 6 years, he’s created opportunities, and valued and supported me unconditionally. He’s shown what companies can be if they reach out, think differently and support young Autistic people like me. Richard will always be our Hero. Everyone needs to meet a Richard, and this nomination was our thank you to him and everyone who’s helped us since.”
Winner of one of the Highways Heroes Awards, 2023 Richard Paddy said: “I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of Zak’s amazing journey and to play an ongoing part in supporting those with hidden disabilities. I am honoured to win this award and would like to thank Zak and Marie, and everyone who has been involved; without Costain’s support and collaborative approach none of this would have been possible.”
David Taylor, Costain’s interim managing director of the Transportation Division said: “Everyone at Costain is sending their congratulations to Richard today; those who go above and beyond should be celebrated. Richard showcases the best of Costain’s culture, where we try to have a positive impact on those communities in which we work.”
Image - Richard Paddey (right), with Zak and Marie Martin
Enquiries: Jemma Savage, Headland
Notes to Editors
About Costain
Costain helps to improve people’s lives by creating connected, sustainable infrastructure that enables people and the planet to thrive. We shape, create, and deliver pioneering solutions that transform the performance of the infrastructure ecosystem across the UK’s energy, water, transportation, and defence & nuclear markets.
We are organised around our customers, anticipating and solving their challenges and helping to improve performance. By bringing together our unique mix of construction, consulting, and digital experts we engineer and deliver sustainable, efficient, and practical solutions.