Andy Rainford shortlisted for top leadership awards

Our Managing Director, Andy Rainford, has been shortlisted in the Property Leader and Company Leader (50–100 employees) categories at the Business Desk North West Leadership Awards 2026. The recognition reflects Andy’s leadership in driving AEW’s growth, culture and sustainability-led approach to placemaking.

The awards celebrate inspirational leaders who deliver results, inspire teams and make a positive impact in their industries and communities. The Property Leader category highlights contributions to the built environment, while Company Leader recognises mid-sized business leaders who foster strong culture and performance.

Andy has led AEW since 2020, having originally joined the practice as a graduate in 1999. Under his leadership, AEW has grown from 62 to 95 employees and increased turnover from £5.8m to over £8m, while strengthening sustainability, people policies and project delivery. In recent years he has overseen our B Corp certification, ISO 14001 accreditation and initiatives including Architects Declare, UN Race to Zero and the RIBA 2030 Challenge.

Andy champions a people-first culture, investing in training, wellbeing and inclusion, which has contributed to Sunday Times Best Places to Work listings, Investors in People and Investors in Wellbeing Gold accreditations, and a client survey NPS score of 82 in FY2025.

Andy has said of the accolade: “To be shortlisted for both awards is a real honour. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together at AEW – not just in growth, but in creating a business that genuinely puts people, purpose and quality at the centre of everything we do. This recognition belongs to the whole team and the culture we’ve built collectively.”

We look forward to joining all the other finalists at the awards on the 5^th March 2026.

See more on our recent awards and accreditation on our dedicated Awards page.