The awards, which are announced in NCE's Contractors File, are split in to three categories; major firm, medium firm and small firm. And this year 15 firms were shortlisted across these categories.

NCE said: "From data submitted for the Contractors File, all 15 firms were able to demonstrate strong year on year growth in civil engineering turnover and profit. They boasted bulging order books and clearly showed that they operate lean, efficient organisations.

"To split them, all 15 were asked to make a further submission, setting out what they believe set them apart from the opposition and what allows them to deliver consistent, sustainable growth. From this we were able to pick this year's winners."

VolkerStevin was up against four other contractors in the medium firm category, which covers all UK contractors with a civil engineering turnover between £50m and £200m. They were Barhale Construction, Buckingham Group, Dyer & Butler and RJ McLeod (Contractors).

Paul Roebuck, managing director at VolkerStevin, said: 2007 proved to be an excellent year for the business with many achievements, but perhaps our greatest achievement is our continued growth across a wide range of market sectors. Our flexible workforce and in-house expertise have ensured that we have a wide-ranging portfolio in the public and private sector and with a range of contractual arrangements.

"VolkerStevin is a continually growing company within an uncertain market and we believe the company epitomises good contracting practice. We have put ourselves through a process of continual improvement as we have grown. We have been able to not only improve profit and turnover but also resilience to market changes, responsiveness to the market place and improve our management systems, all whilst maintaining our culture, values and reputation."