A North East construction firm has received national recognition after picking up the award for Best New Firm.

Sunderland-based Gentoo Construction was named best new firm at Building Magazine’s 15th annual award ceremony, triumphing against five others on the shortlist, including project management firms, consulting engineers and fellow contractors from across the UK.

The news follows Gentoo Construction being placed in the top five in the UK for both its work as a contractor and its corporate social responsibility efforts, by the magazine last year.

The not-for-profit organisation was formerly part of Sunderland Housing Group which in 2007 was relaunched and set up five different divisions; Gentoo Sunderland, the original housing association; Gentoo Homes, a new-build homes division; Gentoo Living, a social investment and enterprise company; Gentoo Construction, a design and build company; and Gentoo Ventures, a property management and development company.

Dave Piggett, managing director of Gentoo Construction, said: “We’re confident that we provide a fantastic service to our staff, customers and partners alike and this award is testament to that.

“It’s fantastic to receive recognition at this level and it’s all down to the passion and enthusiasm of our skilled and experienced workforce.”

The judges said: “Gentoo realised early on that its strength was its people. “