HIGH ACCOLADES FOR CMA DIGITAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS

The Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) Digital Awards for Excellence have become a powerful marketing tool thanks to the reach of digital marketing and social media platforms.

Having aired at the end of last year, the digital awards have enjoyed unprecedented coverage that culminated in the release of a digital Award Winners Booklet which was distributed digitally through Concrete Connect magazine and ongoing social media coverage through the CMA’s popular social media channels.

Henry Cockcroft, director and general manager of the CMA, emphasises the significance of these awards in shaping the industry. “Winning a CMA Award for Excellence is not just about receiving a trophy – it’s about securing a long-term marketing advantage. The winning projects and companies remain online and accessible to the industry for years, serving as a lasting testament to their commitment to quality and innovation.”

“Too many times we see industry accolades that fade from memory after the event and the winners fade into insignificance or are forgotten. The shift to a digital award format however has given many more people the opportunity to be a part of the event we see far more value in creating a lasting digital footprint. That is why winning projects are featured on the CMA website, social media platforms and Concrete Connect, ensuring continued exposure long after the ceremony.

“This is a key differentiator. When potential clients, engineers or developers visit the CMA’s platforms, read the digital magazine or search for reputable manufacturers, they will come across CMA Award winners. It’s an endorsement that carries weight and that is proof that these companies have been awarded for delivering superior products and are recognised by their peers.

“Our awards also serve as a benchmark for the industry to drive companies to continuously improve and push the boundaries of precast concrete applications. You have those who manufacture a product and remain static, focusing on sales and market expansion and then you get those that aspire to be the best they can be. This is where it is easy to see the real industry leaders who believe in quality, innovate, diversify and set new standards for quality and design. These are the companies that win awards and they are the ones that stand out in a competitive market,” says Henry.

He continues that in an industry where quality is paramount, an award-winning project signals to clients and specifiers that a company is at the forefront of innovation. After all, it is a well-known fact that South Africa’s precast concrete market is unforgiving when it comes to quality. If you don’t produce a top-tier product, there’s no space for you in the market.

As the preeminent concrete industry body the CMA plays a crucial role in advocating for quality and innovation. The association has always championed the industry and over the past five years membership numbers are at an all-time high, while other associations are struggling or have disappeared. This just shows that visibility is key.

Social media and digital platforms like Concrete Connect have amplified the CMA’s reach making it easier to showcase award-winning projects and best practices. These forms of communication are invaluable and have also allowed the CMA to promote product certification, share insights and ensure that quality is upheld.

Beyond the awards the CMA serves as a vital resource for the industry and few people know about the work they do. A good example is the sheer number of daily inquiries it handles from contractors and engineers seeking advice to developers looking for certified manufacturers. “If every caller became a member the association would be a much wealthier organisation,” Henry jokes. “But as a non-profit, our focus is on supporting and growing the industry rather than reaping profits”

With the next CMA Digital Awards for Excellence set to take place in 2026 it offers manufacturers a powerful tool to build their reputation and gain industry recognition. As the awards continue to evolve and reach ever-growing numbers of people it will remain an important means of recognising the efforts of award winners and will continue to drive local manufacturers towards excellence.