Rugby legend Matt Dawson comes to Jersey

Wednesday 20 July 2016

Former World Cup winner Matt Dawson MBE has been confirmed as the key-note speaker for this year’s Jersey Construction Awards 2016 to be held on Saturday, October 15 at Hotel de France.

Instrumental and inspirational in England’s World Cup victory in 2003, Mr Dawson has gone on to develop parallel careers in television and business.

Commenting on the announcement, Martin Holmes, Chairman of the Jersey Construction Council said: “Over the years our organising team has built a reputation for the annual awards that combines the celebrations around success and achievement for the category winners with insight and entertainment from the key-note speakers. We are especially pleased to have secured Matt for the evening, thanks to the support of Jersey Electricity, given his unique understanding of team work, on the field, in the boardroom and in the wider work place.”

Matt Dawson won over 70 caps for England including his famous pass in the dying moments of the World Cup final resulting in the kick that won the game. In an illustrious career he captained England and played on three Lions’ tours.

Mr Holmes said: “There is much to celebrate about the construction industry in Jersey as new projects bring a built vibrancy to our skyline that mirrors the positive economic outlook. The awards seek to reward that excellence so it seems particularly fitting that Matt will be this year’s key-note speaker. Having experienced success in so many spheres and combined with a reputation as a humorous and insightful public speaker, we know the night will be one all who attend will remember.”

The night’s entertainment will be provided by Zyrah Rose, who describe themselves as 'four singers passionate about film, games and music' and were semi-finalists in Britain's Got Talent 2016.

The Gala Evening is the highlight of Construction Week and will culminate in the presentation of 11 awards to companies and individuals from all sectors of the construction industry. 

This year’s Jersey Construction Awards will see the introduction of three new categories, including recognition of excellence in training and innovation.

In addition to the new categories, further developments include the introduction of three levels for Project of the Year to encompass the full scope of projects that are being undertaken within the industry. In particular there will be an acknowledgement for smaller businesses that may not have been involved in larger projects but, through the quality of their work, have helped shape the landscape of our Island.