Dowhigh has been celebrated for its huge efforts to improve local communities at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
The civil engineering firm, which is based in Bootle was named as a Finalist in the Sefton Business In The Community Award sponsored by In Demand Radio.
Dowhigh was among nominees honoured for their efforts through 13 categories at The Grand in Southport, after judges received thousands of nominations from across the borough.
They have supported a wide range of community projects across the borough.
They include supporting the Lord Street In Bloom Garden Volunteers to transform the Town Hall Gardens in Southport last year.
This year they’ve kick-started the regeneration of the Bandstand Gardens on Lord Street in Southport.
They made a generous donation to The Mayor of Sefton’s Christmas Toy Appeal; supported Lydiate Town Council in making Christmas goodie bags; and contributed top the Compassion Acts Christmas Party.
Last summer they were honoured to play their part in the success of the Elsie Dot Super Fun Day at Southport Rugby Club; donated children’s books to support Neurodiverse Learning at Birkdale Community Hub and Library; and sponsored the Stand Up For Bootle comedy event, raising money for Bootle Tool Shed.
Founded in 1975, Dowhigh has grown to become one of the largest independent public works companies and civil engineering companies in the region.
Sefton-based, with satellite depots across the region, their strategy has been to retain all the ethos and ‘personal-touch’ of a family business, whilst competing effectively on a national stage within a market dominated by PLC’s and consortiums.
Dowhigh received several nominations, including one from Bernard Pendleton, the Chairman of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) North West in Bloom (NWIB) region, who said: “I have been Chairman of RHS North West in Bloom for several years and during that time I have seen first-hand how Dowhigh has supported their local communities in Sefton, Liverpool, and across the region.
“Their social values and work to help their local community groups is simply “Outstanding”, their charitable donations and practical support have been exceptionally well received by many community groups.
“I am aware of their tremendous support over the years for groups from Ainsdale in Bloom, Crosby and Waterloo, Southport in Bloom and many other local groups and organisations. “Their support, like many other local business organisations for the Southport community following the horrendous atrocities was above and beyond, particularly with Lord Street, Southport with the Town Hall Gardens. They continue to help their community in so many ways.
“I was involved in Southport Flower Show 2025 and together with Jason the Cloud Gardener and many other volunteers we built the Schools Garden which was awarded Gold and the People’s Choice. After the show the garden was relocated to Farnborough Road Primary School.
“Dowhigh assisted in the relocation of resources, nothing was a problem.
“They have an amazing team. Their support for community gardening groups in Bootle including the Gateway Kitchen Project has been very successful improving both social and green prescribing outcomes and community groups have confirmed improved health and wellbeing outcomes as a result.
“Their work at Ainsdale Memorial Garden in 2024 totally transformed the area.
“Their tremendous assistance for a range of community projects has really made a difference; their corporate profile is very much respected across the North West.
“On behalf of RHS North West in Bloom, we hope they continue to be successful working across Sefton, Merseyside and the whole of our region, as I am sure they will continue to support their communities in the future.”
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on 24th April 2026.
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
Next year’s event takes place on Friday 30th April 2027.
For more details about the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards email: [email protected]
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