TG Escapes has been named Manufacturer of the Year (Category 2) at the prestigious 2026 MMC Awards. The accolade recognises the company’s contribution to the UK built environment, particularly in addressing the critical shortage of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) places.
Proving the Case for Category 2 MMC
In a year marked by soaring demand for specialist education and tightened public sector budgets, TG Escapes engaged in delivering 12 projects with a value of over £17m providing 4577m2 of useable space during the awards qualifying period.
Their agile approach has proven essential for Local Authorities facing a “perfect storm” of rising costs and restricted capital. TG Escapes championed a strategic “Invest-to-Save” model, helping councils build business cases to keep learners in-county. A feasibility report by Kent County Council highlighted the impact: educating a physically disabled learner locally at The Oaks Specialist College costs £42,000 annually, compared to an average of £141,750 for out-of-county placements.
By providing local, high-specification facilities like ‘The Point’, TG Escapes helped the council save approximately £1m per year by educating an additional ten students in-county who would otherwise have to suffer the inconvenience of being transported to out-of-area facilities. This project was also shortlisted for SEND Project of the Year at the awards.
This case study video features staff, learners and a parent talking about their experience of ‘The Point’.
Simplifying Procurement for Schools
In partnership with a public sector funding specialist, maintained schools are able to lease TG Escapes permanent modular buildings, spreading the capital cost over a 10-year term. For example, a pre-designed 64-place Inclusive Learning Hub, can be leased from £9k (excl. VAT) per student per annum.
Bespoke Innovation for Complex Needs
The judges were particularly impressed by the company’s ability to integrate complex clinical and vocational infrastructure directly into their offsite manufacturing process. Moving beyond standardisation, TG Escapes seamlessly incorporates:
- Ceiling track hoist systems for learners with complex physical support needs.
- Adjustable riser kitchens for life-skills training.
- Specialist sensory and hygiene rooms.
Architectural flexibility was further demonstrated in projects like ‘The Arc’ for Mid Sussex District Council, shortlisted for Leisure Project of the Year, which achieved large open spans and a sympathetic, non-industrial aesthetic required by the local masterplan.
Sustainability as a Baseline
Sustainability is central to the TG Escapes mission, with all projects in the qualifying period designed to be Carbon Neutral in Operation for regulated energy use. This is achieved through a “fabric-first” approach using highly insulated timber panels, paired with Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) and solar PV arrays.
The commitment to environmental stewardship was further solidified in 2025 by achieving ISO 14001 accreditation. The company prioritises sustainable timber to sequester carbon and utilises screw-pile foundations wherever possible, which can reduce embodied carbon by up to 80% compared to traditional concrete foundations.
Biophilic by Design
TG Escapes have innovated their design process to champion Biophilic elements wherever possible. Floor-to-ceiling glazing, sun pipes, skylights, outdoor covered areas and natural timber cladding, ensure every building, regardless of budget, prioritises the mental health of occupants
Excellence in Customer Experience
Operating in live school environments requires extreme sensitivity. TG Escapes maintains a 4.9/5-star customer rating based on nearly 200 independent reviews, with clients frequently citing the professionalism and courtesy of build teams. Over 60% of projects come from recommendations or return customers such as Surrey County Council, who have commissioned four bespoke SEND facilities to support inclusive education.
Richard Thompson, Director at Hadron Consulting, noted: “The ease of communication, quality and consistency of information… is refreshing, and the end-product is testament to the high levels of quality throughout”.
As TG Escapes looks forward, they continue to prove that offsite modular construction can create buildings that are beautiful, inspirational, and environmentally restorative while delivering the vital spaces UK schools need most, affordably and swiftly.
For more information call 0800 917 7726, email info@tgescapes.co.uk or visit www.tgescapes.co.uk.
