Change Awards recognises the individuals, teams and organisations that are contributing to change management, a new and evolving but often misunderstood and underappreciated, career path that now plays a crucial role within organisations.
The independent awards scheme includes a judging panel, made up of academia, practice and various independent bodies of knowledge who anonymously select industry leaders to elevate professionals, showcase their contributions and share their achievements.
Awards are open to individuals, teams and organisations. Individual awards provide colleagues the opportunity to nominate exceptional thinkers or advocates for change while team and organisation awards will reflect the type of projects or programmes which are visible in the marketplace while reflecting the learning, training and educating efforts of teams and leaders.
The awards scheme was created to shine light onto the diverse aspects of change, as well as the impacts it has across all sectors and industries, celebrating the winners at an awards ceremony, and making all aspects of change and innovation visible through the people who make this change happen.
“The awards have been created to celebrate the professionals within change management that often lack recognition. Change and innovation are being held with increased importance and as the industry grows, the leaders who are navigating through change to make a positive impact deserve a platform for their achievements to be awarded.”
“Regardless of the outcome, entrants are given the opportunity to showcase their contributions in the field of change, enhance their professional reputation and promote their business offering. Many people in this industry continuously strive to be better and do better and this offers the perfect opportunity to gain the gratitude they deserve. We hope the awards provide an example to those to join the innovative, dynamic, and ever-expanding world of change.”
Glasses were raised to toast family-owned soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills who had a night to remember at the Powys Business Awards on Friday.
The company, which has a workforce of 280 at Heartsease, near Knighton, was named the overall Powys Business of the Year, sponsored by Powys County Council.
In addition, Radnor Hills became the first winner of the new Excellence in Sustainability Award, sponsored by Welsh Government, at the annual awards ceremony held at The Hafren, Newtown. Amazingly, all but 30 of the scheduled 230 guests managed to attend the event despite flooded roads across the county.
Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG) with support from sponsors, the coveted awards, are open to companies, organisations, social enterprises and charities. Awards host for the third time was BBC Wales presenter Claire Summers.
Established in 1990 by William Watkins on his family farm, which has exceptionally pure spring water, Radnor Hills has an annual turnover of around £58 million and is constantly striving to become more sustainable to protect its local environment.
The company has made a ‘zero to landfill’ commitment, introducing straw-free cartons, 100% recycled plastic bottles, planting more than 14,000 trees and recycling everything it possibly can.
Radnor Hills’ environmental management system and site have been certified to ISO14001 standard, it has an on-site recycling facility and invested £1.8 million in a new solar farm to provide 21% of the company’s energy requirement.
Councillor David Selby, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “Radnor Hills has demonstrated a focussed and committed leadership approach, where excellence in sustainability is at the heart of the business.
“Their continued reinvestment in the company, in terms of operations, people development and environmental standards, ensures their continuing strengthened position in the market place both now and in the future.
“In what is a challenging environment, the company are setting their sights higher in terms of their environmental responsibility which again sets them apart from the competition. We believe they are an example to others and make a worthy ambassador as a standard bearer for business in Powys.”
Radnor Hills product and innovation developer Christian Smith, who collected the awards in the flood enforced absence of general manager Dave Pope, said: “It’s a privilege to accept this award which is a credit to the whole company.
“Huge credit also goes to Radnor Hills owner and creator William Wakins who is so passionate about the company and very much a hands-on leader.”
Mr Watkins added: “Radnor Hills ensures that sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. From the top to the bottom of the company we want to ensure that we are doing the right thing not just for Radnor Hills but also for the environment and the planet. After all, it’s in our nature.”
Powys Business Awards 2023 – Powys Business Awards winners with host Claire Summers.. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB187-2023
Hilltop Honey from Newtown also celebrated a double by collecting the Growth Award sponsored by EDF Renewables and the Entrepreneurship Award sponsored by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group.
Amye Pickstock and Jake Sampson, landlords of The Abermule Inn, Abermule, won the special Judges Award and first winner of the Sole Trader Award, sponsored by the Powys County Times, was Sue Lewis from Wash & Wags, a mobile dog grooming business from Libanus, Brecon.
Black Mountains College, Talgarth won the Small Business Award, sponsored by WIPAK; CastAlum Limited, Welshpool, won the Technology and Innovation Award, sponsored by Cellpath; EOM Electrical Contractors, Newtown, won the Small Business Growth Award, sponsored by WR Partners; FieldMouse Research Ltd, Montgomery, won the Micro Business Award, sponsored by Welshpool Printing Group; Great House Farm Luxury Pods and Self Catering at Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, won the Start-up Business Award, sponsored by EvaBuild; Pave Aways Ltd, Newtown won the People Development Award, sponsored by NPTC Group of Colleges and The Arches – Rhayader & District Community Support, won the Social Enterprise/ Charity Award, sponsored by Myrick Training Services and
Runners up for the awards were: Start up Business Award: Espanaro Ltd, Newtown and The Abermule Inn. Entrepreneurship Award: Hummingbird, Newtown and Espanaro Ltd. Micro Business Award: Waggon and Horses, Newtown and Advantage Automotive Ltd, Presteigne. Growth Award: Morland UK, Welshpool; Links Electrical Suppliers Ltd, Newtown and SWG Group, Welshpool. Small Business Award: ESCO/ M&S Pizza, New Radnor and PM Training & Assessing Ltd, Crickhowell. Social Enterprise/ Charity Award: Siop Llangors Shop, Llangors, Brecon and Maesmawr Group, Llandinam. Small Business Growth Award: KC Accountancy Services, Llanfyllin and The Abermule Inn. Technology & Innovation Award: PM Training and Assessing Ltd and Arcticfox Adaptive Ltd, Montgomery. People Development Award: CastAlum Ltd, Charcroft Electronics, Llanwrtyd Wells and Marches Business Group, Llandrindod Wells. Sole Trader Award: The Prized Pig, Abermule and Dark Sky Escapes, Brecon. Excellence in Sustainability Award: Splosh Limited, Newtown and Plas Dinam Country House, Llandinam.
Picture caption:
Councillor David Selby presents the Powys Business of the Year Award to Christian Smith from Radnor Hills.
Powys Business Awards winners with host Claire Summers.
Two Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid members have been announced as national winners at the 2023 British Chamber of Commerce Chamber Business Awards.
Ponctyclun-based manufacturer Concrete Canvas, an innovative company at the forefront of sustainable construction solutions, won the Problem Solver category which recognises businesses that transform the market that they operate in.
The company manufactures four award-winning products – Concrete Canvas®, CCX™, CC Hydro™ and CC Shelters™ – which are exported around the world.
Law firm Browne Jacobson, another Chamber member, took the title in the Equality Trailblazer category for their work championing diversity and promoting inclusion in their workforce, with their customers and in their local community.
The two businesses, along with the other national winners, will be awarded their certificates at a special event at the London Stock Exchange on 16 November.
Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “Congratulations to our members Concrete Canvas and Browne Jacobson! To be recognised as the best in Wales and now the UK in their respective categories is an incredible achievement. Their innovative solutions and valuable contributions to diversity, inclusion, sustainability and economic success highlight the talent and calibre of the businesses we have here in Wales.”
Prominent Mid Wales farmer Tom Evans, MBE, has finally received a Points of Light award presented to him at the Royal Welsh Show in 2015 by then Prime Minister David Cameron.
Tom received an envelope from Mr Cameron but, due to an oversight by the Prime Minister’s team, there was no certificate inside. The award was to recognise his outstanding contribution to agriculture, Young Farmers Clubs and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS).
Now, eight years later, former Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) chief executive Steve Hughson and Brecon and Radnor MP Fay Jones have rectified the mistake.
They travelled to Tom’s Beulah home last week to present the certificate, this time signed by current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, to him.
Points of Light awards are presented by the Prime Minister to outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community.
A retired sheep farmer, Tom is renowned as the ‘voice of Welsh shearing’, having commentated for nearly 40 years at the Royal Welsh Show, the Three Counties Show and world championship shearing competitions across the globe.
Tom was presented with an MBE in 2020 by King Charles, who was Prince of Wales at the time, at Buckingham Palace for services to farming heritage.
At this year’s Royal Welsh Show, he launched his autobiography ‘Where the Hell’s the Time Gone: A Life in Farming’, a fascinating account of his life.
Steve only recently discovered that Tom, who has suffered ill health, had never received his Points of Light award, so set about rectifying the oversight with Fay’s support.
Helped by Tom’s daughter, Amanda and grandson, Greg, the pair arranged a surprise presentation at his home. Tom said he was delighted to have finally received the award from the current Prime Minister and thanked Fay and Steve for rectifying this error.
He had been surprised when, on arriving home after the 2015 Royal Welsh Show in 2015, that there was no certificate enclosed, he added.
“Even an MBE and now this certificate doesn’t feel quite enough to recognise Tom’s enormous contribution to his community,” said Fay. “He is a truly great man and I’m so proud to have played a tiny part in getting him his certificate.
“I have always enjoyed my chats with Tom in the market or at local shows and this meeting was no different, still full of brilliant stories and a sharp message for politicians. His book is a hilarious account of a life dedicated to farming. I am so very proud to know him and his wonderful family.”
Steve added: “As former RWAS chief executive, I understand the huge contribution that Tom has made to agriculture and rural skills and simply wanted to do something for him. Getting this certificate seemed appropriate.
“Knowing Tom is an honour. Amongst his many achievements, he was instrumental in securing the future of the World Shearing Championships and he is, of course, a champion hedger, having worked alongside King Charles at Highgrove.
“I am delighted that we were able to surprise Tom with this certificate and we all offer him our very best wishes as he deals with his ongoing health issues.”
Picture caption:
Tom Evans finally receives his Points of Light award from Steve Hughson watched by Fay Jones, MP and Amanda Thomas, Tom’s daughter.
Six Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid members have been announced as regional winners for the 2023 British Chamber of Commerce Chamber Business Awards.
The awards recognise the best British businesses through the Chambers network with a series of regional rounds, before showcasing innovative businesses on the international stage. The awards provide a valuable opportunity for UK and international Chambers to be recognised for their innovation and dedication.
Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid’s winners are:
Concrete Canvas in the Problem Solver category
Ogi in the Rapid Riser category
IKEA in the Workforce Developer category
BCB International Ltd in the Global Player category
Llamau in the Community Champion category
Browne Jacobson in the Equality Trailblazer category.
By placing at the regional awards, all winners are now in the running for the national BCC Chamber Business Awards, which will see the overall champions announced on 18 October.
Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “I am continually inspired by the innovation and agility of businesses in Wales, and have high respect for the work and dedication of our local Welsh businesses. It is wonderful to see our members receiving the recognition they richly deserve.
“The Chamber Business Awards are a great platform to elevate and promote the hard work of our Welsh businesses and it is a real privilege to represent them. I would like to extend my congratulations to all who entered into the awards, and to wish our winning members the best of luck for the next stage. Pob lwc!”
Battery Ventures Names WSO2 Among Private Cloud Companies with Highest Levels of Self-Reported Employee Satisfaction
WSO2, the leader in digital transformation technology, was recently recognised as one of the highest-rated cloud-computing companies to work for in the sixth-ever list released by Battery Ventures, the globally, technology-focused investment firm, created with data provided by Glassdoor.
The list recognises the top 25 private and top 25 public companies—all business-to-business (B2B) cloud-computing companies—where employees self-report the highest levels of satisfaction at work, according to feedback shared on Glassdoor, a provider of insights about jobs and companies. WSO2 ranks in the Top 5 companies among Cribl, Notion Labs, Ironclad, and Experience.com. Glassdoor was a Battery portfolio company.
“Being recognised as one of the top 5 cloud-computing companies to work for in 2023 by Battery Ventures is a testament to the dedication and passion of our global team. At WSO2, we believe that fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity is at the heart of our success. It reaffirms our commitment to providing an exceptional workplace where our employees can thrive and continue to drive innovation in the technology space,” said Sanjiva Weerawarana, Founder and CEO of WSO2.
“The companies on this year’s Highest-Rated Cloud-Computing Companies to Work For list have managed to create and preserve stellar corporate cultures during a very tumultuous time in the technology markets—and also as traditional workplace norms, like working in the office, have dramatically shifted post-Covid,” said Neeraj Agrawal, a cloud-computing investor and Battery general partner. “Cultivating employee happiness and satisfaction is more challenging than ever, so we commend this year’s winners for their efforts.”
“Company culture is pivotal for attracting elite talent and sustaining a competitive edge in the marketplace, and its significance becomes even more pronounced in challenging economic times. We hope that all companies featured on this list will take pride in this well-deserved recognition,” added Brandon Gleklen, a Battery principal.
To qualify for the 2023 list, a cloud company must have received at least 30 company reviews on Glassdoor between the 1st of July 2022 and the 30th of June 2023. The private-company report tracks independent, non-public cloud companies that, according to Battery research and data from research service Crunchbase, are based in the United States; have a B2B business model; are categorised as SaaS, software, cloud computing and/or enterprise software, according to Crunchbase; have more than 200 employees as of the 7th September 2023, according to company data provided to LinkedIn; and have raised funding on or after the 1st July 2019.
Founded in 2005, WSO2 is the largest independent software vendor providing open-source API Management, Integration and Identity & Access Management (CIAM) products and the next-gen internal developer platform, Choreo. WSO2 enables thousands of enterprises in over 90 countries globally to drive their digital transformation journeys. Using WSO2 products and platforms, these organisations are harnessing the full power of their APIs to securely deliver their digital services and applications. Our open-source, API-first approach frees developers and architects from vendor lock-in, enabling rapid digital product creation. WSO2 is also the inventor of the open-source integration-friendly programming language, Ballerina. Our consistent recognition as leaders by various industry analysts underscores our commitment to excellence and innovation in the technology space. WSO2 has over 800 employees worldwide with offices in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US, with close to USD100M in annual recurring revenue. Visit https://wso2.com to learn more.
Fast-growing tech firm takes top prize for Customer Experience focus
Digital transformation and customer experience experts, FourNet, have been recognised for their innovation and business transformation at the highly respected Comms National Awards 2023.
FourNet won the Best Reseller Innovation Award and was also highly commended in the Business Transformation category.
FourNet is one of the fastest-growing privately owned technology companies in the UK and has created a new sector-leading Customer Experience (CX) function which has transformed the business over the past 18 months.
Judges selected FourNet for the Best Reseller Innovation Award based on the company’s determined switch from being tech-led to CX-led, and achieving business transformation not just for FourNet, but for its customers.
Richard Pennington, CEO of FourNet, said: “These accolades are a testament to the immensely hard work put in by the team over the past 18 months to transform FourNet from a technology company into a CX and technology force to be reckoned with.
“Over the last year, we have created a clear dividing line with our competitors thanks to our genuinely unique, sector leading CX function, and as a result we are helping to transform our customers fortunes too.”
FourNet’s vendor-agnostic CX specialist consultancy function is comprised entirely of highly skilled contact centre customer experience experts – from data scientists and business analysts to service designers and technologists – who have worked across the private and public sector, for some of the biggest names in the corporate world.
FourNet uses a 10-day outcome focused, data-driven diagnosis with a unique in-house 100+ point best practice benchmarking exercise which delivers pre-determined value for customers in weeks, not months, and enables FourNet to find or build the best tailor-made solutions to solve that organisation’s problems.
The award also recognises FourNet’s recent work with a partner, where FourNet’s data-driven, outcome focused diagnosis conducted in June 2023 showed that a bespoke solution was necessary. FourNet is delivering that with a specifically customised AI-powered Xdroid Quality Assurance (QAS) solution.
Last week, FourNet unveiled a new 100+ point best practice benchmarking approach designed to ensure swift, data-led, outcome-focused, vendor-agnostic CX transformation for all its customers.
FourNet’s CX approach has already been shortlisted for several awards, including at this week’s UK Customer Experience Awards 2023 and for Best Use of Customer Insight at the Engage Awards.
FourNet works with some of the most secure, critical and commercially driven customers in the UK, including more than 30 UK Government departments and agencies, as well as emergency services and local authorities.
The OR Society is pleased to announce that Adam Mackenzie-Jones, the Net Zero Systems lead within the Net Zero Strategy Directorate at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, has won the prestigious President’s Medal 2023 for creating a groundbreaking Net Zero Systems tool for use in government departments.
The President’s Medal is awarded annually for the most outstanding practical application of operational research (OR).
Tackling the complex challenge of achieving Net Zero emissions targets requires collaborative efforts across various government departments.
To help decision makers better understand and navigate this intricate landscape, Adam, and his team collaborated with a number of other government departments, including DfT, Defra, Cabinet Office, and DLUHC, to design and create an innovative interactive visualisation tool using systems approaches known as the Net Zero Systems Tool (NZST).
The NZST is helping decision makers to understand and navigate the interconnected nature of this landscape, enabling identification of opportunities, and driving further collaboration across government. It complements other tools and models that are used by policy professionals and analysts alike.
The President’s Medal was presented during OR65, The OR Society’s annual conference held at the University of Bath from 12th to 14th September 2023, following a competitive pitch from three finalists to a judging panel and audience of OR members tasked with selecting a winner.
Adam said “We’re absolutely delighted and immensely proud that the team’s work in developing and embedding the Net Zero Systems Tool across government has won this year’s OR Society President’s Medal. This award isn’t just for me, it’s for the whole team which includes Adam Stannard, Beth Green, Charlie Stewart from Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, Kate Gronow and Mary Mckee from the Department for Transport and Yaadwinder Sidhu at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Thanks so much to the judging panel and the audience members on the day.”
Gilbert Owusu, President of The OR Society, commented, “The President’s medal is an annual opportunity to celebrate the remarkable work of OR specialists and share how they are using OR techniques to solve complex issues in government or industry. The Net-Zero Systems tool captures the innovative spirit of operational research and its potential to drive positive change.”
Seb Hargreaves, Executive Director of The OR Society, added, “We are immensely proud to recognise the exceptional contribution of Adam and his team to the field of operational research. His work exemplifies the mission of The OR Society, which has been at the forefront of advancing the discipline for 75 years.”
In conjunction with this prestigious award, The OR Society is launching a new awareness campaign, “This is OR,” aimed at enhancing understanding of the transformative impact of OR and systems thinking in both business and society. The campaign also seeks to inspire a new generation of graduates and professionals to pursue careers in operational research.
Learn more about The OR Society and its 75th anniversary campaign at: www.theorsociety.com.
A Welsh energy efficiency company is celebrating after taking home two UK awards.
Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) was named National Renewable Heat Installer of the Year and National Insulation and Fabric Installer of the Year at the National Energy Efficiency Awards 2023.
The Swansea-based company was handed the gongs at the ceremony, held at Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday (September 29), with the awards recognising best practice across the energy efficiency industry nationally.
The company, which has permanent bases across Wales and the South West and has a workforce of more than 500 people, supports customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately, their energy bills.
This marks the second year in a row that CES has been named National Renewable Heat Installer of the Year, and the first time being awarded National Insulation and Fabric Installer of the Year, thanks to the experience and dedication of its 70 insulation teams. It is also the first time that one company has won both of these major categories.
Back in February of this year, CES also took the Regional Renewable Heat Installer of the Year and Regional Insulation and Fabric Installer of the Year awards at the Wales Energy Efficiency Awards.
The CES team being presented with the National Renewable Heat Installer of the Year Award
On the award wins, Lewis John, Managing Director, Consumer Energy Solutions, said: “This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence in the energy efficiency industry and the positive impact we are making in homes across Wales and the South West.
“We’re already leading the way in delivering money-saving energy efficiency improvements and are thrilled that our contribution has been recognised both regionally and nationally.
“Winning these awards wouldn’t be possible without the tireless effort of every single person working within our organisation, from our installers to the teams out in the field, and everyone at our headquarters.
“It’s recognition that we’re doing something right in our quest to help as many people as possible reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions.”
Established in 2016, Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) delivers money-saving energy efficiency improvements to homes across South Wales and the South West. The company employs more than 500 people and to date has installed energy efficient solutions in more than 8,000 homes. CES is an approved installer of Government backed scheme ECO4.
The OCM, a leading professional coaching firm, is delighted to announce its executive coaching services has enabled Together for Children (TfC) to achieve a remarkable organisational transformation, resulting in improved performance, an organisational-wide cultural change, improved employee satisfaction, and lower turnover and grievances.
The successful programme was recently recognised and praised by the HR and learning and development community, with The OCM winning the Highly Commended Award for the Best L&D initiative at the 2023 CIPD People Management Awards and the GOLD HCM Excellence Award Winner 2023 – Leadership. Both awards are a benchmark of excellence in HR, L&D, and OD, and recognise outstanding talent, teams, and projects.
The OCM’s partnership with TfC was established following Sunderland Council Children’s Services receiving an ‘inadequate’ rating in 2017. A new organisation, Together for Children (TfC), was then established in response, with the aim of transforming the quality of services.
TfC appointed its own board, created a new strategy, and introduced different ways of working. However, there were challenges. An employee survey in April 2021, and exit interviews, revealed that management and leadership behaviours, particularly when it came to conversations and performance management, were a major issue. A high number of grievances were raised by employees, taking up many management hours to resolve. As one leader commented, “looking back, it wasn’t even an organisation, just a newly formed company, with deeply fractured relationships on a number of levels.”
Jill Colbert, Chief Executive and OBE at TfC wanted to develop coaching skills amongst the leaders to sustain behavioural change within TfC, and to make significant improvements for the sake of employees and the children and their families they support. Executive coaching was to become the cornerstone of an entirely new approach, not just for TfC, but also for children’s services.
The OCM partnered with TfC to deliver a range of coaching services to support the much-needed behaviour change across the organisation. The programme included team and individual coaching for the Senior Leadership Team (SLTs), followed by coaching skills programmes for the ESLT and Team Leaders and was delivered in a flexible, agile way, with both online and face-to-face learning.
The results have been remarkable. All TfC leaders are now externally trained coaches, believed to be unprecedented in UK children’s services. Managers feel how powerful it can be to listen to young people and empower them to be part of decision-making processes; they are better able to sit in groups, ask the right questions and plan targeted actions together. They have also reported their coaching training has had a positive impact on their management approach and conversations with colleagues.
Together for Children has reported improvements across the board with improved performance and employee satisfaction plus lower turnover and grievances. And the coaching has filtered throughout their organisation with new behaviours also positively impacting young people and their families. Other councils and children’s services are now learning how TfC made the leap from a rating of ‘inadequate’ for five years to ‘outstanding’ using coaching and mentoring as a catalyst for change.
Ed Parsloe, Chief Executive at The OCM said: “We are delighted the coaching has resulted in such a positive social impact for Together for Children and the young people and their families they support. They have experienced an organisational-wide culture shift – changing how they operate and radically improving how they deliver services. Changing the leadership behaviours has set in motion a positive chain reaction, with improvements in how staff speak with parents and the conversations parents have with their children. This demonstrates the power of coaching to transform lives. We are also thrilled this programme has been recognised by industry experts with our recent award wins.”
Discussing the CIPD award Jill Colbert said: “I’m so pleased that we got the highly commended award. Our submission was authentic and very real. Looking to the future, I’m confident that our coaching programme is in very safe hands and will continue to be a cornerstone of the organisation. We also look forward to measuring our impact over time. My congratulations to all involved in a great joint enterprise!
Angela Bremner, Service Manager for HR and Transformation at Together for Children added, “Our journey with the OCM continues, which is testament to the value it has brought to our business. We continue to ensure all new managers are trained in coaching fundamentals so that staff continue to benefit from the positive principles that it brings. It transforms interaction between colleagues and lends techniques that can be used effectively with our children and their families. Coaching is incredibly powerful and can change the way we operate and in doing so, directly impacts upon our ability to provide transformative services to children, young people and their families across
