Category Archives: Awards

Awards, News, News from Wales

Cardiff-Based Entrepreneur Ben Keighley Shortlisted As ‘Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020’ Finalist

Against the backdrop of a global health crisis and ongoing economic uncertainty, Cardiff-based Entrepreneur Ben Keighley has received a shortlisting for the ‘Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020’. The shortlisting process has seen a plethora of worthy nominations from across the United Kingdom, whittled down to only five finalists in each category.

Encompassing the entire UK, the ‘Great British Entrepreneur Awards’ is an annually held event designed to recognise, celebrate and support the achievements of entrepreneurs from the four nations. Cardiff-based entrepreneur Ben Keighley has been announced as a finalist in the Welsh region’s ‘Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year’ category, in a field of strong competition.

Ben commented: “I’m delighted to have been told my nomination has been shortlisted as a finalist in this category. I’m passionate about what I do and genuinely believe in the untapped potential of entrepreneurial minds. Now more than ever, we need to be broadening our thinking and supporting innovation across every industry.”

Ben Keighley is the founder and managing director of ‘Routes 4 Media’ – a full-funnel digital ad agency that uses unparalleled creative, targeted media buying and data, to produce results for ambitious companies. From its inception over 7 years ago, Ben Keighley has shaped the organisation into a forwarding-thinking, results-driven ad agency, that puts clients first.

Ben continued: “The Great British Entrepreneur Awards is a fantastic platform for entrepreneurs to connect, take inspiration from one another and to foster a sense of community. Each category is bursting with talented individuals and I’m both thrilled and humbled to be a shortlisted finalist.”

The ‘Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020’ regional finals are on the 23rd September and will be held virtually this year. For more information, please visit the official website at https://www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com

Awards, Healthcare News, News, NHS News

Churchill Group’s Mo:dus ‘Make Ready’ shortlisted for Best Public Sector Project at National Technology Awards

Soft service provider Churchill Group is delighted to announce that its Mo:dus ‘Make Ready’ system has been shortlisted for ‘Best Public Sector Project’ at the National Technology Awards 2020. The winners will be announced on 30th November 2020.

Make Ready is a system which sees ambulances prepared by a dedicated team of specialists who clean, restock and check the equipment on ambulances ahead of each shift. Currently Make Ready methods vary across the ambulance Trusts and are often performed by paramedics. This is a laborious process that can use up as much as two hours in a 12-hour shift, taking them away from their core job function.

The Mo:dus Make Ready app enables consistent high quality clinical care, reduces the risk to patients through increased vehicle safety, ensures all equipment and medicines are asset managed, and is fully auditable for total accountability. The data gleaned via the app can drive optimisation as it offers a unified view of assets, fleet, medicine, people and demand. It was first adopted by Trusts in July 2018, and since then others have used the app to great success.

James Bradley, director at the Churchill Group, commented: “For far too long, reduced visability through lack of quality technology has meant Trust’s miss out on meaningful optimsaitons across logistical and operational functions. The Mo:dus Make Ready app dramatically reduces lost hours, assists with compliance, simplifies job management and prioritisation, and provides Trusts with cost savings. Most importantly, it improves patient safety through higher operational productivity and performance of the Trusts. We’re delighted that this important system has been recognised by the National Technology Awards.”

The National Technology Awards are organised by National Technology News. Now in their fourth year, the awards celebrate the pioneers of technology and encourage excellence.

Awards, Cybersecurity, Industry News, News

Threatscape recognised as the winner of the Microsoft 2020 Global Security and Compliance Partner of the Year

Threatscape, the leading cyber-security service provider, today announced that it has won Security and Compliance Partner of the Year in the 2020 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards. The company was honoured among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

Dermot Williams, CEO of Threatscape commented that “This award is a tremendous accolade for our entire team. We leverage Microsoft technology to deliver security transformation for enterprise clients around the world, and are delighted that Microsoft have recognised the breadth and depth of our services with this award.”

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognise Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in several categories, with honourees chosen from a set of more than 3,300 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Threatscape was recognised for providing outstanding solutions and services in cyber security.

Threatscape has developed consulting methodologies and managed security services tailored to the needs of organisations adopting Microsoft security technologies. One of the projects which led to this award was a comprehensive security transformation for Sisk Group, one of Europe’s oldest and largest construction groups. “Sisk have leveraged the enabling power of digital technology for their agile workforce, and their business success is now driven not only by bricks and sites – but also by clicks and bytes. We are proud that our consultants and managed services have been able to play a part in their journey” commented Dermot Williams.

“It is an honour to recognise the winners and finalists of the 2020 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards,” said Gavriella Schuster, corporate vice president, One Commercial Partner, Microsoft. “These partners go above and beyond, delivering timely solutions that solve the complex challenges that businesses around the world face – from communicating and collaborating virtually to helping customers realise their full potential with Azure cloud services, and beyond. I am proud to honour and congratulate each winner and finalist.”

About Threatscape
Threatscape is a pure-play cyber security company, and the trusted security partner of enterprise clients with critical IT assets in over 100 countries around the world. It provides solutions, services and 24×7 managed services to secure endpoints, networks and the cloud.

Threatscape is one of very few security specialists with a dedicated Microsoft Security Practice, a specialist team which assists enterprises to design and implement effective cyber security using Microsoft security technology, and provides ongoing managed services to ensure that security can be maintained with minimal client effort. These services encompass information protection, identity protection, endpoint protection, messaging and collaboration, cloud security and more.

To learn more, visit www.threatscape.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Threatscape

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/threatscape

Awards, News, Property

Brampton building site manager secures a top industry accolade

A senior site manager, who is building new homes in Brampton, has won a prestigious national award for his work at a local housing development.

Senior site manager at Bellway’s Brampton Gate development, Paul Lawrence, has been named as the winner of a National House-Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job Quality Award for his ‘excellence in site management’.

Paul, 44, who began working as a site manager at Bellway two and a half years ago, has now secured his second NHBC award.

Winners of NHBC’s Pride in the Job awards were announced on Friday 19 June, with fewer than 450 site managers out of 11,000 across the UK being honoured with the prestigious industry accolade.

The awards scheme, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, recognises site managers who demonstrate excellence and commitment to producing homes of outstanding quality.

Paul said: “After hearing that I’d won my second Pride in the Job award for my work at Brampton Gate, I was over the moon and have been ever since!

“I was promoted to senior site manager in March this year, as my previous Pride in the Job award enabled me to secure a Seal of Excellence award during the final stage of judging.

“Brampton Gate is a cracking site, the development is beautiful on entry and it’s clear to see that a lot of planning and teamwork has gone into creating the homes here.

“Winning the award is a massive achievement, and it really shows just how well we’ve been able to maintain the site and build homes here of the highest quality.

“The sales and construction team here are very experienced overall, and I think what makes the team here great is seeing just how helpful they are – they’re are always there for you.

“As a site manager, I believe that communication skills are hugely important for managing and building a successful site. We’ve been able to gain lots of knowledge and advice from our subcontractors too, which has enabled us to ensure that we’re building the best homes that we can.

“Following lockdown restrictions, the team here have been working hard to get the site back up and running quickly and efficiently. We’re very proud of Brampton Gate and we are excited to be welcoming customers here again now that the correct safety measures are in place.”

Over the course of nearly a year, site managers across the UK have been observed and judged by NHBC officials.

The judging process for the Pride in the Job awards takes in a multitude of criteria, including consistency, leadership skills, attention to detail, interpretation, technical skills and health and safety.

Paul, along with other Quality Award winners, will now be put forward for a Seal of Excellence award, with winners being announced at NHBC’s Regional Awards events in Autumn 2020.

Dean Takkou, Head of Construction for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “Winning an NHBC Pride in the Job award is a huge accomplishment in this industry, and we are very proud of Paul and his team, as we feel they are truly deserving of this honour.

“It is our mission at Bellway to build high-quality homes which are delivered on time and which withstand the test of time, while also providing exceptional customer service for our buyers, and Paul exemplifies this commitment to quality.

“His dedication to the job is part of the reason that we’ve consistently retained our five-star status with the Home Builders Federation, based on the fact that more than nine out of ten of our customers say they would recommend Bellway to a friend.

“On behalf of myself and the rest of the team here, we would like to congratulate Paul and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of judging.”
For more information on the homes being built by Bellway, visit bellway.co.uk.

Awards, News, Travel

Homesitters wins Top Family Business for London & South East award

Homesitters Ltd, the UK’s leading and longest established home and pet sitting company delighted to announced it has won a People’s Choice Award for London and the South East at the Family Business of the Year Awards 2020, in recognition of the role their business plays and the respect and support it has in the community.

The Family Business of the Year Awards are organised annually by Family Business United, the family business champions, who seek to recognise and celebrate the contribution that family firms make to the UK economy.

Homesitters Ltd also came 3rd in the overall standings for the People’s Choice 2020 Family Business of the Year Top 10. The People’s Choice Awards are special as they are voted for by the public.

Alan Irvine, Managing Director of Homesitters Ltd says, “We’re absolutely delighted to win this award, especially as it was voted for by members of the public. As a family business we have over 40 years’ experience of looking after our clients’ pets and most treasured possessions. Many clients have been with us for years and trust us to keep their pets and homes safe and secure when they go away.

“This award recognises every member of our office team and our fantastic homesitters who all play such an important role in providing such excellent service for our clients. Just like other family businesses this year has been challenging due to Covid-19. We are however looking forward to getting back to the new normal and doing what we do best, taking care of people’s homes and pets.”

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United says, “With over five million family businesses across the UK they really are the heart of the nation and the engine room of the UK economy.  Family businesses deserve recognition for the income they generate, jobs they provide and the wealth they create, not to mention the great work they do in the communities in which they are based.”

“2020 has not been an easy year for many so it was pleasing to see a record number of votes cast in the awards this year.  Over 14,000 votes were cast, and the competition was tough. but winners emerged and deserve their moment in the spotlight.  All of our People’s Choice winners are great ambassadors for a sector that does so much.”

For more information about Homesitters Ltd please visit www.homesitters.co.uk

Awards, Creative News, News

Continued outstanding success for M Integrated Solutions at World Exhibition Stand Awards

M Integrated Solutions (M), the award-winning communications, digital and experiential agency has won an impressive haul of 10 accolades at the World Exhibition Stand Awards (WESA) for outstanding exhibition stand design and construction during 2019.

The World Exhibition Stand Awards celebrate the very best in exhibition stand design and experience whatever the show, wherever the location. Each of the winners was selected by a panel of judges representing the full breadth and diversity of the industry. Executives from organisations such as Messe Dusseldorf, Cisco, Shanghai New International Expo centre, RAI Amsterdam, ExCel and ADS, the UK Association of aerospace, defence, security and space were identified and then selected to be on a shortlist of over 55 companies.

Commenting on the wins John Young, Creative Director of M, “It is simply fantastic to win 10 awards at the World Exhibition Stand Awards. It is a great result for the dedicated team at M and our clients who continue to allow us to innovate and explore how their brands are viewed and enjoyed. We constantly try to create more experiential ways to bring brands to life, telling stories and showcasing technologies in ever more immersive experiences. It is also important to us that we continue to win awards for a whole range of projects even when the brief and the budget vary greatly. Regardless of the amount of resources at our disposal, we never lower our standards of creativity, dedication and quality.

“Of course, the trust our clients have in us, our innovation and expertise are going to be central as the global events industry comes to terms with the catalyst for change brought about by Covid-19. In this new world of social distancing and international travel restrictions, M’s proven approach as to how the medium of exhibitions is adapting is something we have already started developing. The British Pavilion at Beijing Horticultural Expo is a brilliant example of this, with physical visitor numbers in the hundreds of thousands and the social and digital reach into the ‘billions’ (measured independently by the FCO/DEFRA) the Show Gold Award for Best Pavilion demonstrates how a physical presence, when delivered with a focus on content and storytelling, can also reach a huge audience remotely.

“Face to Face is still one of the most effective ways to win “hearts and minds”, but our ongoing investment in new technology in Broadcast, Augmented and Virtual Reality and Digital Participation techniques for small size groups has now moved into the commercial phase. The recovery of the events industry will undoubtedly come, and M is ready and able to be at the very forefront of that industry resurgence,” concluded Young.

The M client winning entries were spread across 4 clients exhibiting at 4 different events. The total number of awards were seven Golds, one Platinum, one Diamond and one Silver.

Full details:

Department of International Trade, UK Pavilion at the Beijing Horticultural Show 2019

Best Pavilion, Gold
Best Stand at an Agricultural Event, Diamond
Best Story Telling, Gold
Best Sustainable Stand, Gold

BAE Systems, DSEI Exhibition

Best Stand at a Defence or Security Event, Platinum
Best Use of Technology, Gold
Best Use of Stand over 1000 sq metres, Gold
Best Reusable Stand, Gold

Airbus, UK Space Conference 2019

Best Stand, 25-48 sq metres, Silver

SES Luxembourg, Tier One Global Programme

Best Reusable Stand, Gold

To learn more, visit: https://m-is.com/

Awards, Leisure, News

Outdoor activity centre named winner of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Walton Firs Foundation & Activity Centre is celebrating after being named as a winner of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

This is the highest national award presented to local volunteer groups across the UK and is the equivalent of the MBE. It is presented to exceptional groups that are volunteer-led and whose levels of initiative and impact make a significant difference to beneficiaries in their communities. Created in 2002 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of HM The Queen’s Coronation, the list of winners is published on 2nd June each year.

Walton Firs offers accessible outdoor education opportunities, such as camping, climbing, caving, archery and bushcraft, to young people, and its team of volunteers are invaluable in supporting the delivery of the programmes, as well as maintaining the facilities and equipment. Since opening in 2008, Walton Firs has enabled over 250,000 young people to develop new skills and abilities within the natural environment.

All award nominees were subject to an appraisal of their volunteering policies and practices by the Surrey Lieutenancy local assessment panel, whose reports were forwarded to the National Award Committee. This national committee subsequently made its own independent recommendations to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which sent a final list of award recipients to the Queen for her approval.

With a proud tradition of supporting adults and young people to volunteer within its organisation, Walton Firs has more than 100 volunteers engaged as trustees, patrons, crew members and leaders. The activity centre also supports vulnerable and ‘at risk’ young people to develop their social and vocational skills though mentored work experience placements, and it was these youth support programmes which were, in part, key to Walton Firs receiving the award.

Izzy Devonshire, age 17, explained what she had gained from being a Walton Firs volunteer:

“Volunteering at Walton Firs has taught me valuable skills. It has helped me stay connected with my friends since finishing school. It’s helped me develop team working skills and brought me and my friends closer together.”

Rob Woolford, Chairman of the Walton Firs Foundation, commented:

“On behalf of Walton Firs Foundation, I’m delighted our organisation has been chosen to receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. We have a long-standing commitment to deliver high quality volunteering opportunities, and we’re all thrilled our tradition of supporting young people to develop the skills and knowledge required to become happy and successful adults has been recognised.

“As with many charitable organisations, the present difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic is giving the Activity Centre some financial difficulties, with enforced closure at a time which would normally provide a substantial proportion of the annual income. Sadly, this lockdown also means our volunteer service teams and corporate sponsored work teams are not able to help with their volunteer days. Every little counts and we are hoping to find a few generous sponsors to help us through these difficult times.”

Chris Scott, the Centre Manager at Walton Firs, added:

“Receiving The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is a tribute to the many hundreds of people who have given their time as volunteers to the activity centre over the past twelve years. I have to say a big thank you to every one of our past and present crew members and leaders for their inputs to Walton Firs!”

Walton Firs Foundation & Activity Centre will be formally presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service by the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey during a commemorative event at a future date where all past and present volunteers will join directors to celebrate.

For further information about becoming a Walton Firs sponsor, please contact Christopher Scott on 01932 863243. Alternatively, donations can be made by via Walton Firs’ Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/WaltonFirs/.

Awards, Education, News

UCL School of Management wins major award for gender diversity, the ‘Athena SWAN award’

UCL School of Management has been awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Award from the UK Equality Challenge Unit in recognition of their commitment to improve gender equality and representation among their staff and students.

The Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Charter is a framework which is used across UK to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research. Established in 2005, the Athena SWAN Charter was originally aimed to increase the representation of women at all levels in STEMM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine). In 2015, the Charter was expanded to include the fields of Business and Social Sciences and to address gender equality issues among all staff and students.

The success rate for business schools, is low – roughly 30% in most recent years. Being one of the few business schools to receive the Bronze Award demonstrates that the UCL School of Management has begun to implement strong evidence-based action plans to improve gender equality for example women’s underrepresentation in senior positions and to encourage more inclusive culture.

According to Dr. Bert De Reyck,

“Prior to and throughout our Athena SWAN application process, we have been working to make diversity and inclusion a fundamental part of the school’s ethos and culture. For example, we have increased the representation of women in senior positions. Last year, we set up a dedicated EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) team, which is now working on removing antisocial behaviors as well as monitoring broader diversity issues across the school. From 2019, in recruitment advertisements, we have highlighted our devotion as an Equal

Opportunities Employer.

The dedication of our Athena SWAN team, led by Dr. Sunny Lee, with members lending their time and expertise has been paramount in our receiving the first Bronze Award.

Ultimately, we must thank our staff and members as without their support with our application, this achievement would not have been possible. We have received invaluable feedback from our staff and students (through surveys, interviews, and emails) and will work hard to address the identified issues about diversity and inclusion over the next few years.”

Awards, Farming, News

The show WILL go on for the British Farming Awards

 

The annual British Farming Awards will go ahead this year in a brand new virtual format, as it seeks to celebrate the innovation and achievements of farming businesses and shine a light on the people who keep the nation fed.

While many awards, shows and events have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the British Farming Awards will take place on a bespoke digital platform and retain its emphasis on celebrating the fantastic individuals who make the farming industry and its community so unique.

Back for its eighth year, the event is organised by AgriBriefing, the parent company of Farmers Guardian, Arable Farming and Dairy Farmer, and is supported by Morrisons.

Sophie Throup, Morrisons Head of Agriculture, Fisheries and Sustainable Sourcing, said: “At Morrisons, we are long term supporters of British Farming; we value the efforts of British farmers who work hard all year round – in times of pandemic or not – to produce great quality food with high welfare and environmental standards.

“This year, more than ever, we would like to thank and celebrate the work of British farmers and growers who are helping us to feed the nation.

“In these recent weeks as the pandemic has stimulated closure of the food service sector and reduction in export trade, we have been working hard to do our part to bring British food and farming to our customers’ attention.

“This has included thank you adverts around national newspapers and the opening of our steak and seafood bars to help tempt customers back into buying prime cuts to help with carcass balance.

“We’ve also been innovating in launching Food Boxes and Doorstep Deliveries, which not only help the vulnerable in society, but also open up new routes to get British products to new and existing customers.

“The British Farming Awards are a fantastic way to help us share and celebrate the inspiring people and businesses which make our farming industry so great: we encourage you to get involved and apply.”

The first ever virtual British Farming Awards will be celebrated on October 21, 2020, and more information will be released at www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk when details are announced.

Celebrating the innovative, determined and extraordinary farmers across all sectors, the British Farming Awards showcases the diversity and adaptability of the UK’s farming community, no matter the size or scale of their business.

Alongside farming’s core sectors – dairy, beef, sheep, arable and machinery – there is also recognition in other valued groups, such as family farms, students, new entrants, agri-technology and the huge number of diversifications, which are now so crucial to many businesses.

Editor of Farmers Guardian Ben Briggs said: “We are all very aware of the buzz a live award’s night brings along with the comradery and anticipation of the night’s announcements.

“We know the networking and chance of winning, especially for young businesses, gives the community a valuable opportunity to connect with leading figures in the industry and other like-minded farmers.

“But this year we must stay as safe as we can and we hope the features and support our virtual event will offer will help highlight and give some well-deserved recognition for many amazing farmers and agri-businesses there are out there.”

The closing date for entries is June 26 so there is still plenty of time to enter or nominate an individual who deserves recognition for their hard work and business approach at www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk

You can now register to watch the awards night at www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk/awards-night

 

Awards, Construction, News

G F Tomlinson celebrates triple win at the RICS Social Impact Awards

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is celebrating a triumphant triple win as two of its recent projects received three accolades, including ‘Project of the Year’, at the 2020 RICS Social Impact Awards.

RICS (Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors) announced winners of the RICS Social Impact Awards for the East Midlands via a virtual ceremony last week (6 May), hosted by British tv presenters Phil Spencer and Emma Jesson.

The inaugural awards recognise the built environment’s positive and transformational contribution to society.

The Dorothy Goodman Special Needs School took home the headline award for ‘Project of the Year’, as well as receiving the winning spot for the Education category.

Construction to improve facilities at the school was completed by G F Tomlinson in late 2018, and involved the creation of a new specially-equipped school building.

The contractor worked collaboratively alongside the school, Hadland Manning Bullock Quantity Surveyors, Grayling Thomas Architects and Ian Harban Consulting Engineers to ensure that the needs of the pupils, staff and the local community remained the focus for the design and delivery of the new building.

The specialist school in Hinckley, Leicester caters for 110 pupils aged between 11 and 19 years with a wide range of learning disabilities.

On the Dorothy Goodman SEN School’s award, RICS Social Impact Awards head judge for the East Midlands, Sally Walters commented: “As a project dedicated to the support of pupils with special educational needs, the Dorothy Goodman School excels in providing social value not only to the young people who attend, but also the wider community.

“The open and honest design approach promotes the facility and assists with the pupil’s development, whilst integrating them throughout their education into the wider world.

“The design is innovative and centres on a wide range of special and challenging needs that allow users of the facility to further themselves.”

Winner of the Leisure category was the Tower Gardens Community Pavilion, which was completed by G F Tomlinson at the start of 2020, with the project team including global property and construction consultancy Gleeds and Lincoln-based Core Architects.

The new £1.6m mixed-use community building was delivered through the Scape Regional Construction framework for Skegness Town Council, and was built to bring new inclusive community facilities to Skegness to transform the town into an inclusive environment and workplace, as well as a vibrant place to visit.

On the Tower Gardens award, judge Sally Walters commented: “The Tower Gardens Pavilion has breathed life back into a previously neglected area of Skegness town centre. The new Pavilion will provide easier access to crucial town council services, as well as providing flexible spaces and a café for the community to access all year round.

“The enthusiasm from the team behind the project, as well as the support from the local community is impressive and the judges believe this project will have a positive social impact for both residents and visitors to the area.”

Chris Flint, director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re delighted that two of our projects have been winners at this years’ RICS Social Impact Awards, with one of the accolades including the prestigious ‘Project of the Year’.

“With a company that has social value rooted so deeply in our ethos, these awards are testament to what we stand for as a business. We’re proud to be able to deliver projects which have had such a positive impact on the communities we work in, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

“Although we couldn’t be there to celebrate this incredible triple win, we’re pleased that the awards could still go ahead virtually. We’d like to thank the project teams for their work on both of these developments, including our supply chain partners. Congratulations everyone, this is well deserved.”