Category Archives: Awards

Awards, Children and Childcare, News

Specialist baby and toddler air purifier from Solenco UK wins prestigious award

Air treatment and lifestyle technology specialist Solenco UK has been presented with a Loved by Parents Platinum award in the category Best Nursery Innovation for its Purification Pal air purifier. The specialist air purifier was designed specifically for babies and infants.

The Loved by Parents awards are one of the largest parenting awards programmes worldwide. To win an award, products are rigorously tested by a team of parents and little ones.

With a four-stage purification system that captures up to 99.975% of particles and allergens, the Purification Pal helps protect babies and children from respiratory illnesses and aids restful sleep.

The Purification Pal removes particulate matter (PM2.5), VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), airborne bacteria, viruses, dust and pollen from the air. With whisper-quiet operation (25dB) and features such as a night-light, timer and four speed settings, the specialised air purifier contributes to a safer and more calming atmosphere for infants to sleep in.

“It’s normal for children to get as many as eight cold viruses a year which can be disruptive for their sleep and impact the whole family. Having a solution that continuously removes harmful particles from the air reduces their chances of catching bugs and developing asthma or allergies.”

explains Trevor Brewer, Director at Solenco UK.

“We are delighted to win this prestigious award for the Purification Pal. We launched the air purifier in the UK to provide a solution to help parents and their children. As a parent or carer, using an air purifier in your child’s room gives you confidence that you’re giving them the best start in life.”

With four air cycles completed in an hour and a preliminary filter, H13 True HEPA filter, Activated Carbon filter and UV light, the Purification Pal gives parents and carers reassurance that their child is breathing clean and healthy air*. Solenco’s Purification Pal is energy efficient (running at just 30-45w) and each air filter has 4320 hours of usage, helping families keep running costs as low as possible.

The air purifier is compact and lightweight, and comes with reusable animal fun face stickers to decorate the appliance’s faceplate, so that children can create their own lovable Purification Pal. The product has launched in the UK after achieving success in the South African market, where it gained a seal of approval from the South African Allergy Foundation.

“Our Purification Pal is designed to protect child health, and other great features like the low noise output, night-light and fun reusable stickers make it a brilliant addition to a nursery or bedroom as the child grows up,” says Trevor.

Solenco’s Purification Pal is available on Amazon for £69.99. For more information, please visit www.solenco.uk.

*Four air cycles based on a room size of up to 10m²

Awards, Hospitality

Two Popular Largo Leisure Holidays Parks Reach the Finals of the 2024 Scottish Hospitality Awards

Largo Leisure Holidays are proud and excited to announce that two of their holiday parks have been named as finalists in the 2024 Scottish Hospitality Awards.

Braidhaugh Holiday Park and recently acquired Campsie Glen Holiday Park have both made it to the final stages of the prestigious awards, which aim to highlight and reward the best of the hospitality industry in Scotland.

Braidhaugh Holiday Park which sits in a prime position on the banks of the River Earn in Crieff has made it to the finals in the Best Caravan Park category with sister park Scottish countryside gem, Campsie Glen in Fintry, named as a finalist in the Best Holiday Park category.

Largo Leisure Parks, Commercial Director, Rachel Mabbs said “We are absolutely thrilled to have two of our parks named as finalists in different categories in the Scottish Hospitality Awards 2024. The teams on park do an amazing job and this wouldn’t be possible without all their hard work. The awards are a fantastic way of recognising the work they do. We will keep our fingers crossed for a good result on the night.”

To find out more about Largo Leisure and their six award winning parks , visit https://www.largoleisure.co.uk

Awards, News, North Wales

Moneypenny CEO Honoured with OBE for Services to the Economy

Joanna Swash, Group CEO of Moneypenny was recently appointed an OBE in the King’s Honours List for her services to the economy. The award recognises her contribution to Moneypenny’s international growth, the strong culture originally created by the founders, the brilliant work by the management team and the jobs created in Wrexham, London and the US.  It also recognises her commitment to the local community in Chairing the City of Culture bids for Wrexham and uniting the collective goodwill of cross party politicians, local authorities and so many local business leaders to drive the Investment Zone for Wrexham and Flintshire.

Moneypenny supports businesses of all shapes and sizes across the UK and US with call answering, live chat and bespoke and proactive customer communication services. The company which employs over 1,000 people has been listed in the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ seven times and recognised as a Great Place To Work (GPTW).

Joanna Swash comments: “I am honoured and humbled to have received an OBE in the King’s Honours list for my contribution to the local economy. It is a privilege to have been part of the strong growth story at Moneypenny and I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of business leaders. I am extremely grateful to have been able to make a positive contribution locally both by Chairing the City of Culture bids for Wrexham and helping to drive the Investment Zone for Wrexham and Flintshire, illustrating the impact of collaborative efforts.”

 

 

Awards, Business, Healthcare, News

Human Data Sciences founder nominated for prestigious recognition award

HUMAN Data Sciences founder Professor Craig Currie has been shortlisted for the prestigious Data Saves Lives national award.

Sponsored by Health Data Research UK (HDRUK), the award recognises individuals for leveraging data to improve patient care, advance medical knowledge, and enhance health outcomes, highlighting the profound potential of data in saving and enhancing lives.

The Data Saves Lives award is part of Cambridge Spark’s Digital & AI Excellence Awards which celebrates critical digital transformation skills in the era of AI, and recognises the pioneers who have harnessed the power of digital and AI as catalysts for change. The winners recognised at a ceremony later this month (March).

The nomination is due to his innovative approach to healthcare analytics and in recognition of the significant impact of the groundbreaking healthcare analytical platform, Livingstone®.

Livingstone®, developed by Human Data Sciences, is a cutting-edge platform designed to empower users of real-world healthcare research by delivering instant analysis that would have otherwise taken months, or years, to deliver.

The platform utilises data science and artificial intelligence methods to analyse vast amounts of healthcare data, which then enables practitioners to make informed decisions, predict health trends, and provide proactive care.

This health analytics engine, being the first of its kind, has been instrumental in identifying at-risk populations, identifying optimised treatments, and ultimately, enhancing the quality of life and life expectancy for countless individuals.

Commenting on the recognition, Rhiannon Thomason, CEO of Human Data Sciences, said: “The nomination for the ‘Data Saves Lives’ award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of our talented team. Livingstone was born out of a commitment to revolutionise healthcare outcomes through the power of data. Being recognised on this platform underscores the impact our work has had and will continue to have in saving lives, and improving health outcomes.”

Professor Currie, Chief Scientific Officer of Human Data Sciences, added: “We are deeply committed to advancing healthcare through innovation. This nomination highlights the potential of data-driven solutions in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today.

“Looking forward, Human Data Sciences remains dedicated to its mission of transforming healthcare through data science and technology. We look forward to sharing our achievements and future plans with peers, industry leaders, and the wider community at the award ceremony.”

Awards, News

Horizon Leisure scoops prize at Portsmouth Business Awards

Horizon Leisure, which operates Havant leisure Centre and Waterlooville Leisure Centre,  was crowned Community Business of the Year at the Portsmouth Business Awards on Friday 23rd February.

The annual event held at the Portsmouth Guildhall, now is in its 24th year, recognises the success of local businesses and entrepreneurs in the region.  The Community Business award required companies to demonstrate their commitment to supporting their local community, with expert judges looking for clear proof and evidence.

Mike Lyons, CEO Horizon Leisure says: “It was a true privilege to receive this award. It’s fantastic to see our teams efforts being recognised, and winning Community Business of the Year against some tough competition is a considerable achievement.

“As a charitable organisation, any surplus made by Horizon Leisure is reinvested back into our services, which create inclusive, affordable health and wellbeing initiatives for the people in the local community.”

Horizon Leisure was recognised for being a trailblazer for its community, with its wide range of neighbourhood-led initiatives, including its unique drop-in Wellness Hub in Havant’s shopping mall, which now has SurgeryPod taking blood pressure readings that feed directly back to local GP’s.

The charity contributed £3.7 million in social value last year, quantifying its non-market economic, social and environmental impact.  That represents over £100 for every single customer, positively influencing everything from their physical and mental health to their life satisfaction, as well as reducing crime rates for young males in the area.

The past year also witnessed a 31% surge in memberships, a 26% rise in group exercise attendance, and a year-on-year increase of 25% in gym visits. Havant Leisure Centre was awarded ‘Trust Gym of the Year’ at the 2023 National Fitness Awards, with both Waterlooville and Havant leisure centres being accredited by Sport England’s quality assurance scheme, Quest.

Lyons concludes: “I’m immensely proud of Horizon Leisure’s diverse health and wellbeing initiatives, which include dementia-friendly activities, our successful ESCAPE-pain programme, clubs for additional needs and tea dances to combat loneliness, a health/GP referral scheme, falls prevention classes, long-term condition swim sessions, a new gym membership called Thrive for 10-15 year olds, a funded school holiday programme, and even GP and breastfeeding expert-led parent and baby groups.

“The Horizon Team won’t rest on their laurels, and we are committed to further extending our community led initiatives for the people of Havant.”

 

Awards, Education, Events

10th Moving Image Awards Celebrates Rising Stars in Filmmaking

YOUNG filmmaking prodigies were celebrated at the 10th annual Moving Image Awards at a ceremony held at the British Film Institute on 26 February.

 

Proud students, parents, and teachers from across the UK gathered at the prestigious event to celebrate the work of young directors, screenwriters, and producers.

 

The Moving Image Awards, which launched in 2014 in collaboration with the British Film Institute, recognises and celebrates the best moving image productions from students undertaking Eduqas qualifications in Film and Media across the UK.

 

Categories this year included Best Short Film, Music Video, TV/Film Extract, Screenplay, One to Watch and Student Jury Prize.

 

Cherry Ellis, from Steyning Grammar School in West Sussex, took home the coveted Student Jury Prize title at this year’s awards for her film titled ‘The Deep Mind Experience’. The film is an experimental stop frame animation, where the protagonist is taken on a psychedelic dream-like journey inside his own subconscious mind.

 

The judges commended Cherry on her use of contrasting images, colour and music to reflect the mundane real-world vs the colourful and beautiful world of the subconscious mind.

 

Following her win, Cherry said: “I am so surprised to have won this award! After they announced all the winners I didn’t realise there was going to be another category, so I was so surprised and so happy when they called my name! I wanted to create a story that was a form of escapism and wanted to emphasis the difference between the mundane everyday life and the crazy, wacky other worlds.”

 

Winners:

Further awards went to:

 

Short Film:

Ricardo Sokolowska-Pedrosa from Dover Grammar School for Boys, for ‘Uninhabitable’, a short documentary about poor-quality accommodation and unscrupulous landlords taking advantage of vulnerable people in Dover.

 

Judges’ comments: “Excellent for all three categories: technical competence, form and genre, creativity, and resourcefulness. Great topic and excellent storytelling within the genre.”

 

Music Video:

Callum Doddington from St Bartholomew’s School in Berkshire for Erase/ Replace, a music video for band ‘Seize’, consisting of shots of band members as well as montage shots filling in as ‘clues’ to the bigger picture of what ‘happened’.

 

Judges’ comments: “A well filmed and edited music video. Well-structured with consistently excellent technical codes and editing. Very creative in the representation of the band and the enigmatic narrative. Excellent use of narrative motifs. A range of filming techniques used. Excellent lip synching and filming of actual performance.”

 

Screenplay:

Nathan Mitchell from Strode’s College, Egham for Motorway Pastures, a screenplay about a hitchhiker who begins to see the increasingly impossible, all while the ‘corn laughs and the sky splits.’

 

Judges’ comments: “Excellent horror film – clear control of time. Good visualisation and parallel storytelling. Brilliant.”

 

Film/TV Extract:

Harvey Miller from St Bartholomew’s School for AVA, a short pre-title and title sequence for the TV show ‘AVA’ that encompasses the essence of suspense and technological intrigue, and draws inspiration from the series ‘Humans’, ‘Utopia’ and ‘Black Mirror’.

 

Judge’s comments: “Pacy editing to the opening which quickly engages the audience and establishes genre. Excellent use of camerawork to set up imminent danger and suggest the foreboding narrative. Genre conventions are well employed and add to the drama of the sequence.”

 

One to Watch:

Ruby Hagan from Upton Hall School FCJ in Birkenhead for Laika, a short experimental animation detailing the life of one of the first creatures in space: “Laika the Space Dog”.

 

Judges’ comments: “A beautiful inventive animation based on the real-life story of Laika, the Soviet space dog who orbited earth in 1957. The film combines animation styles, including line drawing and painting to stunning effect.”

The winning videos are available to view on the Moving Image Awards YouTube channel.

The event has garnered acknowledgment from educators and professors of film and media studies at various institutions throughout the UK, along with prominent figures within the film industry. Among this year’s guest speakers were film critic and former President of the UK Critics’ Circle Anna Smith, writer and director Lorna Tucker, feature film script editor Kate Leys and Metro chief film critic Larushka Ivan-Zadeh.

Larushka Ivan-Zadeh said: “Today’s award ceremony has been absolutely amazing. It’s always so inspiring! I believe the biggest challenge facing young people today is getting over their own limits and beliefs about being filmmakers. What we’ve taken away from today is that actually, the industry is an amazing place. There is enough work for everyone, you just have to really find your voice and believe in yourself. You have to believe that people really want to hear what you have to say and produce. Go for it!.”

Anna Smith said: “To the students who want to pursue a career in Film or TV I would just say, keep knocking on those doors – don’t give up! You must be very determined but also willing to learn all the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from someone you find inspirational.”

Jenny Stewart, Eduqas Film Studies Subject Officer, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Moving Image Awards. The talent showcased this year is testament to the continued success and growth of the WJEC Eduqas Film and Media qualifications, and the hard work and innovation of young filmmakers and their teachers. We wish all entrants a huge congratulations on your achievements in film and media production.”

Ian Morgan, Eduqas Chief Executive, added: “The Moving Image Awards are always a highlight in my calendar. For a decade now, we’ve been recognising exceptional filmmaking talent, and this year was no different. Each and every entrant should be immensely proud of their achievement, no matter the result.

“We are also incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our judges. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in making this event the resounding success it is today.”

For more information on the Moving Image Awards, visit: http://www.movingimageawards.co.uk/

Awards, Business, Business News, Industry News, Networking, News from Wales

Final call to enter Wales Business Awards 2024

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid is encouraging businesses across Wales to submit their entries for the Wales Business Awards 2024, ahead of the forthcoming deadline.

With just a week until the deadline, Thursday 29 February, businesses are now urged to enter to be in with a chance of winning a prestigious accolade.

The Wales Business Awards, organised by the Chamber and sponsored by Jardine Norton, recognise the very best from businesses across Wales.

Chamber members and non-members can submit their entries for free by completing an application form or uploading an audio or video entry.

Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “The Wales Business Awards are a brilliant way for businesses to shout about the incredible work they are doing, recognise their teams’ hard work and celebrate their successes in the company of the Welsh business community, ministers and dignitaries.

“We can’t wait to reward the achievements of Welsh businesses in May, which is why we are encouraging firms to get involved now and ensure they have submitted their entries before the deadline.”

There are 11 categories for businesses to enter this year, including: B2B Customer Commitment; B2C Customer Commitment; Digital Business of the Year; Diversity & Inclusion; Employee Engagement; Global Business of the Year; Green Business of the Year; Innovative Business of the Year; SME Exporter of the Year; Workplace Wellbeing; and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

The Chamber will also be awarding ‘Wales Business of the Year’ at the ceremony on 16 May at The Vale Resort, which sees broadcaster Andrea Byrne return as host.

Entries can be submitted at https://cw-seswm.com/events/awards-2024-enter/ on or before Thursday 29 February.

Apprenticeships, Awards, News, North of England

Mechanic Lewis crowned apprentice of the year by Kinaxia Logistics

A young mechanic who helps to service and maintain Kinaxia Logistics’ fleet of lorries has won the company’s apprentice of the year award.

Lewis Brockbank, 20, joined Kinaxia in September 2021 on a three-year apprenticeship leading to a qualification in heavy vehicle maintenance.

He is based at Kinaxia group company Bay Freight in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester.

Lewis was nominated for the accolade by his line manager Dave Turnbull, who presented him with a trophy, framed certificate and Amazon voucher.

Dave said: “Lewis is always willing to learn and is a key team player. He works hard in all weathers and never complains. He’s willing to do any job at any time of the day and always keeps himself busy.

“He’s very competent at his job and has had glowing reports from college. He’s a very worthy winner of the apprentice of the year award.”

The training provider for Lewis’s apprenticeship is Mantra Learning. He is one of eight apprentices currently employed by Kinaxia. The group is recruiting for up to 10 apprentices this year.

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, employs more than 2,000 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

The group has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

Lewis, who lives in Mottram, Tameside, Greater Manchester, said: “I wasn’t expecting to win the award but I’m very happy to have done so and very grateful. It really means a lot.”

He added: “Initially, I wanted to be a light vehicle mechanic, and I completed a Level Two qualification at Tameside College. Then the opportunity came up to join Kinaxia, and I was thrilled to join the company.

“I’ve found myself really enjoying learning the job and helping to keep our vehicles roadworthy and maintained to a high standard.

“I think apprenticeships are the best option for people fresh out of school or college to get into an industry. I find that hands-on learning is more effective than just classroom learning. I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who may be considering one.”

Kinaxia is a gold sponsor of Generation Logistics, a government and industry-backed campaign highlighting the opportunities and career prospects available in a major national drive to attract young people to the sector.

Debbie Blackwell, people services director at Kinaxia, said: “Apprenticeships are key to the future of our industry. We need to invest in our colleagues and create new opportunities for diversified talent to support the growth and productivity of our business and create a skilled and qualified workforce.”

Awards, Diversity & Inclusion, News

Prestigious Inclusive Awards celebrate 10 years as 2024 entries open

The 2024 Inclusive Awards – organised by Inclusive Companies – are open for entries. Celebrating their 10th year, the prestigious Inclusive Awards include eight categories that recognise individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond to achieve true diversity, inclusion, equality and equity in their workplace.

Showcasing the most ingenious, dedicated and inspirational displays of diverse culture, inclusive practices and workplace equity, the Inclusive Awards entries will be assessed by an experienced and diverse independent judging panel. They will be looking out for individuals and organisations who can demonstrate their achievements across all strands of diversity including age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race and religion. Nominations are sought from employers and employees working in a wide variety of sectors including private, public, education, charity and housing, to name but a few.

The 2023 individual award winners were Liz Douglas from Anglo American who won the Head of Diversity & Inclusion Award and Stuart Love from Westminster City Council who won the Chief Executive of the Year Award. Both large and small organisations won awards: Equality Leaders won the D&I Consultancy of the Year Award and HSBC UK Inclusion Team the Diversity Team of the Year Award. Metro Bank took home the Inclusive Culture Initiative Award while Aviva Origins secured the Outstanding Diversity Network Award. Finally, Migrant Leaders won the Social Mobility Project Award and myGwork received the D&I Tech Initiative Award.

“Looking back over the last 10 years since our first Inclusive Awards event, we have come a long way in terms of the policies and practices being implemented to achieve diversity, inclusion and equity,” says Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies. “Every year, we present awards to brave individuals and truly committed management teams in recognition of them putting diversity and inclusion at the very heart of all they do.

“There is still more work to be done to drive home the diversity and inclusion message to all employers,” continues Paul. “I believe that by celebrating our winners’ outstanding work and achievements, the Inclusive Awards will encourage others to follow their example and inspire lasting change.”

2024 Inclusive Awards Categories and Timeline

The 2024 Inclusive Awards have eight categories as follows plus a Lifetime Achiever Award that is bestowed on an individual by the judging panel.  The deadline for entries is July 15, 2024. Shortlisted entrants will be announced in September with the winners revealed at the 2024 Inclusive Awards event later this year.

D&I Consultancy Award for innovative consultancies which focus on diversity and inclusion and offer bespoke strategies, training, advice and solutions to organisations looking to create an inclusive working culture.

Outstanding Diversity Network Award for the outstanding contribution of employee networks that have tackled issues internally or externally to influence change in the field of equality and diversity such as age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, faith or religion.

Inclusive Culture Initiative Award for inclusive culture initiatives across organisations with diversity at their core through internal initiative strategies, campaigns and resources that have been implemented to drive diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation.

Head of Diversity and Inclusion Award to recognise the achievements of individuals who have shown leadership, commitment and motivation, driving the diversity agenda throughout their company and wider community.

Chief Executive of the Year Award for chief executives who have shown personal commitment to the diversity and inclusion agenda, valuing the diversity of their employees and leading their organisation to become an inclusive employer.

D&I Tech Initiative Award to showcase innovation from inventions that are removing barriers for minority groups to tech solutions that can drive diversity and inclusivity to create change.

Social Mobility Project Award to highlight organisations which have developed and implemented projects to encourage social mobility and community involvement.

Diversity Teams Award to showcase teams across a variety of organisations that have shown outstanding dedication in diversity and inclusion to enhance the agenda within their businesses.

Lifetime Achiever Award is awarded by the judging panel to an individual who has devoted a major portion of their professional life to enhancing the practice of equality and diversity, making significant innovative and cumulatively outstanding contributions to the cause.

 

Entering the Inclusive Awards

To see the full list of categories and to enter the Inclusive Awards visit https://inclusiveawards.co.uk/nominations-home/

 Image caption:

Inclusive Awards 2023 Winners Celebrating 05.12.2023 – PHOTO CREDIT Laura Ashman

Awards, Business, Business News, Wales

GS Verde Group lead M&A rankings for another year

GS Verde Group, the award-winning multidiscipline corporate advisory firm, has been named the most active dealmaker in Wales for both financial and legal categories in Experian’s Market IQ full-year report for 2023. This remarkable achievement solidifies the Group’s position as a leading force in the UK M&A landscape, further fuelled by its record-breaking growth in 2023 and exciting plans for 2024.

Unlike any other firm, GS Verde Group is the only one to secure the top spot in both the legal and financial categories. This highlights the Group’s unique advantage – a powerful synergy created through its multidiscipline team; offering legal, finance, tax, and communications services under one roof. This end-to-end approach streamlines the dealmaking process for clients, delivering unparalleled efficiency and expertise to optimise the process and secure successful outcomes.

Nigel Greenaway, CEO of GS Verde Group, commented on the placement: “Being named the most active dealmaking team in Wales by Experian for the third year in a row is a great honour,” said Greenaway. “It validates our relentless pursuit of excellence and the effectiveness of our multidiscipline advisory model. Topping both the legal and financial categories truly demonstrates the value our team delivers to clients seeking seamless, efficient transactions.“

While the UK’s M&A landscape cannot seem to recapture the record heights experienced post-pandemic, Experian’s report highlights Wales as the only UK region to show an upturn in deal activity in 2023, the highest levels recorded in the region in the last decade. This growth mirrors GS Verde Group’s busy year, with consistent deal activity across various sectors that delivered a £2m increase in revenue for the Group in 2023. This exciting growth has continued in 2024 as GS Verde Group has been admitted to prestigious share-dealing platform, JP Jenkins, and appointed a new Non-Executive Director, James Lewis.

With momentum already strong, GS Verde Group is poised to capitalise on this pivotal moment and continue its upward trajectory by implementing its ambitious 2024 growth plans, making strategic senior hires, and building additional expert teams. The Group’s unique multidiscipline approach, combined with its proven track record, positions it as a trusted, in-demand advisor for businesses looking to complete a corporate transaction.