Unsung heroes were the stars of the show today (29 June) at the Utility Week Stars Awards 2018.
Hundreds from across the utilities industry gathered in Manchester for the event, to celebrate those who have gone the extra mile during the past 12 months to provide and deliver a wide range of critical services to their customers.
The categories included team and individual awards and were described by Utility Week’s acting editor Suzanne Heneghan as “a showcase for the loyalty, commitment, innovation and talent that is so important for the sector”.
The summer party at the Hilton Deansgate hotel was a chance for executives and managers to acknowledge their workforces’ efforts and show their appreciation for all they do. Around 250 people attended the afternoon event, which also featured guest host, TV comedian Geoff Norcott.
Welcoming everyone to the awards and congratulating all the finalists on reaching this stage, Suzanne Heneghan added: “Utilities are having to diversify and think differently, and even faster and further than they have already done so far. Meeting those challenges – whilst at the same time ensuring sustainable outcomes both for their businesses and the environment – takes exceptional vision, commitment and expertise.
“The really great news is that utilities are responding well – and in several ways – whether it be through innovative strategies or enterprises. Yet these efforts and successes would simply not be happening without the people who make those plans a reality, which is what these awards are celebrating today.”
Fourteen Stars Awards were presented and the winners were:
Big Bang Award for Innovation – Customer-facing:
Electric Avenue Team, UK Power Networks
Big Bang Award for Innovation – Infrastructure
Mayflower Street Pile Cutting & CIPP Patch Repair, South West Water Delivery Alliance HSO
Constellation Award for Utilities Collaboration
Alliance, UK Power Networks
Constellation Award for Collaboration with Customers
Smart Grid Team, UK Power Networks
Culture Change Champion Award
Keeping It Simple Cultural Transformation Programme, Npower
Data Demon Award
Water Production Planning Team, United Utilities & OSIsoft
Health and Safety Champion – Initiative
Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Safety Licence
Health and Safety Champion – Individual
Lee Perkins from UK Power Networks
Hero Award – Individual
Neal Carbonero from Affinity Water
Hero Award – Team
Janet Newbrook, Jay Churchman, Greg Atkinson and Dave McHugh from SP Energy Networks.
The following four talent awards were each sponsored by Talent Source Network:
Rising Star Award
Ryan Salmon from SP Energy Networks
Shooting Star Award
Barry Campbell from Opus Energy
Guiding Star Award
Dave Shepherd from SP Energy Networks
Supernova Award for Long Service
Mike Sutherland from SSEN
* A full round-up of the event will follow shortly.