Hear from 2024 Award Winners

Congratulations on being a 2024 Regional and National Award Winner! How did you feel when you found out your team had won?

Quite relieved, as I put a lot of effort into the entry! Getting external validation makes a big difference.

Looking back, what are you most proud of in the work that led to these awards?

I'm proud that we've had a counselling service for almost 35 years – which is unique in a male-dominated manufacturing industry.

What's one benefit that's come from winning?

We received a lot of positive press. When we're recruiting, it's something that we shout about.

Aside from winning, which of course would have been a highlight, what else did you enjoy about attending the Regional and National Dinners?

It was brilliant to talk to some of the nominations for apprentice awards at the National Awards. Hearing their experiences was really valuable.

What advice would you give to businesses that are feeling unsure about entering?

Entering makes you reflect on things and think about what could be better. It's good for the soul to have a bit of judging sometimes.

Congratulations on being a 2024 Regional and National Award Winner! How did you feel when you found out your team had won?

We went with no preconceptions of winning so it was a fantastic surprise. We’re only a small company from Cornwall, and it was great to show what we’ve done down there.

Looking back, what are you most proud of in the work that led to these awards?

We've been through huge changes in the last two years and that could have been a disaster. So I’m most proud of the team’s ability to deal with the amount of change.

What's one benefit that's come from winning?

We were talking to a really big new customer who also happened to be up for a Make UK award. At the National Dinner they saw us win the award and within a few weeks we took their first order. It must have been fate.

Aside from winning, which of course would have been a highlight, what else did you enjoy about attending the Regional and National Dinners?

Everybody’s excited, and everybody’s got a good story to tell.

What advice would you give to businesses that are feeling unsure about entering?

It's good for PR, it's good for the team, but it's also a good benchmark to check whether you’re doing the right things compared to your peers. 

Congratulations to you on being a 2024 Regional and National Award Winner! How did you feel when you found out you had won?

I was absolutely over the moon. It's so important to have confidence in yourself.

Looking back, what are you most proud of in the work that led to this award?

I managed a stretch activity about mental health for apprentices. It aimed to get people talking and spread the word about mental health and wellbeing. That's something I'm really proud of.

What's one benefit that's come from winning?

It gave me the opportunity to apply for the vocL Leader Programme, which has put me on my journey to becoming a leader.

Aside from winning, what else did you enjoy about attending the Regional and National Dinners?

The networking, the guest speakers, and the fantastic location on The Thames.

What advice would you give to apprentices that are feeling unsure about entering?

Being comfortable in life and at work comes from being uncomfortable. Put yourself forward for challenges where you feel out of your depth, and become comfortable in that environment.

Congratulations to you on being a 2024 Regional and National Award Winner! How did you feel when you found out you had won?

When you hear the judges’ feedback and you're like, 'Oh, is this about me?’ It was the most exciting feeling.

Looking back, what are you most proud of in the work that led to this award?

Working in pharmaceuticals, I’m proud that the work I do every day is developing medicines that will have a big impact on people's lives.

What's one benefit that's come from winning?

The exposure. Being able to meet so many successful people, taking their advice, and being offered incredible opportunities.

Aside from winning, what else did you enjoy about attending the Regional and National Dinners?

We were all just really excited to hear so many amazing success stories. Everyone was super-passionate about why their business should win, but also really supportive of each other.

What advice would you give to apprentices that are feeling unsure about entering?

There’s nothing to lose. One important skill for your career is learning to admit that you've done a really good job. Just tell people how amazing you are!

Congratulations on being a 2024 Regional and National Award Winner! How did you feel when you found out your team had won?

Everybody was just blown away. Does it sound clichéd to say it was a career high point?

Looking back, what are you most proud of in the work that led to these awards?

I don't know if it was just luck or magic, but we put together an amazing team who pulled together and created all of the processes that won these awards.

What's one benefit that's comes from winning?

When we do open days, a lot of people come in and joke that they've walked past the office a thousand times. Now they know what we do because the word's getting out there.

Aside from winning, what else did you enjoy about attending the Regional and National Dinners?

The dinners help paint a picture of what's going on in manufacturing in the UK. They really opened our eyes.

What advice would you give to businesses that are feeling unsure about entering?

You need to put some effort into putting the application together, but it's a really useful process for reminding you of all the good things that you've done.