The fourth annual LEEA Awards winners were announced during the ‘party of the year’ at the Awards Ceremony, held at P&J Live in Aberdeen on the evening of 5 October 2022.
LEEA CEO Ross Moloney was host for the night along with special guest, London based Irish Comedian Jarlath Regan. Congratulating the winners and thanking the sponsors and all those who entered, Ross Moloney said: “The LEEA Awards continues to develop as a chance to give people, companies and colleagues who have made significant contributions to lifting standards in our industry the recognition they deserve. They play a vital role in promoting excellence to customers and supply chains around the world, as well as encouraging new recruits. I am pleased to say that we received an outstanding level of entries. Through rewarding the best of the best, the LEEA Awards broadcasts the positive signal that our industry is coming together to celebrate the raising of standards.”
The winners of the LEEA Awards 2022 are as follows:
The Stuart Everitt Award for Outstanding Contribution to LEEA, given at the will and recommendation of the LEEA Board, went to Richard Money, former Chair of the LEEA Board.
Best Digital Innovation, which recognises a product or service that highlights successful digital innovation, providing a unique value proposition and tangible benefits to the lifting equipment industry, was presented to Select Plant Hire (Laing O’Rourke) and was received on its behalf by LEEA’s Robert Wilson. The judges were impressed by the excellent software for asset control. Select Plant Hire has developed the system further to set the standard for the management of everyday lifting equipment/accessories’. LMS (Load Monitoring Systems) was runner up.
The Outstanding Apprentice Award – sponsored by Bridger Howes – recognises talented apprentices who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their professional development in the lifting equipment industry and was awarded to Lewis Barr of GAP Group. This award goes to someone who starts with a great attitude and has a clear desire to improve their skills. Lewis demonstrates a real passion for this industry and has been keen to learn throughout his training. Kai Carrick of Sunbelt Rentals was the runner up.
Best Accredited Training Scheme Member recognises innovative approaches to ATS scheme membership and service delivery excellence. It was presented to GGR Group. This company has a well-constructed process for the candidate and shows clear evidence of how it uses feedback to amend and improve courses. A variety of resources are used, making the training attractive to learners and client feedback is good. The physical training sites themselves are impressive. JCD Training Ltd was runner up.
The Rising Star Award – sponsored by LHI Magazine – is for an individual who has demonstrated excellence in their work at the beginning of their career in the lifting equipment industry and exceptional talent that will support their career development. It went to Connor Prentice of EMCOR UK – Aviation Services. Connor strives to continually learn and progress his learning at every turn. This is reflected in a high level of knowledge and professionalism: proactive in his role and advocating safe use of lifting equipment with LEEA principles to the fore. Tyler Spendiff of GAP Group was runner up.
LEEA Member of the Year, bestowed to the member who in the opinion of the LEEA Senior Management Team has demonstrated outstanding commitment to lifting standards in the lifting equipment industry, was awarded to the LEEA Regional Council of Australia and New Zealand.
The Robert Gordon University Award was presented to Adam Blaikie. This Award goes to an outstanding mechanical engineering student as nominated by Robert Gordon University, who was awarded the LEEA Award for Excellence for his final year project which was based on comparing the analysis methods used to determine the allowable sea states and loading on structures during subsea deployment.
Best Contribution to GLAD Award went to Crosby Group. Crosby’s content on social media during Global Lifting Awareness Day 2022 stood out.
The Kevin Holmes Award for Excellence in People Development recognises HR professionals and training leaders who demonstrate excellence in supporting and facilitating the continual professional development of their teams. It was presented to Tony Bergman of Shell. Our winner operates at a high level across the globe. It has made a large positive impact on many different companies and people and is clearly passionate about competency development in Lifting and Hoisting. Nicola Tocher of First Integrated Solutions was the runner up.
LEEA CEO’s Award, which goes to an exceptional individual or company who did something particularly notable in line with LEEA’s aspirations, was presented to Jonathan Djanogly MP.
The Craig Morelli Award – Accredited Training Scheme – Best Trainer focuses on LEEA’s Accredited Training Scheme and the professional trainers delivering high quality end-user training courses. It went to Rob Ballantyne of GGR Group. Rob takes his trainer role beyond the usual limits, exceeding his job duties to serve customers to the highest possible levels and he has very high personal standards in the safe operation of lifting equipment. Rob is clearly more than a deliverer of training: he is involved in many other aspects related to the courses. Andy Dowd of Speedy Hire was the runner up.
