Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 13TH - 19TH JULY 2018 | 17 Awards Rising Star Award Ryan Salmon from SP Energy Networks Aged just 20, Ryan is the youngest con- nections co-ordinator at SP Energy Net- works and is widely regarded as a shining example of professionalism, hard work and dedication. Via his initial entry through the apprenticeship scheme, through to his current post and his application for further training, he has not failed to impress those around him. Ryan continually goes out of his way to ensure his work is of the highest quality, that he contributes to all aspects of SPEN's service delivery and to ensure his customers are happy, something reflected in the positive feedback he regularly receives from customers. Ryan serves as a mentor to members of the team that joined aer him, despite being many years their junior – something he is able to do through his professional and ame- nable personality. Ryan's ability to challenge established ways of working to achieve a positive result sets him apart and enables him to make extremely valuable contribu- tions to SPEN and the utilities industry. Shooting Star Award Barry Campbell from Opus Energy Judges were impressed by how hard Barry has worked to create simple processes allowing absolute transparency around Opus Energy's work in terms of prioritisa- tion, progress, cost and benefit. With Opus Energy's challenging agenda as a rapidly growing B2B supplier, Barry's promotion of a friendly and fun working environment has acted as a driving force for the Business Change and project manage- ment office teams. By adopting a work style that pivots around strong communica- tion with the business' wider leadership team, he has encouraged the tackling of issues through collaboration and knowledge sharing. His hard work on the business plan and benefits realisation are expected to generate more than £20 million in margin and £5 mil- lion in operational expenditure reduction across the next five years. Guiding Star Award Dave Shepherd from SP Energy Networks Dave took it upon himself to tackle the skills shortage issue head on, by creating a training and mentoring plan that develops employees to become senior authorised per- sonnel and equips them with all the skills they need to replace those staff who are retiring. Since Dave started the programme in 2017, he has led more than 20 training sessions and helped more than 10 members of staff progress to higher levels of authority within the business. His programme, which reflects his com- mitment to supporting equal opportuni- ties, also now forms the basis of SP Energy Networks' future upskilling and succession plan within the Wirral district, acting as the model for training staff. As well as this, even though he is a manager and it is not within his remit, Dave continually supports the team in the field. Through busy periods when engineers are at capacity, he will not hesitate to take on tasks and help to ease the burden on his team. Supernova Award for Long Service Mike Sutherland from Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) During Mike's 44 years with the company, he has continually shown himself to be dedicated and conscientious. His selfless attitude and devotion to customers and colleagues, especially young people and trainees, is well known and he is said to thoroughly deserve this recognition. Mike looks aer overhead line projects up to the value of approximately £1 million – managing contractors, SSEN employees and engaging with local communities, stakeholders and individual customers. His commitment is a shining example to the industry because he has always gone the extra mile to serve customers during his long career. Mike is particularly well known for checking on his most vulnerable custom- ers even aer the work has been completed – be it that they have recently suffered a loss, illness or just seem a little lonely. He rears chickens and will oen pop in when he is passing for a quick chat and to leave them a gi of some free-range eggs from his own hens. Special mention: Judges were extremely impressed with all the entrants in this category and gave a special mention to the Storm Troupers of UK Power Networks – those unsung heroes who collectively combine compassion and courage in all weathers to help power our homes, schools and businesses every day. The winners (Talent) The four talent awards were each sponsored by Talent Source Network and presented by Energy & Utility Skills chief operating officer Kate Davies.

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