Utility Week - authoritative, impartial and essential reading for senior people within utilities, regulators and government
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/514326
UTILITY WEEK | 22ND - 28TH MAY 2015 | 27 Community Event Apprentice of the Year Ben Cross is described as one of "the most exceptional" apprentices SGN has had since its scheme was put in place in 2008. His nomination describes him as "a joy to be around" and he was winner of the compa- ny's internal Apprentice of the Year award in 2014. UK Power Networks overhead lines- man Jack Matthews excelled in design and technology at school and was chosen from hundreds of applicants for a place on the company's Foundation Apprenticeship scheme. Kevin Bilverstone, lead instructor overhead lines, Risby Training Centre, says: "From day one Jack has always shown a very good attitude and willingness to learn. His standard of work on courses is first class and he very rarely makes a mistake." The Above and Beyond Award – Individual Gary Duffus is a repair team leader at SGN's London Depot. His nomination praises his all-weather, all year round dedication and says he "leads from the front in attitude, endeavour and loyalty". Lisa Butcher is customer liaison officer for several major schemes being undertaken by the H5O Alliance on behalf of South West Water. Overcoming challenges to reduce cus- tomer disruption, Lisa's sensitive and dedi- cated approach to stakeholder engagement has won accolades from local communities. Gareth Davies is a project co-ordinator at the SP Energy Networks Wrexham office. In December 2014, Gareth discovered a vulner- able elderly woman who had been living in very difficult conditions and without electric- ity or water supply for two years. His tireless work to restore power and water to her house and ensure she is cared for by social services is testament to the "generosity of spirit" and good humour which inspire his team to put customers at the forefront of all they do. The bright and helpful character of Morri- son Utility Services' Scott Finlay has won the hearts of customers on project sites. One res- ident commented: "They moved the bus stop due to its efforts to reduce the impact of road disruption and care for valued local heritage, the project team is now held up as an exem- plar of South West Water's "be a good neigh- bour" engagement tenet. Levern Energy Services' Overhead Lines Team. In January this year the team helped SSE restore power to hundreds of thousands of customers during extreme weather. Less than eight hours aer SSE's request for assis- tance was received, more than 150 linesmen from the northwest and southwest of Eng- land were mobilised in Scotland. The team worked day and night in sub-zero tempera- tures and gale force winds for more than ten days, far from their homes and families. They helped SSE restore power to 120,000 custom- ers as soon as possible, an effort which won praise from the Scottish government. Northern Powergrid's Mutual Aid Team. Another power restoration success story, the Mutual Aid team also did a fantastic job supporting industry colleges in the north of Scotland in their effort to reconnect power to 120,000 customers this year. The team was directly responsible for restoring power to many locations, including Tarbat Ness Light- house on the remote east coast of Scotland. Openreach BT BDUK Staffordshire. This team has pioneered a collaborative working approach to proactively manage the activi- ties on the network and reduce wastage. Its achievements will pave the way for new ways of thinking about long-term challenges and multi-stakeholder requirements. The Hero Award The Npower Hope Team. Outside of their daily jobs, members of this team raise money and awareness for local and national chari- ties. Despite demanding daily jobs as call centre managers and engineers, they give up their own time to help those most in need. Northumbrian WaterAid Committee. This group of 35 employees is drawn from all lev- els at Northumbrian Water. The team has poured its heart and soul into supporting WaterAid, says the entry, its members "exude passion" for the cause and seek every oppor- Star struck Utility Week's Stars Awards 2015 take place on 12 June in Manchester. Here we present the shortlist of outstanding achievers and dedicated professionals receiving recognition. and made a temporary one further up the road, which some people found hard to get to as there are a lot of elderly people on the estate. Scott went out his way to pick those elderly people up and personally drop them at the new temporary bus stop so they could catch a bus". (Scott has also been shortlisted for the Customer Service Award) The Above and Beyond Award – Team South West Water Delivery Team H5O, Ivy- bridge Bathing Waters scheme: This project saw a 1,500m 3 storm storage tank installed at Ivybridge sewage treatment works. Starting consultation earlier than required and mak- ing goodwill gestures to appease community concerns and improve local facilities, the team turned what could have been a difficult customer relations project into a success. The hard work also had wider benefits thanks to the team's engagement with local schools, educating children about the water sector. South West Water Delivery Team H5O, Hobleton Bathing Waters scheme. Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this project was challenging from the outset. But, Jack Matthews, Apprentice of the Year nominee