Utility Week

26 | 1ST - 7TH JULY 2016 | UTILITY WEEK Utility Week Stars Awards Manchester, 17 June 2016 Community We are all made of Stars At the Utility Week Stars Awards, frontline staff were centre stage, says Mathew Beech. O n Friday 17 June, Util- ity Week hosted its third annual Stars Awards in Manchester, celebrating the unstinting contribu- tions of teams and individuals working in utility companies to increasing efficiency, caring for customers and putting safety first. There was a triumphant and celebratory atmosphere at the Deansgate Hilton – a new venue this year for the awards – as high-spirited delegates and shortlisted candidates from across the electricity distribu- tion and supply sectors, and the water sector, shared their stories of selflessness and heroism. When the lights go out, gas stops flowing, or water is no longer running, it may be the people at the top who do the talking, but it's those on the front line who are out in the field or scurrying around the back office dealing with complaints, fixing problems and quietly lim- iting the damage. It's the same people who uphold the world- renowned reliability of the UK's utilities infrastructure. This year's awards had a greater focus on individuals and people, with Energy and Util- ity Skills chief executive Nick Ellins highlighting the impor- tance of the utility companies' employees and their vital skills. He encouraged everyone at the awards to speak to someone new, to share their stories, and to build bridges between the different companies. This message was picked up by the event's host, comedian Funmbi Omotayo. He told del- egates to mingle and "speak to someone they've never met before". The John Bishop Show and Play to the Whistle star then entertained the audience with a short stand-up routine, but appreciated the work done by the utilities and their staff, say- ing "without you, we'd all be in the cold and dark". All our shortlisted candidates were worthy, but our judging panel had to pick the few who shone brightest. We hope the winners and nominees enjoyed their time in the spotlight. It was a moment to thank all those in the water and energy industries who work day and night to make a difference to people's lives. Utility Week sends heartfelt con- gratulations to all who took part. "We have incredibly talented and dedicated people working across our industry and we welcome the opportunity to take the time to recognise and congratulate them for what they do, often unseen by many. They are a crucial part of a sector that is committed to serving its customers, the economy, the envi- ronment and society all at the same time." Nick Ellins, chief executive, Energy and Utility Skills "It was an honour to be invited to take part in the Utility Week Stars Awards as a judge this year. The sheer volume of high-quality entrants is testament in itself to the skills and dedication of the teams working within our sector up and down the country. The winners that emerged were worthy winners in their own rights, but even more so given the qual- ity of candidates they had to compete with. The Awards appear to be going from strength to strength and I am sure that next year will be even stronger (and harder to judge!)." Jim Marshall, policy and business adviser, Water UK "I was delighted to again be involved in the judging, which gives us an insight into the working lives of some of the amazing people who work in the utilities sector. The catego- ries have been refined over the three years and I think the number of entries this year in all categories suggests we are covering the right areas. We had to make some very tough decisions – indeed in some there were joint winners – so everyone who was shortlisted should be celebrating their success." Lynn Cooper, chief executive, Institute of Water What the judges said Special thanks to our judges: Lynn Cooper, chief executive, Institute of Water Nick Ellins, chief executive, Energy and Utility Skills Bob Gallienne, chief executive, NJUG Jim Marshall, policy and business adviser, Water UK Lawrence Slade, chief executive, Energy UK David Smith, chief executive, ENA

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