Finance and IT companies join global healthcare giant in setting the standard for People in Business Awards

 

GLOBAL HEALTHCAR giant Reckitt gave a glimpse of its efforts behind the scenes which protected staff and customers during the pandemic and led to double success in a business awards scheme.

Another double winner, Synergi Finance, highlighted the innovative approach which brought success in the People in Business Awards (PIBA) as well as in the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) awards.

And IT and software solutions company HBP Systems confirmed it will sponsor the PIBA again this year after marking its 30^th anniversary in 2021 by gaining success as a winner and a sponsor.

Nominations for the 2022 Hull & East Yorkshire People in Business Awards will close on Monday 16 May and the panel of independent judges will then select the finalists for the presentation night on Friday 1 July at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Hull.

Elly Taylor of PIBA said: “We received fantastic feedback after last year’s awards and it’s clear people are very excited at the prospect of all being in the same room this year to celebrate the achievements of their friends and colleagues.

“That enthusiasm has generated a lot of entries already and we’re expecting a rush of applications as the deadline approaches. There are 16 categories altogether, the nomination process is very straightforward and there are opportunities for all, from those already at the top of their organisations to the younger staff who are eager to make their mark.”

Reckitt won the Judges Recognition category at the 2021 awards and Bethany Barwell was named Apprentice of the Year.

Sam Mason, Senior HR Business Partner said: “Our Hull site is critical to the supply of our healthcare products globally, including Dettol, which we saw peak in demand during the pandemic and that meant we continued to operate 24/7.

“We were very diligent around our COVID-safe measures to protect staff. As well as providing masks, sanitiser and distancing onsite, we enabled people who didn’t need to be on site to work from home to reduce numbers. We didn’t furlough anybody and if people were shielding we paid them full wages.

“To recognise the dedication and efforts of people working on site we provided free catering and free vending so they didn’t have to worry about food and drink.

“We also gave a bonus to the factory operators who worked throughout the pandemic as a gesture to say thank you, and provided hygiene packs comprising Dettol handwipes and sanitiser.

“We’re incredibly proud of hard work and effort from people at our Hull site during the pandemic, and that was the big reason we wanted to enter the awards. It would be great to see more people get involved this year.”

Bethany joined the company through its Higher Apprenticeship scheme in 2016 and has now progressed to the role of Medical Science Associate.

She said: “It shows how much Reckitt is investing in local talent. They are really passionate about that and providing opportunities for higher education and learning on the job, all the things the apprenticeship gives to us.

“At the time of the awards I was at the end of my apprenticeship. It was lovely to be recognised amongst the group of very talented apprentices that we have. It’s a massive confidence boost for someone. I watched the awards at home with my family and that was nice because they might not have been able to go to a face-to-face event.”

Rob Partridge, Managing Director of Synergi Finance, was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2021 awards and his colleague Chantelle Chambers, won the Rising Star category.

Jack Copeland, the company’s Marketing Executive, said: “We were shortlisted for four awards and we came home with two and we also won some of the NACFB awards so it was a successful year and we were very pleased.

“We deal in direct business finance for companies acquiring new equipment or properties to spread the cost or improve their cash flow, and we pride ourselves on taking a lead in our sector – we particularly liked the entrepreneur award because we take an entrepreneurial, cutting edge approach.

“A few new customers and some old customers have come back and said they were looking for finance and they saw something about the awards so we have had a bit of return on our investment.”

Joanne Dixon, Managing Director of HBP Systems, said: “The recognition for my award in the innovator category was a proud moment. Everyone at HBP Systems worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and we continue to celebrate our employees and put them at the forefront of our business development.

“As Managing Director I’ve spent my time making sure we invest in the best people and nurture their talent and that’s reflected in our sponsorship of the First Class Service award this year – it’s the perfect way to acknowledge those hardworking individuals in businesses across the region and it’s something we pride ourselves on.

“It also supports our work providing IT solutions and business software to businesses across the Humber region and throughout the UK, who will all benefit from our investment in brand new office space in Hessle.”

Entertainment at the awards night will be provided by top party band SoniQ Empires, who were previously known as the Tzars. Well-known broadcaster and businesswoman Lucy Clark will be the compere for the evening.

To nominate people for the awards and to book tables and tickets for the presentation night please visit www.pibawards.com