On Tuesday 25 July winners of the inaugural Steve Rawlings Apprentice of the Year Award enjoyed a celebratory lunch at Painters’ Hall, the historical home of the Guild of Painter-Stainers who have been based on the same site in the City since the thirteenth century!

Accompanied by their line managers, and enjoying the company of Miren Rawlings, Executive Chairman Bob Holt, Group Responsible Business Lead Alex Spragg and PA to the Board Lesley Dobinson, the group enjoyed a three course fine dining experience and were presented with their awards and certificates in the grand main hall.

Bob welcomed everyone to the first Group-wide awards of its kind, and reminded the winners that their awards had been down to their many appreciative colleagues, as well as their line managers, who all gave accounts describing their many qualities and their contributions to the business. 

Miren paid tribute to her late husband and Lakehouse's (the name of the Group before it changed its name to Sureserve Group) founder, Steve Rawlings, after whom the awards are named, and spoke of how his brilliant career and the success of the Group itself all began with his apprenticeship as a roofer. Steve’s passion for giving people opportunities was a theme throughout his career, and resulted in the creation of Building Lives, which gave young people a chance to access careers in construction.

Miren said that she was “struck with how very proud Steve would have been, and reading the nominations the following terms leapt out – commitment, gave more than expected, conscientious, excellent, punctual, keen to learn, determination, professionalism, and passion. Steve attributed his success to a strong work ethic, a client focused attitude, and above all a love of people, and it’s clear to me you all have that”.

So congratulations again to Tom Williamson (Central Services), Courtney-Jean Heath (Construction), Lilly Bosworth (Property Services), Kyle Paton (Energy Services), Jack Dykes (Compliance) and Emma Stones (Foster) for being the best of an incredible bunch of young people across the Group. We look forward to seeing you in the running again next year!