The Mitie Stars programme which recognises colleagues who go above and beyond to demonstrate Mitie values recently saw celebration of those who have delivered the exceptional, the ‘brightest stars’, at the Mitie Star Awards 2023.
The finalists and their nominators came together at the Shard for a special celebration – an opportunity to reflect on their impressive achievements alongside Phil Bentley, Chief Executive, Jennifer Duvalier, Non-Executive Director, and the Mitie Stars team. A celebration wouldn’t be complete without a meal, so the group then enjoyed a delicious lunch, taking in the view, as well as a moment to really celebrate themselves!
In third place, there were Hayden Paffett, Kelly Lofthouse and Nathan Manley, Inland Border Facilities team, Business Services. The team were nominated after they impressively handled a medical emergency on the site with a colleague showing signs of a stroke. The group provided lifesaving first aid treatment, and after learning the ambulance wait was three to four hours, took the decision to take the colleagues to the hospital themselves.
The group’s prompt intervention and professional handling of the emergency played a critical role in preventing a potential stroke resulting from extremely high blood pressure.
In second place, John Bowman, Janitor, Communities, who alongside his manager Alison joined the celebrations virtually from Scotland. John has been at Mitie for over 25 years and was recognised for his efforts after a bomb alert was raised in the local community. Upon receiving an alert, John transformed one of the East Ayrshire PFI sites into a refuge centre for evacuees.
Taking charge of the situation, he liaised with the Local Authority and emergency services, ensuring the facility was fully prepared to accommodate the families evacuated from the site of the bomb threat. Showing exceptional dedication, John kept the facility open until 4am on 23 December. His astute thinking and prompt action earned him this well-deserved praise!
In first place, the Mitie British Embassy team based in Warsaw, Poland, were recognised for their incredible work during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With the Embassy being based just 500 miles from the Ukraine border, it was a focal point for Ukrainians trying to flee the conflict.
The Mitie team managed the relocation of the Kyiv British Embassy to Warsaw, doubling the building’s occupancy. They also sourced and managed staff residential properties, navigated the challenges of strict security criteria, and met the dire need for housing amidst a surge in demand.
The front of house team also handled a continuous stream of calls from families trying to rescue their loved ones, often dealing with highly emotional and distressed individuals. Furthermore, the wider team organised the collection of food and various donations distribution to Ukrainian refugees. Despite all these challenges, the Mitie team maintained a high standard of service throughout the tumultuous times.
Phil Bentley, Chief Executive, awarded this year’s winners with their fantastic prizes.
(Source: Mitie)
