On the 4th of November, colleagues from across Churchill Group came together at The Steelyard in London for a special edition of the Shining Star Awards. This year’s event marked the awards programme’s fifth anniversary, bringing together finalists, winners, judges, sponsors, and colleagues from across the Group to celebrate the people who make our business special.
With more than 400 nominations received across ten categories, our first-ever dedicated judging day highlighted just how much talent, passion and commitment exists across the business. Every nomination told a story of dedication, innovation, teamwork, kindness and leadership, making the judges’ task tougher than ever.
This year’s theme, High five to our Shining Stars, celebrated the colleagues and teams who consistently go above and beyond, support those around them and help us reach new heights together.
The Trailblazer Award
The Trailblazer Award recognises colleagues who challenge expectations, embrace new opportunities and inspire others to explore what’s possible.
This year’s award was presented to Deepak Mal and Jim Howard, whose collaborative leadership, innovative thinking and commercial success helped drive growth across their business while creating opportunities for colleagues and customers alike.
Jim said:
“It feels amazing to get nominated for an award in the first place but to win, is just unbelievable. I feel so proud to be able to celebrate with my team and colleagues across the whole business, it is something I will never forget”
Also recognised as finalists were Dominic Follis, whose entrepreneurial mindset and commercial achievements delivered outstanding results, and Siobhan Lennox, whose fresh thinking and commitment to continuous improvement have helped drive positive change.
Everyday Hero Award
The Everyday Hero Award celebrates colleagues who quietly make an extraordinary difference through their dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
This year’s Overall Winner was Maria Roldan, recognised for her positivity, pride and dedication. Her willingness to support both colleagues and customers makes a difference every single day and perfectly embodies the spirit of an Everyday Hero.
Regional winners were:
- Jean-Claude Louis
- Maria Jaramillo Santafe
- Souare Sekou
- Steve Amey
- Andrzej Kras
- Emma Proctor
- Zoe Wake
- Harley Bae-Coats
- Aaron Harding
- Daniela Antoinette
- Donavan Marston
- Bladen Rowbottom
- Karina Kramtsaninova
Together, these colleagues demonstrated exactly what it means to put others first, showing courage, kindness and professionalism whenever it was needed most.
The Inspirer Award
The Inspirer Award recognises leaders who bring out the very best in the people around them through encouragement, support and vision.
This year’s winner was Mark Rowlett, whose commitment to developing others and creating opportunities for growth earned him recognition from both colleagues and judges alike.
Also shortlisted were Dan Smith, recognised for combining business success with a genuine focus on developing future talent, and Mike Hanahoe, whose people-focused leadership style continues to create opportunities for others to succeed.
To the Moon and Back Award
The To the Moon and Back Award celebrates exceptional customer service and recognises those who consistently go above and beyond for customers, clients and colleagues.
Taking home this year’s award was Dori Houston, whose professionalism, creativity and commitment to creating outstanding experiences made her a worthy winner.
Joining her as finalists were Alejandro Menez, recognised for building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service, and Lawrence Adjare, whose dedication and consistently high standards have made a lasting impression on colleagues and customers.
Talented Newbie Award
The Talented Newbie Award recognises colleagues who have made a remarkable impact during their first two years with the business.
This year’s award was won by Matthew Allen, who has quickly established himself as a trusted and valued colleague through his hard work, commitment and positive approach.
Fellow finalists Eliza Barclay and Oliver Jones were also recognised for the impressive contributions they have made early in their Churchill careers.
Stronger Together Award
The Stronger Together Award celebrates colleagues who create positive change through wellbeing, inclusion, sustainability and social value initiatives.
This year’s winner, Vilma Paolini, was recognised for bringing people together, championing positive change and creating meaningful impact for colleagues, customers and communities.
Vilma said:
“To be nominated is already a big achievement, but to receive an award made me feel incredibly proud to have been recognised. The category I was nominated for, truly represents my work ethic and favourite quote. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
The judges also recognised Saul Ashworth for his work creating opportunities and breaking down barriers to employment, alongside Jak Mason, whose commitment to mental health and wellbeing continues to make a difference across the business.
Star of Stars – Management and Support Functions
Our Star of Stars awards bring together the very best of our monthly winners.
This year’s Management and Support Functions award was won by Sarah Watson, Pauline Steele, Kevin Davis, Umar Nawab, Megan Whalley and Sharon Biss, from our Credit Control team, whose teamwork, resilience and commitment helped deliver outstanding results during a period of significant change.
Sarah said:
“Being nominated and shortlisted amongst so many talented colleagues across the business was a huge confidence boost in itself. To then go on and win the award was truly amazing and something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s a fantastic recognition of the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that goes into what we do every day, and I’m grateful to have been part of it.”
Also shortlisted were Rachel Harrison, recognised for her dedication and commitment to delivering major projects, and Sharon Taylor, whose people-first approach has helped support colleagues through change while maintaining high levels of engagement and trust.
Star of Stars – Frontline
The Star of Stars Frontline Award celebrates colleagues who have consistently demonstrated excellence throughout the year.
This year’s winner was Raj Gurung, recognised for his exceptional service, professionalism and unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding customer experiences.
Joining him as finalists were Anna Kowalska, whose professionalism and calm approach earned praise from customers and colleagues, and Sean Young, recognised for his dedication, commitment and consistently high standards.
Dream Team Award
The Dream Team Award celebrates teams that demonstrate the power of collaboration, trust and shared ambition.
This year’s award was won by the Chequers Brighton & Hove Cleaning and Decluttering Team. Working with some of the most vulnerable members of the community, the team consistently goes far beyond what many would consider a traditional cleaning role. Through compassion, patience and professionalism, they not only transform homes but help restore dignity, confidence and independence to those they support. Their impact extends far beyond cleaning and has changed lives across the communities they serve.
Also recognised as finalists were the On Verve M&G DayMakers, praised for their exceptional workplace experiences, innovation and collaboration during a period of significant change, and the Transport Southeastern Team, whose accountability, resilience and continuous improvement transformed one of Churchill’s most demanding contracts.
Exceptional Achievement Award
The Exceptional Achievement Award recognises extraordinary acts that go beyond expectations and demonstrate exceptional courage, compassion or commitment.
This year’s recipient was Theresa Morgan, whose actions stood apart and demonstrated the very highest standards of professionalism, selflessness and care.
Celebrating five years of Shining Stars
This year’s awards were a reminder of what makes Churchill Group special. Behind every contract, project, innovation and success story are colleagues who care about what they do and the people around them.
As we celebrate five years of the Shining Star Awards, we’d like to congratulate every nominee, finalist and winner. Whether recognised for leadership, innovation, service, teamwork or making a difference within the community, every nomination represents a story worth celebrating.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a colleague, every judge who helped select our finalists and winners, and all those who continue to make Churchill Group such a fantastic place to work.
Congratulations once again to all our winners and finalists. Here’s to another year of supporting one another, celebrating success and continuing to shine brightly together.