On the 6th of November, we celebrated our annual Shining Stars Awards at the iconic MK-7, The Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes. It was an evening dedicated to recognising the remarkable contributions of colleagues across all our specialist businesses. From frontline heroes to inspiring leaders, every individual celebrated embodies the spirit of teamwork, innovation, and commitment that drives Churchill Group forward.
This year’s theme highlighted a simple truth: our people are our champions. Just as a racing team thrives on precision, skill, and collaboration, so too does Churchill Group. Every role matters, and every colleague makes a difference.
The Trailblazer Award
The Trailblazer Award celebrates those who embrace challenges, spark new ideas, and push boundaries. These colleagues are entrepreneurial, innovative, and fearless in exploring new opportunities, inspiring everyone around them with their energy and commitment.
This year, the award went to Sarah McLeod (Portfolio, London). Sarah led the successful implementation of Symantiq across multiple contracts, delivered new business wins, retained clients, and championed environmental and social initiatives. Her influence extends beyond her immediate role, supporting colleagues across the wider group and embodying transformative leadership.
Finalists included Mike Hanahoe (Churchill), who spearheaded our largest-ever contract retention and delivered multiple new business wins while fostering a team-oriented culture, and Naomi Childe (Chequers), whose commercial acumen and innovative thinking set new benchmarks in client negotiations and team support. Naomi reflected: “This nomination truly means so much to me. Being nominated as a finalist is incredibly special because, in the three years I’ve been with Chequers, I’ve seen such an amazing transformation and enormous growth.”
Everyday Hero Award
The Everyday Hero Award recognises colleagues who quietly make a difference, stepping up when needed, supporting others, and consistently living our values.
This year’s award was presented to Norma Liliana Delgado Astudillo (Chequers). After eighteen years of service, Norma continues to lead with energy, compassion, and discipline, inspiring those around her.
Highly commended: Fay Dickson (Amulet), for creating a neighbourhood watch-style intelligence network that enhanced safety and collaboration.
Other finalists included Joanna Baranowska, Neil Hawthorne, Emily Snowdon, Amie-Rose Hartley, Diego Barrera, Siobene Chambers, and Sheila Downes.
Dream Team Award
The Dream Team Award recognises teams that achieve excellence together, where collaboration, innovation, and service culture thrive.
The 2025 award was won by the GTR Team (Transport), who retained our largest-ever contract, exceeding performance targets while demonstrating resilience, professionalism, and seamless teamwork.
Graeme Jones, National Transport Director, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of our GTR team winning the Dream Team award at this year’s Shining Star Awards. This recognition is a true reflection of their teamwork, commitment and the pride they take in delivering exceptional service every single day.”
Other finalists included the Red Bull Racing Team, delivering precision and operational excellence; the K&E Team, navigating the complex transition from The Gherkin to 40 Leadenhall with pride and professionalism; and the University of Suffolk Team, who secured a seven-year contract extension and strengthened community partnerships.
Inspirer Award
The Inspirer Award recognises leaders who set a vision, inspire their teams, and lead with care and courage. It celebrates colleagues whose guidance, motivation, and mentorship leave a lasting impact.
This year, Leroy Daley (Amulet) took the award. Leroy’s transformational leadership rejuvenated his team, empowering individuals, supporting succession planning, and fostering high morale and wellbeing.
Finalists included John Young (Amulet) who mentors colleagues and raises professional standards across regions, and Gabbie Lapompe (On Verve), recognised for her inclusive, proactive leadership and dedication to team wellbeing.
To The Moon & Back Award
This award celebrates service excellence, recognising colleagues or teams who consistently go above and beyond for customers, showing initiative, warmth, and a service-led mindset.
The award went to the PHC Ladies Team, who tackle one of the toughest operational roles in deep-cleaning trains, ensuring safety, hygiene, and an exceptional passenger experience every day.
Other finalists included Anthony Evans, Thomas Bell & Owen Stevenson, a security team whose quick actions and CPR saved a life, and Sophie Clark, recognised for her proactive customer service and mentoring.
Talented Newbie Award
The Talented Newbie Award celebrates colleagues who have joined one of our specialist businesses in the past two years and are already making a significant impact.
Ausra Baltrusaityte (Transport) won this year’s award for leading a complex contract mobilisation while embedding culture and processes, demonstrating leadership, precision, and a growth mindset from day one.
Finalists were Megan Whalley, recognised for her contributions in credit control and boosting team morale, and Charlotte Macdonald, who helped turn social impact initiatives into tangible engagement and results.
Impact Employee Award
This award recognises colleagues who champion sustainability, social responsibility, and wellbeing, making a positive difference beyond their immediate role.
Deb Smith (Transport) won this year, for her work as a mental health first aider, menopause awareness leader, and facilitator of ESG initiatives, mentoring and creating opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. She said:
“I feel very honoured to have won The Impact Award. Social value recruitment and the wellbeing of my team is extremely important to me, and I’m very proud to be part of an amazing team on the Nexus Contract.”
Finalists included Eric Davies, who drives community projects and fundraising while promoting inclusion, and Johnny Linney, whose leadership inspires sustainable practices in energy, waste, and procurement.
Star of Stars Awards
The Star of Stars Awards recognise colleagues who have stood out monthly for their dedication and impact. There were two categories, frontline and management and support.
Our frontline winner was Karla Collins (Churchill) for her bravery and swift intervention to prevent harm to a colleague in distress. Finalists included Peter Mitchell, who administered life-saving CPR, and Mohamed Elnaggar, recognised for resilience and dedication in his first month.
Our management and support winner was Andrew Johnson (Churchill Environmental), celebrated for his life-saving actions and consistent empathy, patience, and leadership. Finalists included Precious Nnebedum, who prevented a pickpocketing incident, and Connor Burgess, recognised for supporting colleagues with kindness and guidance.
Exceptional Achievement Award
The Exceptional Achievement Award honours extraordinary acts that go beyond normal expectations. George Thynne (Transport) received the award for safely caring for two young children who boarded a train without their mother, ensuring their safety until reunion.
The Shining Stars 2025 Awards were a powerful reminder of what makes team Churchill Group extraordinary. From frontline heroes to visionary leaders, every colleague plays a part in driving our success. On the night, we celebrated not just results, but the spirit, dedication, and teamwork that bring those results to life.
Congratulations to all winners and finalists. Your innovation, courage, and commitment inspire us all. And to every member of team Churchill, remember whether you’re supporting, leading, or delivering on the frontline, your contributions matter. Together, we achieve more, and together, we continue to set the standard for excellence.
Here’s to another year of going above and beyond, supporting each other, and celebrating the champions among us.