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Friday 18 January 2019 – Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield. The North East’s brightest individuals and best companies from across the chemical and processing sector were celebrated at the 13th Annual NEPIC Industry Awards.

Nine of the region’s rising young stars were honoured at the event that welcomed 430 industry guests. A further nine awards were received by exceptional companies, an eco-primary school and outstanding contributor.

Twenty-seven thousand pounds was donated over the course of the evening – with £18,000 heading straight to North East schools to support STEM activities and important industry-academia links.

Apprentice of the Year Awards went to James Reid of GSK; Joseph Peacock of Venator, Jordan Larkin of Atkins and Hannah Kay of The Junction Foundation for their outstanding academic ability, early career progression, inspirational journeys and promotion of industry to the next generation.

Young Achievers from across the region’s industry sectors were also awarded for their exceptional early career achievements. This year’s winners included Ali Usman of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Emily Anderson of Chemoxy International, Alice Haworth of GSK, Rachel Gregory of Venator, and representing the supply chain category, Chris Moodie of px Group.

The success continued for Billingham-based FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. Helen Bickley, Vice President of Quality, was crowned this year’s Outstanding Contribution winner, and the site also scooped the 2019 Manufacturer of the Year award.

South Bank Community Primary took away the school environmental prize and £2,000 to help them embark on their eco-mission to minimise waste within the school and local community.

Company awards were also picked up by Sirius Minerals (Corporate Environmental); SABIC UK Petrochemicals (Communities & Reputation); Reprotec Group (Small Business of the Year); Axiom Engineering Associates (Engineering Firm of the Year); Sterling Pharma Solutions (Apprentice Employer of the Year) and GSK (Innovation).

Since the NEPIC Annual Industry awards started 13 years ago, a phenomenal total prize fund of £257,000 has been donated. Sixty-nine local schools have received £156,000 in support of STEM related projects, and the region’s young stars have received £95,000 between them. A further £6,000 has been donated in support of export mentoring.

The awards evening is made possible thanks to the tremendous support of event and award sponsors who include ABB, BOC-Linde, Altrad, Centre for Process Innovation, ITS, Lotte Chemical UK, Lucite International, Doosan Babcock, Worley Parsons, px group, Sembcorp UK, TTE, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies and SABIC UK Petrochemicals.

<<View official photo gallery>>

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2019 ANNUAL NEPIC INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS & BENEFICIARY SCHOOLS

Apprentices of the Year, sponsored by Lotte Chemical UK

James Reid, GSK (Current Apprentice, Manufacturing)
Joseph Peacock, Venator (Completed Apprentice, Manufacturing)
Jordan Larkin, Atkins (Service & Supply Chain Apprentice)
Hannah Kay, The Junction Foundation (Special Recognition Award)

Young Achievers 2019, sponsored by Altrad

Ali Usman, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (Biotechnology)
Emily Anderson, Chemoxy International (Base Chemicals)
Alice Haworth, GSK (Pharmaceuticals)
Rachel Gregory, Venator (Fine & Speciality)
Chris Moody, px Group (Supply Chain)

School Environmental Award, sponsored by Linde-BOC

WINNER: South Bank Community Primary School, Middlesbrough

Corporate Environmental Award, sponsored by Linde-BOC

WINNER: Sirius Minerals
Beneficiary School: Freeborough Academy, Brotton

Apprentice Employer of the Year, sponsored by px Group

WINNER: Sterling Pharma Solutions
Beneficiary School: North Tyneside Learning Trust

Communities & Reputation, sponsored by FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies

WINNER: SABIC UK Petrochemicals
Beneficiary School: Children Challenging Industry

Small Business of the Year, sponsored by SABIC UK Petrochemicals

WINNER: Reprotec Group
Beneficiary School: Durham Johnston School

Engineering Firm of the Year, sponsored by TTE

WINNER: Axiom Engineering Associates
Beneficiary School: Ian Ramsey CE Academy

Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by Doosan Babcock

WINNER: FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
Beneficiary School: Billingham South Community Primary School

Innovation, sponsored by CPI

WINNER: GSK
Beneficiary Programme: Teesdale School

Outstanding Contribution, sponsored by Sembcorp UK

WINNER: Helen Bickley, Vice President of Quality, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
Beneficiary Programme: Egglescliffe School

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About NEPIC

NEPIC is an award-winning membership organisation working with the chemical-using industries in the North East of England. Privately-owned and led by industry, we work to support our member companies to become successful and sustainable organisations in a collaborative business environment that helps them to grow.

For more information visit www.nepic.co.uk or contact Louise Gwynne-Jones, PR & Communications Manager, via louise.gwynne-jones@nepic.co.uk or call 01642 442 569 / 07808 029 967.