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The North East’s brightest individuals and best companies from across the chemical and processing sector have been celebrated at the 15th Annual NEPIC Industry Awards. 

Eight of the region’s rising young stars were honoured at the event held live and online on Thursday 22^nd April. A further nine awards were received by exceptional companies, an eco-primary school and outstanding industry contributor.

Twenty-four thousand pounds was donated over the course of the event – with £16,000 heading straight to North East schools to develop STEM projects and establish ever closer links between industry and academia to ensure the sector can continue to grow and prosper through the next generation of local talent.

Apprentice of the Year Awards went to Sam Longstaff of Tekgem, Tyler McKeown of Sterling Pharma Solutions and Olivia Waugh of CPI for 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 Molly Bell of Suez, Amber Johnson of Sterling Pharma Solutions, Philip Probert, and Kin On Ho of CPI and Huntsman Polyurethane’s, Daniel Thompson.

CPI’s bright stars took away three awards at this year’s ceremony, and, at just 16 years of age, Apprentice of the Year, Olivia Waugh, become the youngest ever winner.

Following this achievement, Olivia said: ​

“My role at CPI has opened up so many opportunities and allowed me to build up industry experience from being 16. Since I started my apprenticeship, I have taken on multiple training opportunities and have learnt so much. I am incredibly proud to win this award and look forward to furthering my career here at CPI.”

Biotechnology Young Achiever, Philip Probert, added: ​

“My time at CPI has been characterised by supportive management and working with fantastic scientists on challenging and diverse projects, with this award reflecting what this has enabled me to achieve.”

And to complete the winning trio, Kin On Ho, this year’s Fine & Speciality Young Achiever said:

“I feel honoured to win this award. I am grateful for all the support that I have received from my work colleagues and for the varied and valuable opportunities that working at CPI has afforded to me. 

“CPI continues to provide me with an excellent work environment which enables me to develop my skills and experience and helps me to achieve my goals.”

Sunderland-based East Herrington Primary took away the school environmental prize and £2,000 to help them complete their vision for outdoor environmental learning areas and resources that will not only be available to the pupils but also seek to engage the local community post-COVID.

Rewarding and recognising the outstanding achievement and success during the most challenging of years, company awards were picked up by WSP (Corporate Environmental); PD Ports (Communities & Reputation); Quorn Marlow Foods (Apprenticeship Employer of the Year); Lynas Engineers (Small Business of the Year; Bilfinger (Engineering Firm of the Year); Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (Manufacturer of the Year) and Recovery4Life (Innovation).

Kirsten Donkin of Communities & Reputation Award winner, PD Ports, said:

“It is a huge honour to receive this prestigious award recognising our efforts to help those in most need across the Tees Valley.

“In these extraordinary times, a shared commitment to supporting communities is more important than ever and at PD Ports, we recognise our duty to engage with the local community to build a brighter and prosperous future for the next generation.

“The culture within our business is very much one of inclusivity and support, regardless of your role, and it is these such qualities that drive our commitment to the people and communities across the Tees Valley.”

Since the NEPIC Annual Industry awards started 15 years ago, a phenomenal total prize fund of £307,000 has been donated. Eighty-five North East schools have received £190,000 in support of STEM related projects, and the region’s young stars have received £111,000 between them. A further £6,000 has been donated in support of export mentoring.

The NEPIC awards, and the support to North East Primary Schools, is made possible thanks to the tremendous support of our sponsors who include BOC-Linde, Altrad, Centre for Process Innovation, ITS, Alpek Polyester UK, Mitsubishi Chemical UK, Doosan Babcock, Net Zero Teesside, Sterling Pharma Solutions and Tekgem UK Limited.

READ THE WINNERS STORIES HERE >> 

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