Highlights from the 2007 Chemical Industry Awards
Chemical businesses and individuals celebrated excellence at the Chemical Industry Awards Ceremony held at the National Railway Museum in York on 5 July 2007. The awards, hosted by the Chemical Industries Association (CIA), are the premier accolades for the UK Chemical Industry.
Steve Elliott, Chief Executive of the CIA, paid tribute to the members of the chemical industry and its key partners, "This year's quality of entries reflects the outstanding contribution made by the chemical industry to a better quality of life for us all. The CIA awards are about recognising that excellence. This offers tremendous encouragement and visibility to an industry which is largely unsung, all of the entrants should be proud of their success."
Company of the Year Award
Ian Godwin, Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at Johnson Matthey (middle) receiving the Company of the Year Award from Nigel Hurst, Managing Director of Haden Freeman (left) and Steve Elliott, CEO of the CIA (right).
Johnson Matthey won the Company of the Year Award, sponsored by Haden Freeman. They were selected for their leading global and UK position in their chosen businesses, their financial and technological strength and their record of sustained growth.
The judges believe that Johnson Matthey demonstrated both inside and outside the chemical industry that they are the company others aspire to follow. Across the board in manufacturing, product stewardship, human resources and sustainable development they have demonstrated excellence in performance and prospects for the future.
Contribution to the Chemical Industry
The Chief Executive’s Award for Contribution to the Chemical Industry went to Dr Brian Murphy, Managing Director of Robinson Brothers in the West Midlands. Brian has devoted huge amounts of time and expertise to initiatives designed to improve the collective fortunes of this industry and, ultimately, society. He has been Chairman of SOCSA (the Specialised Organics Chemicals Sector Association), a member of the Chemistry Leadership Council and a long-standing member of the CIA Council. He is also currently a member of our industry's Innovation Strategy Board and chairs the European industry's Fine Chemicals Group. A constant theme running through all these representations has been a determination to not only best represent the interests of small chemical companies but to do so in a constructive way that benefits all consumers.
Young Ambassador Award
Jennifer Clark, a Health, Safety and Environment Specialist at the Peboc Division of Eastman Company (UK) Ltd in Anglesey, North Wales, has won the Young Ambassador Award, sponsored by BASF.
The judges though that Jennifer has great qualities and has shown that she can analyse complex issues, provide imaginative solutions and explain them in a way that helps all of us.
Jennifer also takes the leadership role in the Chemical Industry Future Forum, which is a body for people who are at the early stages of their careers and work in chemical businesses across the UK.
Skills Award
The Skills Award, sponsored by Shell Chemicals went to Warwick International in Mostyn for their innovative and structured approach to skills development that is cascaded from the company leadership. Learning and development are embedded throughout the organisation. It is a fantastic example to the industry of how skills enhancement and workforce motivation can benefit business performance.
Responsible Care Award
The Responsible Care Award, sponsored by Ineos, went to GSK Montrose. Responsible Care is the chemical industry's commitment to continual improvement in all aspects of health, safety and environmental performance and to openness in communication about its activities and its achievements. Adherence to the principles and objectives of Responsible Care is a condition of CIA membership.
The judges were impressed by how GSK at Montrose had positioned itself to meet the challenges of rapid expansion. Responsible Care principles were strongly maintained through the upturn in business levels and a comprehensive leadership model ensures inclusion and commitment of staff at all levels.
Product Stewardship Award
This award, sponsored by Johnson Matthey, went to Hydro Polymers in Newton Aycliffe. It recognised their use of the sustainability challenges of their portfolio to proactively manage their product stewardship: and how the company works, and communicates, across its supply chain to raise awareness and to develop enhanced partnerships for the long-term benefit of the business.
Manufacturing Award
The Manufacturing Award, sponsored by ABB Engineering Services, went to the Syngenta in Huddersfield. Syngenta impressed the judges with their Effective Engineering Programme, which was developed to reduce overhead costs and at the same time drive for world-class performance. The programme also achieved a fourfold improvement in safety performance.
Innovation Award
The Innovation Award, sponsored by Innospec, went to Dow Chemical Company in West Drayton for the development, marketing and business impact of the polystyrene-based ROOFMATETM MinK. This revolutionary insulating product for flat roofs reduces heat loss from buildings by limiting the cooling effect of rainwater evaporating from flat roofs. It is an excellent example of how the chemical industry is playing its part to help society reduce its carbon footprint.
Energy Award
AstraZeneca won the Energy Award, sponsored by British Energy. The judges found that AstraZeneca’s entry demonstrated an excellent holistic approach to energy management, engendering a culture of energy efficiency and environmental awareness.
Building Trust and Reputation Award
North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) based in Wilton won the Building Trust and Reputation Award, sponsored by Dow Chemical. Their work embraces a wide range of activities supporting commodity and speciality chemical producers in the North East and their customers; adding value with well thought-through and compelling examples of communication best practice.
