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It was Thanks! all round when international corporate travel services provider Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) held a glittering event at the Elcot Park Hotel near Newbury on Friday, 30 May 2008, to honour its outstanding employees.
Business Travel Consultant, Nick Ward, who works for HRG UK in Manchester, was crowned ‘Employee of the Year’ during the annual employee recognition awards (Thanks!) prize-giving ceremony.
Nick was recognised and honoured by his peers and the HRG senior management team for a booking process he developed in his spare time for the a large retail account which has meant that Nick and his colleagues save over 13 hours booking time per month. His new script process has been so successful that it is also being used by a number of other clients.
Nick was rewarded for his efforts with two return Club World airline tickets to a destination of his choice, seven days’ hotel accommodation, a week’s car hire, £700 spending money and a Fortnum & Mason hamper.
“I was surprised when my name was announced,” said Nick. “I couldn’t believe that I had won such a fantastic prize. I’m really proud of the booking script as it has helped so many of my colleagues … I played around with a few ideas in my spare time and eventually came up with a script which took the whole process from ten to three minutes per booking.”
He continued: “Thanks! is a fantastic scheme and I’m so pleased that my colleagues, and Company appreciated my commitment. I’m hoping to plan a trip to South America, maybe Argentina or Brazil, later in the year!”
Although Nick was the star of the night, Section Manager Emma Chichester from Hemel Hempstead and Cheltenham-based Outplant Manager Lisa Shilton were also praised at the event.
Runner up Emma, was recognised for constantly going the extra mile offering a level of service which was described by the client as ‘priceless’. She was also mentioned as the reason the business was retained when it was out to tender and, on the back of this, the opportunity to sign new business in Australia, Brazil and Hong Kong arose. Emma received a Business Class trip for two to the Far East or Australia plus five days’ hotel accommodation, car hire and spending money.
Accepting two tickets for anywhere in the world as well as three days’ accommodation, car hire and spending money, third place Lisa was nominated for coping during a particularly challenging time during the floods of 2007 in Gloucestershire. The HRG offices were flooded, there was no water or power, travelling to and from the office was difficult and the client still needed to travel! This was all while Lisa’s home was itself below three foot of water and she was living in a caravan.
Commenting on the award-winners, David Radcliffe, Chief Executive of HRG, said: “There is no doubt that Nick, Emma and Lisa are all very worthy winners. They have shown the spirit of HRG – delivering value and going that extra mile to provide service excellence for their customers, both internal and external. I’d like to offer my personal congratulations and thanks to all of them for their commitment to HRG and hope their prizes will help them enjoy a well earned break.”
Nick Ward receiving his Thanks! award from HRG CEO, David Radcliffe
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For further information:
Dionne Parker
Hogg Robinson Group
Tel: +44 (0) 1256 312624
Email: dionne.parker@hrgworldwide.com
Leah Phelps / James Gilheany
Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster
Tel: +44 (0) 207 467 9200
Email: blhrg@bisslancaster.com
Notes to Editors:
Thanks! - the HRG employee recognition scheme - is run by employees for employees and recognises those who have ‘gone the extra mile’ for clients, the company or in support of their colleagues. The scheme is part of HRG’s commitment to motivating and retaining the best talent and to being a ‘Company of Choice’ with a waiting list of people to join. Each nominee receives a small gift and letter of thanks from their Director, those chosen as ‘Employees of the Month’ then receive a personal letter from CEO, David Radcliffe, an invitation to the annual celebratory event and can choose a gift from a specially commissioned Fortnum & Mason catalogue.
Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) is the award-winning international corporate travel services company. Founded in 1845, HRG has over 60 years specific corporate travel expertise. Its corporate services interests include owned or controlled corporate travel operations in 25 of the key driver and growth markets throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Supported by contracted partners, the HRG worldwide network extends to over 100 countries.
Totally committed to a value offering for clients, HRG offers a comprehensive range of corporate services which includes Corporate Travel Management, Consulting, Expense Management, Events & Meetings Management, and Sports.