EW Awards winners honoured at gala celebration and dinner in London

The fourth Electrical Wholesaler Awards provided the opportunity for wholesalers and manufacturers alike to celebrate those within their industry who go that extra mile and stand out in their sector. And at a fabulous awards dinner, hosted by TV’s Ryan Philpott, at the London Lancaster Hotel (May 18), the industry gathered to honour the best of the best.

This was the first year in which customer and supplier voting was an integral part of the outcome in the wholesaler category awards. Additionally, the increasingly high standard and calibre of entries received this year gave our judges a very difficult time when determining their own favourites for their half of the overall score.

This year’s judges were Richard Pagett, John Sheppard and Eddie Embleton, chaired by Electrical Wholesaler’s Editor, Debbie Eales.

All of the supplier and wholesaler nominees should be congratulated on their outstanding contribution to the trade, as evidenced by more than 1,800 votes vocalising their support for this year’s entries.

The final award of the evening was presented to Bob Robertson (pictured), of R&B Star, for his lifetime contribution to the industry. Bob – supported by family and colleagues on the night – received a standing ovation as he collected his award from EDA Director, Margaret Fitzsimons (see full story in next month’s Electrical Wholesaler magazine).

The EW Awards team also thank the sponsors and supporters, without whom, the awards would not be possible.

Event Organiser, Mike Gammon said: “Their faith in what the Electrical Wholesaler Awards represent within the industry is essential and we would like to express our appreciation for the sponsors’ ongoing support.”

This year’s sponsors were: Contactum, Danson (a brand of Shayla Electrical), Lyvia Electrical, One Electrical, Schneider Electric, Scolmore Group, Kerridge Commercial Systems, Knightsbridge (a brand of ML Accessories), Electrorad and Selectric.

Our thanks also go to the Electrical Industries Charity, Electrical Times and Voltimum for their support.

A raffle on the evening raised funds for the Electrical Industries Charity.

THE WINNERS

WHOLESALER CATEGORIES

BEST WHOLESALER: SOLE BRANCH

Presented by Mike Gammon, Divisional Manager, Electrical Wholesaler

Sponsored by Electrical Wholesaler

Highly Commended: Amble Electrical Distributors

Winner: G2 Electrical Wholesale

G2 are first time entrants and voters gave the level of service they receive as the primary reason for voting for G2. The judges were very impressed with the testimonials and G2’s embrace of modern technology for enhancing their business.

BEST ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER: 2 – 5 BRANCHES

Presented by Damian Sullam, Director, from category sponsor Lyvia Electrical.

Highly Commended: R&B Star

Winner: LAMPS

This was a first Electrical Wholesaler Awards win for LAMPS as a company. The vast number of votes from their customers were effusive in their praise for the staff, knowledge and competitive pricing which kept them coming back time after time.

BEST ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER: 6 – 25 BRANCHES

Presented by Nigel Owen, Sales Director, from category sponsor, Shayla Electrical.

Highly Commended: Devondale Electrical Distributors

Winner: Kew Electrical

Kew Electrical received the most votes of all our entrants this year with customers and suppliers alike sounding their praise for Kew’s efficiency, deliveries, price competitiveness, the staff and their knowledge.

BEST ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER: 26+ BRANCHES

Presented by Rob Chadwick, Director, from category sponsor, One Electrical.

Highly Commended: Eyre & Elliston

Winner: Electric Center

This was a first time entry and first time win for Electric Center. The judges recognised Electric Center’s commitment to training and their staff and voters cited the service and resourcefulness as key reasons for gaining their vote.

BEST INDIVIDUAL ELECTRICAL WHOLESALE BRANCH

Presented by Nigel Birch, Head of UK Sales, from category sponsor, Contactum.

Joint Highly Commended: Electric Center (Walthamstow) and A W Electrical Supplies (Enfield).

Winner: Amble Electrical Distributors (Luton)

In another very close category, Amble’s Luton branch won the “Best Individual Branch” accolade for the second year in a row. Judges highlighted Amble’s extensive work within the community as well as their service initiatives. Voters also commented on the efficiency of service, reliability and staff knowledge.

BEST ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER WEBSITE

Presented by John Wilson, Sales Manager, Electrical Wholesaler

Highly Commended: UK Electrical Supplies

Winner: JEGS

JEGS are a new entrant in this category and their clean and user-friendly design was a hit with judges and voters alike. Judge John Sheppard paid particular tribute to the website’s mobile optimisation.

BRANCH MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Presented by Debbie Eales, Editor, Electrical Wholesaler

Highly Commended: Mark Yearnshire, of Amble Electrical Distributors

Winner: Paul Morrish of Electric Center

Paul Morrish of Electric Center was nominated by his staff at Walthamstow branch. They were very complimentary about their branch manager and believe he fully deserves this award. The judges particularly noted Paul’s positive leadership capabilities and also his performance record, using the training he has undertaken to completely turn around a branch that had been previously underperforming.

TRAINING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Presented by Thomas Belaisch, Vice President of Partner Retail Business, from category sponsor, Schneider Electric

Joint Winners: Jolanta Brocka and Oliver Burness of Newey & Eyre

The judges selected Jolanta and Oliver for this year’s Training Excellence Award based on their drive, ambition and how they implement these qualities into improving their trade knowledge and qualifications, particularly in the area of customer service. The panel look forward to seeing how their careers develop in the coming years as they demonstrate great promise.

MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIER CATEGORIES

BEST NEW PRODUCT

Presented by Nathon Woodhead, Sales Manager, Electrical Times

Highly Commended: Scolmore Group for the Click Smart Switches.

Winner: WISKA UK’s SHARK SIXEIGHT Series IP68 Gel Insulated Joints

BEST SUPPLIER SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Presented by John Wilson, Sales Manager, Electrical Wholesaler

Highly Commended: Paul Woolley, ML Accessories

Winner: Hannan Miah from Brother UK

BEST TRAINING PROVIDER

Presented by Callum Blackwell, Group Sales Manager, Electrical Engineering Magazine

Highly Commended: Electrical Distributors’ Association

Winner: Pinnacle Solutions

BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Presented by Debbie Eales, Editor, Electrical Wholesaler

Highly Commended: Klein Tools’ Buy Today, Win Today campaign

Winner: Scolmore Group’s Scolmore App campaign

BEST SUPPLIER CUSTOMER SERVICE

Presented by Callum Hathway, Sales Executive, Electrical Engineering Magazine

Highly Commended: WISKA UK Ltd

Winner: Heat Mat

BEST OVERALL SUPPLIER

Presented by Mike Gammon, Divisional Manager, Electrical Wholesaler

Highly Commended: Scolmore Group

Winner: Heat Mat Ltd

LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION AWARD

Bob Robertson, R&B Star