University names Babcock International Group PLC as top employer at its annual enterprise celebrations

Babcock International Group PLC has been crowned as the best employer in the region at Plymouth University’s 2011 Vice-Chancellor’s Enterprise Awards ceremony.

The renowned support services company fought off strong competition from global technology giants Microsoft, Price Waterhouse Coopers and the locally based Marine Biological Association.

Around 400 people attended the prestigious event, which showcased the achievements of staff, students, community and business partners.

In total, 24 awards over six categories were presented including world-class and innovative research, excellence in teaching, social enterprise, volunteering and community engagement.

Babcock’s Managing Director Devonport, Phil Jones, said: “We are delighted to have been voted by the Plymouth University students to receive the Employer of the Year Enterprise Award.

“The long standing and mutually beneficial partnership that exists between the University and the largest employer in the region will remain vital to the aspirations of both organisations as they seek to build greater national and international influence and market penetration.”

The Outstanding New Business Award, which recognises successful start-ups and new ventures, went to Alex Ludlam of Student Shopping UK.

Alex graduated in Events management in 2010, and immediately demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by setting up his own company, which runs student shopping sessions.

The innovative project to introduce a smart card ticketing service for the region was also honoured when the academics behind the technology – Andrew Seedhouse and Geoff Rumbles – won the Innovation through Partnership Award

And Alumni of the Year Award, for exceptional commitment to maintaining with the University after graduation and adding value to the student experience went to Rob Drake-Knight.

The reception took place in the Graduation marquees on the Hoe and included a dinner before the winners were announced. Each received a special trophy designed by Faculty of Arts student Tom Bonfield and sponsored by ICCI (Innovation for the Creative and Cultural Industries).

Professor Wendy Purcell said: “What a fantastic celebration of enterprise in action across the University and our partners in the City and wider region. My sincere congratulations go to all of our winners, finalists and nominees. The standard of entry this year was very high and came from all quarters demonstrating the breadth of ideas and talent we have here.

“These awards celebrate enterprise in all its different guises and we hope they will inspire others to be bold and innovative. The event also signalled the launch of our 150th anniversary in 2012 so next year’s awards will be very special indeed.”

THE WINNERS:
EMPLOYABILITY
• Intern of the Year Award - Samuel Coumbe, School of Management, Plymouth Business School
• Internship Provider of the Year Award - Bluestone 360
• Enhancing Employability Award - Val Heath, School of Social Science and Social Work, Faculty of Health
• Employer of the Year award - Babcock International Group PLC
INTERNATIONALISATION
• Student Contribution to Internationalisation Award - Abigail King and Daniel Smith, IDEATORS, School of Management, Plymouth Business School
• Staff Contribution to Internationalisation Award - Alan Myers, Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology
Professor Simon Davies received a special commendation from the judges.
• International Partnership Award - Sri Lanka PMI2, Plymouth Business School
PIONEERING
• Outstanding New Business Award - Alex Ludlam, Student Shopping UK
• Plymouth University Outstanding New Business Award - Keith Wyatt, Keith Wyatt Consulting
• Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award - Rebecca Barber, Boo Enterprise
• Innovation through Partnership Award - South West Smart Applications Ltd
EXPERT
• Postgraduate Research Student of the Year Award – Abby Wilcox, Postgraduate School, Peninsula Medical School
Andrew Seedhouse received a special commendation from the judges.
• Early Career Researcher Award - Michaela Gummerum, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science & Technology
• World Class Researcher Award – Professor Eduardo Miranda, School of Humanities & Performing Arts, Faculty of Arts
Professor Oliver Hanemann received a special commendation from the judges.
• Innovative Research Award – Richard Kirby, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science & Technology
CONNECTED
• Community Engagement Award - Drive-In-Deco
Caroline Floccia received a special commendation from the judges.
• Volunteer of the Year Award - Rachel Nafzger, School of Humanities and Performing Arts, Faculty of Arts
• Alumni of the Year Award - Rob Drake-Knight
Le Navet Bete Theatre Company received a special commendation from the judges.
• Ambassador of the Year Award – ICCI
SPIRITED
• Inspirational Contribution to Teaching Award - Steve Butts and Nigel Jackson, School of Tourism and Hospitality, Plymouth Business School
• Plymouth University Outstanding Contribution Award - Colin Gibbs, Cleaning, Estates and Facilities Management
• Plymouth Student of the Year Award - Charlotte Levy, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology
• Spirit of the University Award - Sandra Hussey, Cleaning, Estates and Facilities Management
• Plymouth University Governors' Award - David Smart, School of Art & Media, Faculty of Arts

This year’s trophy – Steps to success was designed by: Tom Bonfield

ENDS