Stephensons is also Group Distributor of the Year as awards dinner raises £1590 for charity
Henry Stephenson won the Donald Bird award for his outstanding contribution to the light equipment and tableware sector. His achievement was announced at FEA’s awards dinner during the LET Forum. Nor was this his first trip to the podium on the evening – Stephensons also won the Group Distributor of the Year award, just beating runner up Hugh Jordan.
Meanwhile Waltons and Company won Independent Distributor of the Year, with Kitchequip and WV Howe also shortlisted, and Emma Barker from Brakes Catering Equipment was named Sales Professional of the Year, ahead of Marco Muraro from Stephensons and Kitchequip’s Andy Smart.
FEA ran a charity raffle on behalf of Hospitality Action during the awards dinner, raising £1,590 on the night.
Greg Archer MBE, chair of FEA’s education and training committee, presented the Donald Bird award. He commented on Henry’s passion for the business – he represents the fifth generation of the family to be involved, taking over as managing director from his father in 2009, and he is helped by a loyal and supportive team. Greg said, “Henry is someone who understands the market and is willing to embrace new trends and new ways of working. We thank him for his support.”
Henry said he was “absolutely delighted” to receive the award. He added that he has fond memories of Donald Bird coming to Stephensons to talk to his late father and encourage him to send delegates to the LET Forum. “I’m sure Donald would be overjoyed to see us here in force at this year’s event,” he added.
As Sales Professional of the Year Emma won a prestigious trophy, a free place on FEA’s CFSP course, and £500. Making the award, Greg commented, “Emma was commended particularly for her proactive sales drive, for working harmoniously with suppliers, and for being a consummate professional.”
The chair of FEA’s LET product group, Paula Sherlock, presented the two distributor awards, both of which are voted for by the association’s members. She said, “These awards recognise those distributors who have done the most to support and promote sales of light equipment and tableware.” While Stephensons won the Group award, which is for companies with more than 50 employees, a delighted Andy Flack, area sales manager for Waltons and Company, accepted the Independent Distributor of the Year award on behalf of the company.
The LET Forum awards dinner took place on Tuesday 19th May, at the Oxford Belfry Hotel.