The way we work, and where we work from, have been monumentally disrupted over the course of the pandemic. Immediately, there were enormous challenges in terms of health and safety, together with a host of logistical needs that all had to be addressed.
But, instead of looking at the challenges that they face in terms of coming up with a short-term fix, businesses have been using this whole experience as an opportunity to streamline the way that they operate. And in doing so, they are continuing to do what they have always done, but in a new and much more efficient way.
And now, with as much enthusiasm and energy as ever before, enterprises both big and small have been radically reimagining the way that they do business, with the utmost attention to the highest standards.
It is in recognition of these transformations, and the commitment to being best-in-class, that the Operational Excellence Awards was launched. The winners of these inaugural awards were announced to a live, digital audience at a virtual ceremony which was held on Thursday, June 17th. And the event was presided over by the broadcaster and comedian Colm O'Regan.
The event was supported by ISS Facility Services, who came on board as the main sponsor. Eric Doyle, their managing director, said, “ISS was honoured to sponsor this inaugural event and present awards to acknowledge the hard work and celebrate excellence across Ireland.
“I was personally delighted that our HSEQ Team were recognised as the Operations Team of the Year for their substantial contributions to ISS and our customers. Our proud record in safety performance, innovations in environmental sustainability, and our extensive quality credentials are attributes that positively impact the overall culture of excellence for our business in Ireland.”
More than 30 individuals and companies were shortlisted for the 16 trophies, one of which was the Compass Group Ireland. Deidre O’Neill, their managing director, said, “We’ve reimagined our business, protected our people and cared for our communities during Covid, launching our Copper Pan Kitchen and delivering 8,000 meals to the most vulnerable. This nomination is a testament to the phenomenal work of our entire team.”
While the whole event was only made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of ISS Facility Services.
The 2021 winners are:
Overall Operational Excellence Award
Winner: Genuity Science
Operations Team of the Year
Winner: HSEQ Team - ISS Ireland
Operations Manager / COO of the Year
Winner: Jason Casey – Ardmac
Operational Excellence in Manufacturing
Winner: Viatris Little Island
Operational Excellence in Food & Beverage
Winner: Kerrygold Park
Operational Excellence in MedTech
Winner: Genuity Science
Operational Excellence in Transport
Winner: Fastway Couriers
Operational Excellence in Utilities
Winner: LotusWorks
Operational Excellence in Hotel & Leisure
Winner: Trigon Hotels
Operational Excellence in Public Sector (Sponsored by ISS Facility Services)
Winner: An Post
Operational Excellence in Finance & Banking
Winner: Danske Bank
Operational Excellence in Construction
Winner: Ardmac
Operational Excellence in Facilities Management
Winner: Winters Property
COVID-19 Crisis Response Award
Winner: Cheshire Ireland
Innovation in Operations (Sponsored by ISS Facility Services)
Winner: eCOMM Merchant Solutions
Best Use of Technology in Operations
Winner: Keeping Connected in a Virtual World - Danske Bank
The 2021 judging panel was made up of the following:
- Brian Coll, lecturer, Quality & Lean Six Sigma, IT Sligo
- Cormac Mac Donncha, vice president, Thermo King Europe, Middle East & Africa
- Pauline Found, emeritus professor, Lean Operations Management, University of Buckingham & lecturer, Logistics and Operations Management, Cardiff University
- Steve Giles, head of Operations Consumer Foods, Aurivo Co-op Ltd.
- Prof. Graham Heaslip, head of School of Engineering, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology
- Miriam Keogh, head of Supply Chain & Continuous Improvement, Dawn Farm Foods Ltd.
- Dr. Olivia McDermott, lecturer, Regulatory Affairs & Lean Six Sigma Quality Management, NUI Galway
- Ed Murphy, senior economic advisor, Invest Wexford
- Ann-Marie O'Keeffe, operational excellence specialist, Laya Healthcare
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