News - Devon County Council Named Employer of the Year
as University of Plymouth Celebrates Enterprise in the Region
Devon County Council has been named as the best employer in the region at the University of Plymouth's 2010 Vice-Chancellor's Enterprise Awards.
The authority saw off strong competition from Plymouth City Council, 2009 winners NHS South West, and the University itself to secure the headline award at the gala event staged on the city's historic Hoe.
Around 300 people attended the night, which showcased the achievements of staff, students, community and business partners. In total, 33 awards were presented, covering categories such as Research, Business, Community, International partners and Student Experience.
Plessey Semiconductors was voted Outstanding New Business, while the innovative Argans Ltd, who design and build remote sensors for customers including NASA, took the honours in the University Outstanding New Business Award, in recognition of their 'spin out' from research conducted in the institution.
A collaboration with workplace engagement specialists Best Companies was recognised with the Knowledge Transfer Partnership of the Year, while Saltash-based electronic cash protection company Spinnaker won in the shorter KTP section.
Green Room Ales took the Enterprise in Cornwall Award, and software developer Remode scooped the Internship/Placement Provider of the Year.
Anne Barnett, Workforce Development Manager for Devon County Council, accepted the Employer of the Year award, which was voted for by over 1,100 students at the University and its partner colleges on the basis of which organisation they would most like to work for when they graduate.
Devon County Council leader John Hart said: "I am delighted that Devon County Council has been recognised as a good employer for which people want to work.
"We provide many vital services for the people of Devon and it is important that we attract the brightest and the best to work for us. Unfortunately, in these difficult economic times, we will not be providing as many jobs in the future as in the past."
Business and community leaders were among the guests for the event, which was held in one of the graduation marquees on the Hoe. All of the winners were presented with a special trophy, designed by a team of students who won a competition organised by the School of Architecture, Design and Environment.
University of Plymouth Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Purcell, said: "Through an enterprise-led approach based on new ideas and strong partnerships, we are helping to create socio-economic vibrancy across the region.
"These awards celebrate the achievements of hundreds of people and I am very proud of all them for making such an outstanding contribution in so many areas."
The Winners:
. Inspirational Teaching Award - Dr Troy Heffernan and the MSc Marketing Management and Strategy Team
. Inspirational Professional Support for Teaching Award - Judith Waterfield, Disability ASSIST Services
. Graduate Intern of the Year Award - Sarah Gill, Property Search Group
. Student Intern of the Year Award - Gillian Horsley, Customer Solutions, AgustaWestland
. Enhancing Employability Award - Dr David Croot, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
. Alumni Engagement of the Year Award - Paul Wright, School of Management, Plymouth Business School and Marine Institute
. 100+ Terms of Lecturing Award - These 13 staff members are being awarded with a certificate in honour and recognition of their outstanding contribution to the University in teaching for over 100+ terms
o Prof Mark Brayshay
o Mr John Bull
o Prof Brian Chalkley
o Dr David Croot
o Dr Ian Dennis
o Prof George Giarchi
o Prof Malcolm Hart
o Prof Michael Hyland
o Dr Colin Munn
o Dr David Price
o Prof Colin Rallings
o Dr Michael Uttley
o Dr Andrew Williams
. Local Community Engagement Award - Community Development Team, Devonport Educational Facility
. Social Entrepreneur Award - Korash Sanjideh, Chew TV
. Staff Volunteer of the Year Award - University of Plymouth Students' Union (UPSU) Advice Centre Team
. Student Volunteer of the Year Award - Eni Timi-Biu
. University of Plymouth Outstanding New Business Award - Argans Ltd
. Outstanding New Business Award - Plessey Semiconductors
. Internship / Placement Provider of the Year Award - Remode Ltd
. Employer of the Year Award - Devon County Council
. Knowledge Transfer Partnership of the Year Award - Shorter KTP - Spinnaker
. Knowledge Transfer Partnership of the Year Award - Classic KTP - Best Companies
. International Engagement Award - Dr Dulekha Kasturiratne
. International Student Award - The Postgraduate Student Society (PGSoc)
. International Partner Award - Prof Wolfgang Döhl
. Enterprising Research Award - Simon Ible and Professor Eduardo Miranda
. World Class Researcher Award - Dr Jason Hall-Spencer
. Research Team Award - The Centre for Research in Biogeochemistry
. Early Career Researcher Award - Dr Daniel Merrifield
. Postgraduate Research Student of the Year Award - Alexis Kirke
. Student Enterprise Award - The Flux Team
. Academic Staff Enterprise Award - Dan Livingstone
. Professional Services Staff Enterprise Award - Jenny Bushrod
. Enterprise Enabler Award - Shaun English and Holly Cook
. Enterprise in Cornwall Award - Green Room Ales, Steve Burton
. University of Plymouth Outstanding Contribution Award - Lloyd Russell
. Ambassador of the Year - Tracy Wilson
Governors' Award - Marc Lintern