The company’s annual Trevi Awards, so named in recognition of founder Trevor Annon, rewarded eight individuals and one team at a black tie ceremony on 5 April in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.
Chairman of Mount Charles, Trevor Annon said: “It was an honour to present the awards at the third annual ‘Trevis’, and I would like to again offer my congratulations to all those who won as well as those who were shortlisted.
“In a company of 2,500 people, they should all feel proud to be singled out for making a difference and their fantastic contributions to the ongoing success of Mount Charles.
“It’s thanks to the hard work, commitment and downright talent of our people that we can be confident when we tell our customers that our service level is nothing short of excellent. I’m grateful that these awards give us an opportunity to shine a light on those who truly go the extra mile to ensure a job well done.”
The winners were:
Best Newcomer
Winner: Matthew Wheatley, Kitchen Manager, Belfast International Airport
Highly Commended: Edel Murphy, Area Manager, Cleaning
Excellence in Leadership
Winner: Angela Brown, Area Manager, Cleaning
Highly Commended: Angela Maguire, Area Manager, Healthcare & Third Level Education
Most Innovative & Creative Employee
Winner: Stephen Mackie, Brand & Marketing Manager
Highly Commended: Chris Eagleson, Chef Manager, Wallace High School
Outstanding Contribution to the Team
Winner: Diana Gavranic, Supervisor, National Aquatic Centre
Highly Commended: Chantelle Clinton, Bar & Waiting Staff, Talent Division
Outstanding Customer Service
Winner: Eileen Goodwin, Foodservice Assistant, Sandvik
Highly Commended: Patrick Lecky, Cleaning Supervisor, Lisburn Leisureplex
Support Star
Winner: Suzi Bell, Operations Finance Administrator, Head Office
Team Spirit Award
Cleaning Team at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Unsung Hero Award
Jacinta McKerr, Area Manager, Cleaning
Highly Commended: Valerie Sloan, Control Clerk, Moy Park Dungannon
Pride of Mount Charles
Braid Irwin, Catering Manager, Friends’ School Lisburn
The ultimate award on the night was the ‘Pride of Mount Charles’, which is awarded annually to a person whose service to the company is inspirational to those around them.
This year’s winner, Braid Irwin, joined Mount Charles in 1990, spending seven years as a Chef in Lisburn Training Centre before taking on the role of Catering Manager at Friends’ School Lisburn when the company won the contract in 1997.
Irwin has been at the helm of that contract, one of the company’s longest running, for over 20 years. In that time, she has trained and developed ‘countless’ employees, consistently improved standards across food quality, food hygiene and healthy eating and created efficiencies and cost savings for both Mount Charles and the customer.
Braid Irwin added: "I was so surprised to win the Pride of Mount Charles award, I didn't think for one minute that I would get it.
"I have a real passion for cooking both at home and in my job and consider myself an ambassador in my line of work as I have been doing it for most of my life.
"I feel extremely honoured to have my hard work recognised by the company," she said.