The award recognises those who have had a positive impact on the industry during their career. An active supporter of the FEA for many years, John joined the council in 2009, became vice chair in 2016 and as chair in 2019 he oversaw the rebrand from CESA to FEA.
Paul Anderson, chair of the FEA, commented: “It is not often that we come across someone who can truly be described as a game changer, but without question John is a true game changer in our industry. John’s passion, commitment, enthusiasm and energy has helped First Choice grow from a small Midlands-based export business to a global distributor that turns over in excess of £40m, and a stockholding valued at £9m.”
The Chairman’s Award was also handed out to nine people including Malcolm Harling, Peter Jarrett, Martin Keay, Phill Mills, David Riley, Iain Munro, Nick Oryino, Julie Barker and FEA vice chair Stephen Elliott.