Pickfords, the UK’s largest removals and storage company, has been awarded ‘Waste Management Company of the Year’ by BUILD Magazine, for its environmentally friendly office furniture and IT reuse and recycling service.
The prestigious Facilities Management Awards, run by leading construction magazine BUILD, recognise the ‘hidden heroes’ within the corporate world, who keep businesses running smoothly and effectively, in recognition of their excellence and dedication to their profession.
Pickfords’ recycling service helps businesses meet their environmental goals, processing their old office furniture, IT and other materials to be recycled, reused or re-sold, ensuring that 0% of their waste is sent to landfill. The service is delivered at the time of the clients’ office relocation or workplace change project to help minimise costs.
Many clients choose to donate furniture for reuse to local charities. Pickfords and its clients have supported the British Heart Foundation, Tenovus Cancer Care, Help for Heroes and many others.
Martin Budd, Head of Business Solutions at Pickfords, said:
“We are delighted to have achieved this award. Our environmental solution is the result of five years’ hard work built around the needs of our clients. It is an honour to be recognised for a service that supports our clients by helping them minimise their impact on the environment.”
Rachel Devonport, Awards Co-ordinator at BUILD Magazine, expressed her pride:
“It has been a true privilege to showcase the sheer talent and hard work of every single one of my award winners. I would like to wish them every success going forward.”
The company was also voted ‘Highly Commended’ in the National Apprenticeship Awards
Pickfords has been recognised in the prestigious Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list, which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.
The list was announced at the National Apprenticeship Awards, which took place on 20 January at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
After a tough selection process, the most exceptional apprenticeship employers from all the National Apprenticeship Awards employer categories went forward to feature in the list, which showcases the breadth of employers who now offer apprenticeships.
Pickfords began its apprentice scheme in 2015 with a view to filling a skills gap for both HGV drivers and office based staff. Working with recruitment company People Plus Group Ltd, Mark Taylor developed the scheme to create opportunities for young people across the country. For many, it was a first job role which provided coaching and training and lead to a professional qualification.
Commenting on the company’s entry in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list, Mark Taylor, Network Director at Pickfords said:
“We are delighted to be recognised on the Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list and to be voted ‘Highly Commended’ in the National Apprenticeship Awards. This is truly a testament to the hard work and dedication of our HR and Management teams, our recruitment partner People Plus Group Ltd, and of course our wonderful apprentices themselves. My sincere thanks to all involved.”
From left to right: Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprentice Service; Samantha Lee, Head of Recruitment at Bond Dickinson LLP (winner), Mark Taylor, Network Director at Pickfords, Shelley Ferringo, Head of HR and Recruitment at Softcat (Highly Commended), Mike Percival, Global Head of Manufacturing and Engineering at Rolls Royce (award sponsor)
