AWARD WINNERS CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE GAS INDUSTRY
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GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
WELCOME TO THE GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015 ORGANISED BY IGEM AND EUA
In this special supplement, IGEM and EUA are proud to recognise the winners and the runners up of the Gas Industry Awards 2015. Now that the dust has settled following the ceremony at London’s stunning Park Lane Hilton, we want to recognise all the shortlisted people, projects and companies that shone during the judging stage. While there could be only one winner for each award, our judges assure you – choosing who that should be was no easy task. This year saw the highest number of nominations in the history of the Gas Industry Awards with fierce competition across all the categories. A judging panel comprising of leading figures from across the transmission, distribution and downstream sectors, had the unenviable task of whittling down over 100 entries to a shortlist of 28 individuals and companies, which you can read about here. With over 30 nominations in the innovation category alone, this just goes to show how the gas industry is determined to advance itself in every way possible while delivering on its commitment to safety and customer service. IGEM President Chris Clarke said: “Every year the calibre of the entries for the Gas Industry Awards seems to rise above all expectations. The ceremony itself was a celebration not just for the winners but for the industry as a whole as we strive to make our sector safer, more efficient and better for our clients and customers.
We have inarguably the best gas industry in the world, which is consistently pushing itself to improve, to grow and to refine. For that reason, the Gas Industry Awards is always a highlight of my calendar “We have inarguably the best gas industry in the world, which is consistently pushing itself to improve, to grow and to refine. For that reason, the Gas Industry Awards is always a highlight of my calendar, as I’m sure it is for the hundreds of people from across the industry that attended. “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all our winners and all our runners up. You should feel proud of your achievements and we look forward to seeing what amazing things you accomplish over the next 12 months.” EUA President Ian Hughes said: “When you have an industry that is crammed
full of talented people and exceptional companies such as ours, no one can deny that it’s a huge honour to be nominated for these awards. “I want to congratulate all our shortlisted nominees and to thank our speaker Dermot Nolan for his address at the awards ceremony. It was a truly remarkable day, made even more special by the incredibly high standards set by our nominees. “It’s fantastic to be able to bring them all together in this supplement for your enjoyment and I look forward to seeing what our superb industry produces next year.”
CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE GAS INDUSTRY 3
MEET OUR JUDGES CHRIS CLARKE IGEM PRESIDENT 2015-2016, CHAIR OF JUDGES A Chartered Engineer and experienced operations manager, Chris has over 25 years’ experience within the UK gas industry. This has included posts in planning, design, and construction prior to becoming Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) for the newly formed Wales & West Utilities in 2005. More recently, Chris has been appointed as Director of Asset Management and HS&E. Chris has a BSc Honours degree in Natural Gas Engineering, is member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and is a Fellow of IGEM.
IAN HUGHES EUA PRESIDENT 2015-2016 Having studied Mechanical Engineering at Cardiff University, Ian worked his way up to the position of Head of Product Management at Kingspan Environmental, responsible for the development of new hot water storage products within the group’s companies. Ian is an active member of the Hot Water Association having chaired the HWA’s vented technical committee. He is currently Chair of the Board of Directors and acts as one of the association’s technical experts.
SIMON J AYLEY IGEM IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Simon is a Chemical Engineer with over 16 years’ experience in the design, construction, commissioning and management of complex processes, ranging from breweries and food manufacturing facilities, to petrochemical, LNG and natural gas installations. His passion for the gas industry is demonstrated by his current role on IGEM Council, his past chairmanship of IGEM’s South West Section, and his role as Deputy Chairman of The Pipeline Industries Guild’s Wales & West Branch.
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VIC TUFFEN EUA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Vic is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost authorities on meter lifecycle management in the industry. Few people have the breadth and depth of experience that he has amassed over a 34-year career. In 2008, he established Tuffentech Services, which provides consultancy and technical solutions to the energy and utility sector. Today he is a Fellow of IGEM and is actively involved at committee level for both IGEM and EUA.
ROGER WEBB EUA DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR OF THE HEATING AND HOTWATER INDUSTRY COUNCIL (HHIC) Roger is involved in all aspects of HHIC’s service delivery and takes particular responsibility for work on energy policy and legislation. As part of this work, Roger participates in many influential UK policy committees and working groups. He is also an active participant in the Association of European Heating Industry and represents the UK on the European Heating Industry’s (EHI’s) Executive Council. He is also a Trustee of the Gas Safety Trust.
JANE WILLIAMS CHAIR OF EU SKILLS’ INDEPENDENT QUALITY BOARD Jane Williams is a company director and advisor to the further and higher education and independent training sectors. She has over 30 years’ experience of leadership roles in further education (FE) including as Principal of a large FE college and as a Director in Whitehall where she set up the national FE Standards Unit. In 2003, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Wolverhampton for services to FE in the West Midlands.
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
CHRIS BIELBY CHAIR OF GAS INDUSTRY SAFETY GROUP (GISG) Chris Bielby MBE, a Past President and Fellow of IGEM, has spent the past 25 years tirelessly lobbying and canvassing in support of gas safety issues, particularly around carbon monoxide. He was President of IGEM in 2005. Joining the industry in 1972, Chris is now the Director of Industry Liaison for SGN. Chris joined the network in September 2011 to lead on new business, including high profile biomethane opportunities. He has also assumed strategic leadership for stakeholder engagement and innovation.
CHRIS GORMAN IGEM CHAIR OF TECHNICAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE Chris Gorman served as Network Director of Northern Gas Networks. Now retired, he is currently Chair of IGEM’s Technical Co-ordinating Committee (TCC) and a member of the Academic Panel and Membership Committee. Chris has over 45 years’ experience in the gas industry, starting in research and development and then later with a focus on asset management within transmission and distribution.
ELLEN BENNETT EDITOR UTILITY WEEK Ellen Bennett has been editor of Utility Week since 2012, overseeing a major relaunch and rebrand in 2013. She was previously editor of Insurance Times, and worked on a number of built environment titles including Building Design and Property Week. She studied English Literature at Christ’s College, Cambridge.
CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE GAS INDUSTRY 5
MANAGER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY RADIUS SYSTEMS
WINNER
DAVE BENDLE OPERATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGER, BRITISH GAS
Dave Bendle is a praiseworthy recipient of this award to recognise his service to the gas industry. The many and varied organisations that guide, control and regulate the gas industry have a common denominator in Dave.
company and manages one of the largest teams of qualified carbon monoxide (CO) incident investigators within the industry.
Since joining the Gas Board back in the early 1980s as an apprentice, he has gone on to become a key contact and influencer, both within and outside British Gas. Dave’s work in improving and maintaining the safety of the gas industry has been enormous and as Operational Incident Manager, a role he has held for over 10 years, Dave is required to be on call 24/7. Dave is the gatekeeper within the
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Dave is passionate about raising awareness of the issues of CO and has had continued involvement with many CO charities over the years as well as heading up a much-lauded awareness campaign. In addition, he has given evidence to the All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group enquiry, ensuring new technologies and future developments within British Gas were considered in the enquiry’s outcomes. As a founding member of the Large Business Forum and as chair of the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations working group panel, Dave has guided changes to the industry and brought a high
level view to proceedings while also contributing a close attention to detail. For example, he recently engaged with the HSE’s human factors expert to ensure a label redesign would meet coroners’ recommendations. He is regarded by his colleagues as someone who always operates with professional integrity, a diplomatic leader and a person of great humour. It is said he exudes a calm confidence, that he delivers straight-speaking honesty and that once you have met Dave, you will always remember him.
He is regarded by his colleagues as someone who always operates with professional integrity, a diplomatic leader and a person of great humour.
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
RUNNERS UP
Systems
MARTIN DONNACHIE
Innovators in Pipeline Technology
CEO, FULCRUM
www.radius-systems.com
Since becoming Fulcrum CEO in October 2013, Martin’s focus on rightfirst-time operations, cost efficiency, safety and customer needs has turned the business around. He has successfully led a massive, company-wide culture change that has put customer desires at the heart of everyday decision-making. Martin has also instigated £6 million of cost efficiencies, shaving over a third off Fulcrum’s fixed costs. This has been achieved while raising customer service, service quality and key performance indicators to marketleading levels. In the six months leading up to September 2014, Martin’s new business model saw the company move from a £12 million-a-year loss-making position into profit for the first time in its history. A Fulcrum spokesperson said: “Martin has injected energy and pace into every aspect of the organisation.”
TRACEY MCINTYRE HEAD OF REPLACEMENT (SOUTHERN), SGN LTD Recently promoted, award winning manager Tracey is SGN’s first female senior operations manager and is an inspirational role model to colleagues male and female to work hard and “just go for it”. Tracey was made Head of Replacement (Southern) in April 2014, having previously worked in five progressively senior positions within SGN operations. She was overwhelmingly supported by her colleagues in her promotion, becoming responsible for the safe delivery of an eight-year gas mains replacement program, a team of 900 and a budget of £1.5 million. As the winner in the Construction & Engineering category at the Woman of Achievement Awards 2014, Tracey saw off stiff competition from every industry sector in the UK.
Radius Systems Ltd, Radius House, Berristow Lane, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2JJ, UK
t: +44 (0)1773 811112 e: sales@radius-systems.com w: www.radius-systems.com
CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE GAS INDUSTRY 7 Radius Systems EUA-02.indd 1
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RUNNERS UP MARK BARTLETT DIRECTOR OF EXPRESS PIPE LAYING & REPAIRS LTD Mark is an entrepreneurial engineer who consistently thinks outside the box.
proud sponsor of
The Engineer of the Year
On many occasions he has devised solutions to seemingly impossible scenarios, calling on his wealth of experience and industry knowledge. Express Pipe Laying & Repairs (EPL&R) was called on when the Marks and Spencer retail outlet at Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush outgrew its premises. Having decided to increase the floor space by extending upwards two floors, M&S required the existing gas pipes running across the roof space to be relocated without disruption. Under Mark’s direction, EPL&R was able to coordinate the necessary expertise and make the solution a reality; work which was praised by contract partner SSE. EPL&R Managing Director Roy Hookway said: “Mark is a competent, skilled and knowledgeable engineer with whom I have been proud to work.”
CHRIS MAGNESS ASSET SUPPORT MANAGER, WALES & WEST UTILITIES As Asset Support Manager, Chris has provided unstinting support to seven biomethane-to-grid projects now operational in the Wales & West Utilities (WWU) area. In the past year, Chris has consistently delivered innovative solutions and support to the development of the biomethane sector within WWU.
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His energy and enthusiasm have seen project after project meet extremely tight deadlines, all the while ensuring a safe and secure flow of renewable gas to the UK network. His work has benefited not only WWU customers, but the environment as a whole and the reputation of the energy sector. Tom Clothier, Director of Renewable Energy at Wyke Farms, said: “Chris was critical in helping us to complete the gas-togrid phase of our renewable energy project.”
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
ENGINEER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY BRITISH GAS
WINNER
ALAN MIDWINTER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, COMMERCIAL SERVICES, SGN LTD
With his technical expertise, commercial reasoning, troubleshooting abilities and his passion, Alan has been the driving force behind SGN’s biogas plant building program, which would not have succeeded without him. units and the first Scottish injection, he has also overseen the first commercial biomethane plant in the UK, the first European deployment of a commercial biomethane He has initiated and membrane delivered eight UK plant and biomethane firsts, delivered the and the capacity The key to Alan’s success first integrated those initiatives are CO2 capture is his passion for what he currently pumping technology. into the grid means does, his engineering skill He has also his ground-breaking set and his understanding developed, projects speak for designed and themselves. of the gas industry. constructed Alan has also the first gas actively supported blending and the lobbying of compressed government on biomethane, hosting biomethane/gas injection facility in MPs and their advisors on site visits and Europe and was the first to deploy virtual providing information to promote the pipeline technology on his plant. biogas sector. The key to Alan’s success is his passion Not only has Alan delivered the first for what he does, his engineering skill UK biomethane-to-grid injection, the set and his understanding of the gas first network entry and measurement industry. He excels at building great Alan launched the biomethane side of SGN’s business almost single-handedly to become the UK’s expert in biogas production and biomethane clean-up.
working relationships with external and internal customers and if he and his team can see a way of improving a plant, they produce the fix and implement it for their customer. The latest such solution shaved 10 per cent off his client’s propane operating cost per annum.
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YOUNG PERSON’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARD SPONSORED BY MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES
WINNER
C A R LY G I L C H R I S T HEAD OF COMMERCIAL, FULCRUM
At just 28, Carly is living proof of the career potential the gas industry offers for talented people with commitment, drive and ambition. A Business and Management graduate from Sheffield Hallam University, Carly first joined independent utility connections company Fulcrum as an intern while completing her studies. contractors. Having seen what she was When she finished her degree, Carly capable of, Fulcrum then chose her to became the first recruit on Fulcrum’s manage a primary contractor delivering graduate entry scheme as a Graduate across all projects in the Midlands Business Analyst. Making the most and Scotland. of the scheme, Carly was able to move around the Having company, picking up successfully led vital experience in negotiations for marketing, product I’ve always had a strong a £26 million gas development and gas delivery contract, interest in engineering installation projects. Carly is now at and I wanted to work in the forefront of Carly’s systematic building or development. the company’s input into robust efforts to process redesign, take direct regulation compliance control of its and adherence to implementation though a model best practice was a major contributor to managed directly by her. Fulcrum achieving the BSI PAS 55 Asset Management Certification. Five years after joining Fulcrum as a graduate, she joined the executive board Six months into her graduate programme of Fulcrum’s connections business in in 2011, Carly’s emerging reputation as a 2014 as Head of Commercial and is now tough but fair negotiator saw her cherrysteering the company towards taking picked to lead on a new £2 million gas direct control of connection delivery delivery framework agreement with key
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through its own installation workforce. Carly said: “I’ve always had a strong interest in engineering and I wanted to work in building or development. As a young woman fresh from university, it has been challenging working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, but I have earned the respect of my peers by keeping my promises, demonstrating I know my stuff and delivering consistently.”
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
RUNNERS UP RHIANNON WILLIAMS PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANT, WALES & WEST UTILITIES The driving force behind Wales & West Utilities’ (WWU) innovative approach to improving the stakeholder engagement process for mains replacement projects, Rhiannon has delivered tangible benefits leading to enhanced customer and stakeholder experiences.
MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES Proud to sponsor the Gas Industry Awards 2015
Following a review of WWU’s approach, Rhiannon developed a robust, comprehensive and up to date engagement strategy that ensures a broad and inclusive range of stakeholders are involved prior to and during the project lifecycle. She also developed and implemented a weekly progress update process, which allows for issues to be raised and solutions to be jointly agreed as the project is ongoing. Rhiannon’s method has seen superb results with the pilot project being completed ahead of time with zero complaints, two commendations and outstanding feedback from customers.
SAM WILSON SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER – INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY, SGN LTD At just 29, Sam is a natural manager and innovator with the energy and technical know-how to deliver two big Ofgem-funded robotics projects in 2014. Within SGN, Sam made the rapid progression from Technical Management Trainee to Senior Project Manager in the innovation and technology team in just four years. He won the Innovation Institute’s NEF Innovator of the Year 2014 in recognition of his phenomenal achievements and against stiff competition from people in every business sector.
We provide a full range of services on low, intermediate and medium pressure distribution and high-pressure transmission networks. This includes above ground installations as well as emergency and meter services with our team of service engineers.
Following the success of his first two robotics projects, Sam is now heading up the development of a more advanced £7.4 million robotics system 90 per cent funded by SGN’s successful submission to Ofgem’s inaugural Network Innovation Competition.
CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE GAS INDUSTRY 11
The Energy and Utilities Alliance was created to give everyone in the energy supply chain,
One Voice
Join Us. Be Heard eua.org.uk +44 (0)1926 513777 mail@eua.org.uk
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GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
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RUNNERS UP Join the Gas Industry Safety Group
ANDY MARTIN & RICHARD DYKE NATIONAL GRID & HITACHI COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SOLUTIONS
The Gas Industry Safety Group (GISG) brings together the UK’s gas industry to maintain and improve safety performance. We promote gas safety by improving co-operation and co-ordination throughout the industry, sharing best practice, commissioning key research and providing an opportunity to address safety issues collectively. The Group is respected and recognised by Government, Ofgem and the Health and Safety Executive, and is frequently called upon to work on key aspects of gas safety regulation and legislation. In this environment, GISG has been instrumental in solving problems and providing innovative solutions whilst maintaining the UK’s gas safety record. GISG members are gas shippers, suppliers, network operators, infrastructure providers, manufacturers and contractors from across the gas value chain. The primary objectives of GISG are to: • Promote gas safety. • Encourage co-operation amongst industry players to develop, introduce and improve practices for the safe transmission, storage and use of gas throughout the UK. • Ensure the safety of consumers and the public.
How to become a member The UK gas industry has a commendable safety record and we should all be interested in keeping it that way. Becoming a member of GISG will help make this possible. Membership is open to any organisation with an interest in gas safety that wants to influence the changing industry around safety, share best practice with a wide network of organisations, and keep abreast of regulatory and legislative changes in the UK and across Europe. Information on how to become a member can be found on our website, www.gisg.org.uk. Follow us on Twitter: @GISGUK
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The new Suction Excavator, developed by National Grid and Hitachi Commercial Vehicle Solutions, is taking roadside repairs out of the dark ages and transporting it to a much safer, modern era. Thanks to the Suction Excavator, the average speed of repairs has increased by as much as 300 per cent, reducing the time spent on site from five days to as little as five hours. The equipment deftly removes soil from underground pipes and cables, ensuring that workers can see where danger lies and significantly reducing the risk of cable strike, which can be fatal. The keyhole technology means workers no longer need risk injury by climbing in and out of trenches and the reduced amount of time they spend on site has also reduced their exposure to risk.
SAFETY IS JUST A CLICK STICK AWAY SGN LTD Following failures reported by SGN operatives, the company identified, tested and approved the brand new Click Stick, which has reduced safety risks when breaking out mains. SGN partnered with manufacturer Utility Innovations Solutions Ltd (UIS) to create a new product especially for the purpose of safe and efficient mains breaking. The Click Stick uses a hydraulic clamp to allow the breaking of mains without damaging the inserted PE pipe or third party assets. More importantly, during a trial of 50 mains breakouts, none of SGNs operatives were hurt or subjected to avoidable risk. The results of the trial were analysed and, together with feedback from operational staff, it was determined the Click Stick was a resounding success in terms of safety, innovation, efficiency, speed, flexibility and ease of use.
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
SAFETY AWARD SPONSORED BY GISG
WINNER
BRITISH GAS SAFETY TEAM
Over the last decade, British Gas has expanded operations from what was once a traditional gas company to one that today encompasses a diverse product catalogue and an increasingly wide range of technical, safety and compliance requirements. British Gas has been proactive in generate safety risk profiles for each of ensuring that technical safety is at the its engineers. heart of its 11,000-strong workforce of The company’s Safety Assurance engineers and managers. It has ensured Engineers now assess 100 per cent of each job is carried out by its individual British Gas engineers for safety risk and engineers safely and in accordance behavioural profiling while the bespoke with operating procedures by fully embedding This has bred a culture of safety a behavioural changes program. within the organisation and there has It has expanded, been an 88 per cent improvement in upskilled and refocused its Safety high risk defects as a result. Assurance team to take on a riskbased assessment Safety Risk Report gives visibility to risk regime and introduced the innovative on a national and international level. and industry-leading Safety Risk Report. British Gas said: “There have been The initiative established a method where many clear benefits from implementing remote engineers’ working practices a risk-based regime and a behavioural and behaviours could be monitored and safety program as well as an independent measured and any areas of concern could assessor resource. Our people are now be identified. The results are fed into a safer at work and at home, as are our database which allows British Gas to customers and our business.
“There’s always more to do, with new risks and safety challenges presenting themselves every day. But we will continue on our safety journey with a goal of zero harm and zero defects.” The judges said: “The depth that goes into their reporting is immense. This has bred a culture of safety within the organisation and there has been an 88 per cent improvement in high risk defects as a result. A clear winner.”
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY SPONSORED BY GPS PE PIPE SYSTEMS
WINNER
P H O E N I X N AT U R A L G A S
Phoenix Natural Gas, the largest gas utility provider in Northern Ireland, developed Energy Aware Week – an initiative created to increase awareness of energy efficiency and provide homeowners with practical help and advice to make their energy go further. The first energy efficiency campaign of its kind in Northern Ireland, Energy Aware Week was supported by companies from across the energy sector. Entirely privately funded, the campaign’s £30,000 budget was used to build a bespoke brand and campaign from scratch.
Phoenix wanted partners from across the energy sector to join forces to create a multi-platform campaign that would reach right across the province. The company managed to secure 10 partners, from energy suppliers to boiler manufacturers, They had given government and oil something back industry bodies.
to the community, which was the key thing that struck us about this entry.
The idea for creating the campaign was born out of a lack of any mass media promotion of practical energy advice that homeowners could really make use of. Fuel poverty levels in Northern Ireland are the highest in the UK at 44 per cent, with widespread apathy for switching suppliers or seeking energy saving advice.
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The campaign resulted in 15 pieces of national and regional press coverage, four broadcast radio interviews and nearly 1,000 page views of the campaign website. It also communicated to over 300,000 homes in the Greater Belfast area via a leaflet drop.
allowance was successful in upgrading 2,500 boilers in Northern Ireland last year, saving on average £426 per household, per year for the lifespan of the boiler. “This result in particular is an objective Phoenix worked extremely hard to achieve,” said the company. The judges said: “They had given something back to the community, which was the key thing that struck us about this entry.”
The promotion of the boiler replacement
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
RUNNERS UP BRITISH GAS British Gas’ Hive heating app is a clever piece of software designed for smart phones, PCs and tablets. Customers can turn their heating on or off, alter the programme time and adjust the temperature – all from their web device. By bringing remote connectivity into people’s homes, British Gas is giving control to its customers whose ever changing lifestyles often create home energy wastage and poor comfort levels. British Gas is also helping customers to cut down on their carbon emissions. If, by using Hive controls to their full potential, the UK’s 25.8 million centrally-heated households could save a minimum of one cubic metre of gas per week, 670.8 million cubic metres of gas and 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide could be saved on average.
C A P I TA
Sponsor of the
Energy Efficiency Award
Capita’s carbon reduction energy model provides a complete energy and utilities solution that supports the environment, is energy efficient and cost effective. The model allows Capita to view all its assets and compliance data in one central place online. This innovative method of operating minimises power and heat usage on existing infrastructure and ensures the cost per unit usage is suppressed in the most advantageous way for the customer. Capita has implemented complete asset recognition in all utilities and these have been mapped into one business information model. As a result, Capita is able to apply investments and ensure its clients understand their asset value and how best to operate.
www.gpsuk.com
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RUNNERS UP NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS Domestic & General is proud to sponsor the
Customer Service Award
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has invested significantly to ensure that potential biomethane producers can access their network and turn gas into cash. The company has created a dedicated in-house biomethane team plus management systems, an interactive suite of customer-focused web applications, literature and a conference and events programme – all in the space of just three months. NGN was the first GDN to offer an online gas-to-cash calculator to allow potential producers to work out whether their anaerobic digestion plans were feasible. Since announcing its pro-biomethane stance at the Gas to Cash conference (held in conjunction with IGEM), NGN has seen one major project come online, another has been commissioned, and 26 live enquiries have been added to its biomethane database.
SGN CUSTOMER SERVICE In 2014, SGN Customer Service excelled in offering customers practical help and clear communication during gas supply incidents, keeping them safe, warm and informed.
To discuss opportunities for your business, contact Kam.Kandola@domesticandgeneral.com
www.domgen.com
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This year, the team effectively cared for 1,490 affected families during five major gas incidents. SGN Customer Service demonstrated exceptional flexibility and commitment to provide an efficient and caring service response, which minimised the impact on customers and the local community during the five incidents. The team made itself available 24/7 and used every type of communication channel available (call centres, drop-in centres, Twitter, Facebook, web and YouTube) to engage with customers. Two new custom-built mobile incident command units also helped to conclude incidents more swiftly, thus improving customers’ experiences.
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD SPONSORED BY DOMESTIC & GENERAL
WINNER
WALES & WEST UTILITIES
Wales & West Utilities (WWU) have won this award for their world class customer service model designed by the Institute of Customer Service and consisting of four key elements: people, processes, strategy and culture. Through this approach, WWU has transformed the customer service culture within the organisation, confirmed by its unrivalled success in this area.
service excellence in 2014. In addition, WWU’s new online quotation system speeds up the time taken to provide quotations for new connections work and book appointments.
WWU is the leading gas WWU said: “We Wales & West Utilities distribution are already network in the measured itself on considered the main UK for customer metrics that apply benchmark for satisfaction as customer service to wider sectors and confirmed by excellence and an the latest Ofgem demonstrated their inspiration to other survey. The firm gas distribution commitment to good recorded the networks operating highest customer customer service. in the utility sector. satisfaction scores WWU has embraced ever achieved the challenge of by a GDN in the UK for all three service further improving its already impressive categories: connections, emergency and customer service levels by hosting repair and planned work. best practice visits from Northern Gas Networks, UKPN, Yorkshire Water and As a mark of its accomplishment, WWU SSE to name but a few this year.” received the Institute of Customer Service (ICS) ServiceMark accreditation for
The judges said: “The ICS has confirmed they are delivering world class customer service. Wales & West Utilities measured itself on metrics that apply to wider sectors and demonstrated their commitment to good customer service. “Other networks are also doing great customer service work, but WWU went outside the industry to show measurement. To get these sorts of service levels is impressive; they sought a benchmark outside the utilities industry and allowed themselves to be compared to other companies. They’ve clearly shown a top to bottom approach to customer service.”
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Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the Gas Industry Awards 2015 IGEM House High Street Kegworth Derbyshire DE74 2DA T: +44(0)1509 678150 E: general@igem.org.uk www.igem.org.uk
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GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
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CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE GAS INDUSTRY 21
INNOVATION AWARD SPONSORED BY DNV GL
WINNER
NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS
Representing not only a UK first for the gas industry, but also a world first, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has cleverly combined a new innovation with existing technology used outside the gas industry to revolutionise the way in which gas leaks are located and repaired. Trials of NGN’s Acoustic Camera combined with its Core and Vac technology on 416 repair jobs demonstrated a leak detection accuracy of 100 per cent and a 33 per cent reduction in the time taken to pinpoint leaks. The time taken to complete a repair was cut from four days to just four hours.
The size of a typical excavation has decreased by about half and excavations have been less disruptive to traffic, safer and have reduced the use of virgin material by 93 per cent. The typical cost of an excavation has also reduced from £450 to just £35.
What we look for is continuous improvement. Innovation has risk, so this award has to be something that pushes the boundaries and has never been done before.
On the back of the successful trial, NGN is investing an initial £750,000 to introduce the process to its everyday business as well as sharing best practice with gas industry colleagues worldwide. The technology is being adopted this year in New York, San Diego and Toronto after visitors from America came to witness the trial in action. NGN customers, stakeholders and employees are already benefiting from faster repair times, less time off gas, shorter traffic disruptions, safer
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excavations and a much more time, cost and environmentally efficient way of working. The judges said: “What we look for is continuous improvement. Innovation has risk, so this award has to be something that pushes the boundaries and has never been done before. True innovation means continuous improvement as well as technology, and this project displays both.”
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
RUNNERS UP BRITISH GAS
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Hive by British Gas is a clever app which is transforming how customers control their heating and hot water – all through their phone, tablet or laptop. Hive customers no longer need to heat an empty home, or come home to a cold one. Hive has revolutionised how customers control their heating, helping them to conserve energy and save money. If their plans change throughout the day, they can simply adjust their home’s temperature on the go from their app or via the online dashboard. Hive is now the market leader in this area, with over 150,000 British Gas Hive customers. The Hive team said: “We are very proud to be recognised by the IGEM/EUA Gas Industry Awards – they are the Oscars of the heating industry!”
THE TECHNICAL ADVISOR TO THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
ANDY MARTIN & RICHARD DYKE
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The new, innovative Suction Excavator, developed by National Grid and Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicles is revolutionising roadside repairs and attracting interest from distributors in the US, Canada and France. This new technology was developed to significantly increase the power behind excavation, replacing inefficient vacuum technology.
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This has resulted in National Grid increasing productivity and enjoying a return on its investment of eight vehicles in just 12 months. Jobs are now completed within hours instead of an average of five days.
SAFER, SMARTER, GREENER
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RUNNERS UP DAVE BENDLE OPERATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGER, BRITISH GAS Dave leads British Gas in the areas of incident investigation, health and safety, regulation and legislation. As head of the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Panel and as the chair of key safety related British standards, he is a prime influencer in the industry, liaising with HSE, Gas Safe Register and professional and training bodies. Mark Rolfe, Technical and Customer Services Director at Gas Safe Register, said: “Dave is passionate about what he does and always has gas safety as his mantra along with the enviable ability to listen, distil information and propose appropriate and common sense ideas.” While too numerous to mention, Dave has cultivated many contacts within the industry and has a good working relationship with IGEM, HHIC, EU Skills, Gas Safety Trust, GISG and the network operators.
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FULCRUM’S ‘LEADING THE WAY’ PROGRAMME Fulcrum is challenging sector norms through significant investment in a major leadership development programme called ‘Leading the Way’. ‘Leading the Way’ has created a new streamlined organisational structure built around collaborative, cross-functional team-working. Through this £60,000 programme, a collaborative and empowered internal culture is being embedded by coaching and mentoring experts RedSky. Thirty-six managers, 30 per cent of Fulcrum’s staffing base, completed the programme during 2014 and more than half of all staff will complete the training in 2015. The programme focuses on shared company values built around customers as the company continues to put them at the heart of its decision-making processes. This culture change has complemented a major transformational programme which has seen company processes reshaped around demonstrable customer needs.
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
LEADERSHIP AWARD SPONSORED BY GATC
WINNER
ALFRED CHAN WING KIN MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY LTD (TOWNGAS)
Alfred has led a behavioural change shift within Towngas, taking the company from a traditional public utility to a world class energy group, instilling his international management practices across 202 joint ventures and emerging business across China. During his time as Managing Director, Towngas Group’s market capitalisation has climbed from £5 billion in 1997 to £16 billion in 2014. Likewise, its customer base has grown from 1.2 million to 19 million over the same period. The rapid growth of the Towngas Group in mainland China over the last 20 years illustrates Alfred’s astute leadership, from
managing and leading a local, independent His focus on safety is gas company in Hong Kong, to creating a unbelievable and the growth respected, multiin financials and technology is layered utility in the down to his leadership. mainland. This has been a feat of determination, judgement, market guidelines, training, drills and related shrewdness and good economic and activities. As a result, the number of cultural perception on his part. serious gas incidents has dropped from Towngas Group is now the number double digits to just three in 2013. one city gas company in China, having The judges said: “His focus on safety is diversified its core business to related unbelievable and the growth in financials utilities: water, new energies and and technology is down to his leadership. emerging businesses. Alfred understood He led a behavioural change programme the importance of being “first out of which underpinned that and his pride in the block” if Towngas was to make developing his people is exemplary. All the quantum leap from single utility the superlatives we can say about him in enterprise to nationwide, multi-interest his case are true.” energy corporation. Alfred has always given the safety of the public, his customers and his employees the highest priority. His mindset has driven stringent safety programmes,
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COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSORED BY TOWNGAS
WINNER
S T E V E V I C K I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Steve Vick International (SVI) recently moved to new premises but, even though the business continues to grow, the company remains proud to uphold its fundamental family ethos. When the company was founded in 1981 by current Chairman Steve Vick, he saw an opportunity to develop ways of safely sealing off gas mains and services while they were being renovated. Initially a husband and wife team, Steve and Angela worked together from their home in Norton St Phillip. From these humble beginnings, the business thrived, eventually moving to a larger premises in Bath in 1989. Many of the signature technologies developed at SVI were transferable, allowing the company to grow and develop
While many businesses have struggled to survive the recession, SVI has continued to grow. This growth is something everyone in the company should rightly be proud of. in not only the gas distribution sector, but also nuclear decommissioning, the water industry and contract services. Over the years, the firm has won numerous accolades within these industries, and is now progressing its export business with the help of customers in Australia, the US and the Netherlands. SVI’s success led the company to buy a new unit in Bradford on Avon, in Wiltshire. Transport to the new location is provided to SVI’s employees free of charge, helping to ensure the company’s very low turnover of staff. Then IGEM President Chris Murray opened the new premises in April 2014,
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saying: “While many businesses have struggled to survive the recession, SVI has continued to grow. This growth is something everyone in the company should rightly be proud of.” The judges said: “There were many things in the feel of the company, its training structure and the way in which it involves the families of its staff that made Steve Vick stand out. In spite of relocation, and as a relatively small company, they stood apart. Steve Vick has been a stalwart of the industry and a loyal supplier since 1981. He clearly values his people, their families and their future careers.”
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
RUNNERS UP S G N LT D SGN is at the forefront of new and exciting developments, making giant leaps forward in innovation, leading the green agenda and developing people. The company has led the way on game-changing innovation projects such as robotics and gas quality changes. The firm has also been championing the industry through new licences to build infrastructure and deliver gas to 40,000 customers in the west part of Northern Ireland. SGN has led on green energy, opening six new biomethane plants in 2014 and its effective waste management strategy has resulted in some significant improvements.
S Y N T H O T E C H LT D As a truly innovative turnkey engineering company, Synthotech has consistently delivered must have technologies and assisted its customers in outperforming their targets. In the last 12 months, Synthotech has increased its turnover, increased its staffing level by 30 per cent and extended its Harrogate facilities. The company has been a key collaboration partner within Ofgem’s £5.6 million Gas Network Innovation Competition and has this year established two international distributorships. Managing Director David Morgan said: “Our philosophy is founded on developing new products for customers to provide engineering solutions not previously possible.”
FULCRUM Fulcrum, the only independent gas and utility connections company serving the whole of Britain, achieved a transformational business turnaround in 2014. The successful streamlining of its fixed cost base has moved the company from a £12 million loss-making position into profit for the first time in its history. Despite these challenges, the business has maintained its customer first focus throughout, including achieving a 100 per cent ‘right first time’ performance rating from key client British Gas Business. In addition, safety has remained Fulcrum’s number one priority during the business’ reorganisation, with not one lost time injury experienced this year.
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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
GORDON DAVIES This special award goes to an individual whose contribution to the gas industry has been enormous. A Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of IGEM, Gordon Davies has been a member of the Institution for in excess of 50 years. He began his career as an Articled Pupil Gas Engineer with the Wales Gas Board in 1961. He studied gas engineering at Enfield Technical College and on the completion of his studies moved to the distribution department of Wales Gas, in Rhyl. Here, he became District Engineer followed by Assistant to the Group Engineer. He subsequently moved to Wales regional headquarters, in Cardiff, to start the network analysis section. He remained in Wales until 1972, when he moved to South Eastern regional headquarters, in Croydon, to take up the role of Planning Engineer. In 1975, he moved to Eastern Gas as Assistant Distribution Engineer, later becoming Regional Planning Engineer. In 1992, he
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moved to Northampton where he became District General Gordon is a pleasure to work with, Manager and, in socialise with, and a very worthy 1994, was Head of Programme Planning winner of this prestigious award. Support Services at British Gas headquarters, Solihulll. Section of the Institution and Section He retired from British Gas in 1995. Chairman for 1991/92. After a successful career in the gas industry spanning 35 years, Gordon has, through his company GAS Consulting, undertaken assignments in the gas, oil and electricity industries in both the UK and overseas. He is internationally recognised for his managerial and technical expertise, which has been applied in Australia, USA, Far East, the Middle East and throughout Europe. Gordon was Past President of the Eastern Counties Gas Association, Honorary Secretary to the Eastern
In 2002, Gordon was invited to take up the position of CEO of the Institution on a temporary basis to steer it through a complex Engineering Council relicensing audit for the award of CEng, IEng and EngTech titles. This was successfully achieved and a new five-year licence was awarded to the Institution in 2003. He also managed the relocation of the Institution from London to Loughborough and placed it on a sound basis for the future. In 2008/9 he became President and is the only person
GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
to hold office as both CEO and President of the Institution. Apart from his current position as Honorary Secretary of the Institution, he is also Chairman of the Membership Committee. He has served four terms as an ordinary member of Council, chaired the Strategic Planning Committee, is a member of the Finance Committee, a trustee of the Benevolent Fund and director of IGEM Trading.
his services to the Institution over many years, Gordon was awarded the prestigious Birmingham Medal in 2011.
Immediate Past President Simon Ayley said: “I owe a great deal of thanks to Gordon. He has provided me with immense support, advice and guidance not just throughout my presidential year, but also during the preceding three years as I prepared for the role. “He dedicates himself fully to IGEM, ensures good governance, and provides sound advice on future strategic decisions. Gordon is a pleasure to work with, socialise with, and a very worthy winner of this prestigious award.”
He is also an experienced professional review interviewer, trains newly appointed interviewers and conducts CEng workshops for engineering graduates. For
SPECIAL THANKS GOES TO OUR GUEST SPEAKER
DERMOT NOLAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE, OFGEM
Dermot joined Ofgem as Chief Executive Officer in March 2014. He brings with him extensive leadership experience in energy regulation, market competition and the protection of consumers’ interests having most recently been Commissioner at the Commission for Energy Regulation in Ireland from May 2008 and its Chair since May 2011. Prior to this, he was Senior Economic Adviser at the Commission for Communications Regulation and was Manager of the Mergers Division for the Irish Competition Authority. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, he undertook further study at Yale where he gained a PhD in Economics. He has lectured at the University of London, specialising in the areas of market structures and firm performance.
OUR HOST
MICHAEL COLLIE BROADCASTER AND JOURNALIST
Michael Collie is a presenter with BBC News, based in Birmingham, working on the BBC’s radio and television outputs. Michael grew up in Sheffield and studied at the University of Birmingham and the London College of Printing. After working at various local radio stations including BBC Radio Northampton and BBC WM, Michael presented Channel One News in London, before joining Midlands Today and then The Politics Show in 2007. He also previously worked as a presenter on The Midlands at Westminster. Nationally, Michael worked as a presenter of Countryfile for six years and Top Gear, where he specialised in consumer issues. Michael won a Jet Media Excellence Award for Motoring Journalism, for an expose report on car-clocking in the motor trade. Away from broadcasting Michael has worked as a painter and decorator, a motorcycle courier, a steelworker and a commissioned Army officer. He is a member of the Professional Speakers Association and the Institute of Directors and a patron of two local charities.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS
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GAS INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015
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THANKS TO OUR AWARD SPONSORS Company of the Year Safety Award
Manager of the Year
Customer Service Award
Engineer of the Year
Young Person’s Achievement Award Energy Efficiency Award
Innovation Award
Leadership Award