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THE INAUGURAL PRIDE of VEKA Awards took place at the Fence Gate near Burnley , and was attended by the winners , The VEKA UK Group directors , and their respective partners .

The Group – Burnley Business Awards ’ Business of the Year for a second consecutive time – is the leading manufacturer of PVCu window systems in the UK . Around 380 staff work from its Farrington Road headquarters , which centres around a £ 5m industry-leading processing plant ; opened in 2014 by Vince Cable MP .

Dave Jones , Managing Director of The VEKA UK Group , explained : “ Our ethos is one of continuous improvement . We encourage all our staff and support them with opportunities

to further their careers ; always inviting them to bring their ideas forward .

“ Listening to the perspectives of people throughout the Group has been pivotal to our continued success , and has resulted in just some of the many contributions we ’ re celebrating tonight .”

Scott Watson of the Operations department received the final award of the evening for proactively exhibiting all The VEKA UK Group ’ s values since starting its Graduate programme 18 months ago . He commented : “ VEKA has given me the perfect introduction to the world of business , and the ideal setting in which to complete my Business Management foundation degree . I ’ m thrilled to have received this award for my positive approach

to work at the company , but the truth is that VEKA employees want to excel for the benefit of everyone at the company . We ’ re proud to work for VEKA .”

Production Unit Leader , Jeff Peasey , was one of five managers to be voted a ‘ Leading the VEKA Way Champion ’, following sessions aimed at providing a consistent and practiced leadership style . He accepted his award , saying : “ Firstly , thank you . Secondly , I feel that all the hard work and dedication I have shown is not only being recognised but it is valued throughout the business .”

Other awards recognised flawless attendance records , with three people having never missed a day ’ s work in more than ten years ; and two members of staff who had undertaken years

of study in their own time to gain Chartered professional qualifications in their respective fields of Marketing and Personnel & Development .

Two members of Extrusion staff , who were asked , initially in an unofficial capacity , to focus on training during their particular shifts , were rewarded for embracing the added responsibility and ‘ making the job their own ’. Both have since been offered the roles on a permanent basis . And a Planning employee was commended for his unmatched contribution to the Group ’ s Bright Ideas scheme , where employees can put forward suggestions for the improvement of the company , in any respect .

Gabriela Hammond , Head of HR for The VEKA UK Group commented : “‘ This evening ’ s event has been excellent . It ’ s been great to be able to recognise our employees ’ successes and so nice to see colleagues congratulating and inspiring each other .”

Dave Jones added : “ The Directors and I have shared a fantastic evening with staff who illustrate the amazing talent we have throughout the Group . The surprise of Chris Kamara presenting the awards was a pleasure , and everyone thoroughly enjoyed his speech on the importance of teamwork . These first Pride of VEKA Awards have been a great success – I ’ m looking forward to next year ’ s event already !”

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