News

Former House of Commons speaker, The Right Honourable John Bercow, hosted the EDA’s annual Education & Training Awards in front of over 500 guests at the Association’s Annual Dinner on Thursday 5 March 2020. Nine high performing leaders from EDA wholesalers and manufacturers received Investor in Training trophies.

Bringing his unique brand of theatre to the Awards, guests were entertained with tales of John’s experiences keeping order in front of four Prime Ministers – the first Speaker to have done so since WWII. Perhaps most surprising of all is his time England’s No 1 junior tennis star.

EDA President, CEF’s Chris Ashworth, who presented the Investor in Training Awards alongside John Henry, MD of award sponsors EDA Apprenticeships Plus, said

“Every business leader agrees that investing in apprenticeships and professional training is essential, but not everyone takes action. Our winners have recognised the opportunity and have seized it with both hands.

“As we celebrate their success, I would encourage everyone to reflect on their own business and whether there is more they could do to attract and retain the best possible talent. The future prosperity of our sector depends on the aptitude and performance of our people, which is why offering training and apprenticeships is central to the EDA’s work.”

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, added

“Competition for an EDA Award is intense, with winners selected from the thousands of employees at EDA member and affiliated member businesses. Managers receive Investors in Training Award for championing the Association’s apprenticeship service and our product knowledge training programme.”

EDA CEO, Margaret Fitzsimons, pictured with the voice of University Challenge, Roger Tilling (left), who provided the ‘Voice of God’ for the evening and Prysmian’s MD/CEO, Marcello Del Brenna who correctly guessed which TV programme Roger represented.

Singled out for a special EDA Award

Edmundson Electrical Ltd’s Head of Training and Development, Matt Ward, also an EDA Education and Training Ambassador, received a special award for the outstanding support he’s given to the EDA Product Knowledge Programme and Apprenticeship Service.

The EDA modules have been integrated into Edmundson’s business-wide induction programme.

Our 2020 EDA Investor in Training Award winners

Above: Mark Ashworth, Director, ABM Electrical Wholesale Ltd (part of The IBA Buying Group)

Above: Stephen Doyle, Branch Manager, CEF, Dublin

Above: David Grimes, Profit Centre Manager, Edmundson Electrical Ltd, King’s Lynn

Above: Jerry Neal, Branch Manager, Eyre & Elliston Holdings Ltd, Christchurch (part of the ANEW buying group)

Above: Paul Heywood, Branch Manager, Northern & Central Electrical, Buxton (part of the AWEBB buying group)

Above:  Jason Clarke, Centre Manager, Stearn Electric Co Ltd, Leighton Buzzard

Above: Steve MacDonald, Branch Manager, Wilson Electrical Distributors Ltd, Addlestone, Surrey (part of the Fegime UK buying group)

Above: Steve Stark, Trade Sales Director – UK & Ireland, LEDVANCE Ltd

Also a winner, but unable to attend, was Marc Roberts, Manager, Facilities Management National Contact Centre, Rexel UK Ltd, Warrington