Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Chair, Oliver Auston, welcomed guests to the LEEA Awards 2024 at the world famous Dorchester in London on the evening of 16th October. He proclaimed the event, celebrating its 6th year, to be the biggest yet with more people at the ceremony, a record number of high quality entries from LEEA members around the globe as well as more finalists. The winners of the awards are as follows:
- Emerging Talent Award: Bradley Seaman, IMES International Ltd
- CEO Award for Services to Learning and Development: Andy Dowd, Speedy Hire
- Trainer of the Year – The Craig Morelli Award: Ashley Hall, Kito Crosby
- Excellence in People Development: Jo Stamp, Sunbelt Rentals
- Technical Excellence and Professionalism Award: Anton van der Zalm, Van Beest
- Excellence in Leadership: Hadi Al Sagour, Saudi Aramco
- Sustainability Excellence Award: Bunzl Safety and Lifting
- Excellence in Service Innovation: Test & Inspection Department, Select Plant Hire
- Excellence in Product Innovation: RUD Twin Trigger ROV Hook, RUD Chains Ltd
- Excellence in Safety: Bunzl Safety and Lifting
- Excellence in Lifting Operations: Beryl Alpha Lifting Team, Apache Corporation
Guests were introduced to LEEA’s chosen charity, Demelza, which delivers extraordinary care to extraordinary children facing serious or life-limiting conditions, providing support for all the family. Special guest, former Special Forces Sergeant Jason Fox, then regaled the audience with stories stretching from his time in the forces to his recent experiences in the world of TV.
Thanking the Board for continuing to seek excellence, LEEA CEO Ross Moloney, who co-hosted the evening with Oliver Auston said: “Lifting is an outstanding and crucial part of the economy. It is about problem solving, making dreams come true and, at the end of a shift, that we go home safely. Congratulations to the eleven recipients of our trophies. You are designated representatives of excellence, built on pillars of innovation and safety. I thank all the nominees as well as the sponsors and judges for their essential contributions. See you at the LEEA Awards 2025.”
Winners in detail
Details about the LEEA Award winners 2024 are as follows:
Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Bridger Howes Limited, celebrates individuals who show exceptional promise, initiative and potential for future success, serving as role models and inspirations to others.
The winner is Bradley Seaman, IMES International Ltd. Brad is an absolute credit to IMES and to the Lifting Industry as a whole. He has exactly the right attitude and drive that the industry needs right now and the company is very much looking forward to helping him develop into the new era of Lifting Equipment Technician and beyond.
The judges said: “Brad is the epitome of emerging talent” and “appears to be a very energetic and proactive person and is obviously keen to learn and develop his knowledge and skills.”
Runner up was Rory Stewart of Europa Engineering Group.
CEO Award for Services to Learning and Development. Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA said: “Sometimes there are candidates for the awards who are worthy of special recognition outside of the category for which they applied. How we develop pathways for our new recruits and then how we support our students as they progress onwards in their career is one of the most important challenges faced by the industry.
The winner is Andy Dowd, Speedy Hire. Andy is the Lifting, Training and Development Manager at Speedy Hire. His commitment to education, mentorship and excellence has made a significant impact on the Speedy organisation. He has been a key figure in developing their lifting engineers, nurturing the next generation of talent and elevating training programmes.
Moloney added: “Andy Dowd is clearly an outstanding example and advocate of learning and development in the industry. In addition to completing four LEEA Diplomas himself, Andy is the Speedy main contact for the LEEA Accredited Training Scheme, which has ten approved courses. He is a member of the LEEA Learning and Development Committee and has been shortlisted three times for the trainer of the year. His determination to innovate in terms of teaching methods and mentor apprenticeships really stood out, and I believe it is wholly fitting that we recognise his service to the sector both in and out of the classroom.”
Trainer of the Year – The Craig Morelli Award recognises and celebrates trainers from the LEEA Accredited Training Scheme who excel in their profession and make significant contributions to the development and success of others.
The winner is Ashley Hall, Kito Crosby.Ashley has worked within the Lifting Industry for 31 years, 16 with Crosby, and has been training for over 10 years. He is a member of the LEEA Technical Committee, an Accredited Training member and has been a board member for four years. He is also a member of the Crane Forum in Aberdeen and the ILLAPG (Industry Lifting Lead AP Group).
Deeply passionate about safety and committed to ensuring that everyone understands the importance of proper training, Ashley’s dedication inspires both customers and colleagues. Recognised as a subject matter expert within the industry, he combines extensive training and practical experience, approaching his role with the utmost seriousness.
Ashley is the main custodian of the Kito Crosby Rig Safe, Rig Crosby trailer, promoting safety within the Lifting Industry. The trailer is a key element in the company’s training programme and Ashley travels throughout the UK and Europe for seminars, open days and training sessions.
The judges said: “Having witnessed Ashley at work I believe he is an excellent candidate for the award.” Also: “The onsite trailer and Ashley’s delivery is a major progressive step in training and the overall result is one of consistency and excellence.”
Runner up was Russell Reid of Boilermakers Lodge 146.
Excellence in People Development celebrates people and organisations that prioritise the growth and development of their people, particularly where they foster a culture of learning, innovation and excellence.
The winner is Jo Stamp, Sunbelt Rentals. With a 35 year career in the hire industry, including 9 years with Sunbelt Rentals, Jo showcases dedication to encouraging development and growth of people within the organisation and the wider industry.
Jo has demonstrated her commitment to mentorship and personal development by mentoring numerous employees, guiding them towards professional success and personal development. This dedication was recognised at the 2024 CPA (Construction Plant-hire Association) awards, where Jo received the ‘Highly Commended’ Award for her outstanding mentorship.
Jo’s influence extends beyond formal mentorship. She is known for her personal support to colleagues, always available to offer her expert advice, discuss projects, address issues or assist with customer enquiries, regardless of the time of day. Her open door policy and approachable nature have made her a trusted teammate and advisor within the industry.
The judges said: “Jo has developed a real skill for people progression,” and is “an experienced, talented and knowledgeable people-manager… it is very clear that Jo is highly thought of in Sunbelt.”
Runner up was William Hackett Ltd
Technical Excellence and Professionalism Award recognises individuals who not only excel in their technical abilities but also demonstrate professionalism, leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement in their field.
The winner is Anton van der Zalm, Van Beest. Anton is a technician from the heart. With his background as a teacher in physics and chemistry, sharing technical knowledge is what he loves most. Working with Van Beest for 20 years, he is now VP Corporate Research & Development with responsibility for all technical challenges, choices and developments. Within the company, this is the highest technical position and part of the ‘Leadership Team’. Safety procedures, testing and quality control are his highest priorities.
The judges said: “Anton has made a great contribution to Royal Van Beest and the Lifting Industry over many years. He deserves this award.” And: “Anton is shown to be very professional and his technical abilities are well known, a very impressive nominee.”
Runner up was Jim McDonald, IMES International Ltd.
Excellence in Leadership, sponsored by Hoist Magazine recognises an individual who has proven to be effective in improving or growing their firm. It seeks evidence of vision, ambition, dynamism and marrying the sometimes competing factors of strategy and day to day operations.
The winner is Hadi Al Sagour, Saudi Aramco. Hadi Al Sagour is the Manager of the Engineering and Technical Support Division within Aramco Mobility and Logistics Services Department. In this role he has made significant contributions that greatly improved Aramco crane and lifting services activities. He has had a noticeably positive influence on the Lifting Industry, building on both his strong technical background and management role within his company. His excellent leadership skills encourage his team to follow him.
Hadi’s journey in the Oil and Gas Industry has been nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings to a distinguished leader, his contribution has not only propelled the organisation forward but has also set new benchmarks for industry standards. His innovative approach, coupled with rich experience and unique influence has earned him a reputation as a visionary leader.
The judges said: “Hadi is highly accomplished and his successes far surpass other applicants. Not only is he a leader in business but Hadi is a leader in the Lifting Industry and the Middle East’s safety developments in various industry sectors.” He is “making a great contribution to the success of Aramco.” And: “A clear industry leader in a large organisation.”
Runner up was Simon Luke of Reid Lifting.
Sustainability Excellence Award looks for evidence of successfully wrestling with any type of sustainability related challenge, be it related to workforce, energy use or supply chains. The shortlisted candidates have all demonstrated success in improving business practices to improve their longevity and lower their impacts.
The winner is Bunzl Safety and Lifting.Bunzl’s sustainability strategy was created following in-depth research and wide consultation with key stakeholders. This produced a four pillared approach: supply chain, people and community, products and customers, and environment and climate change. Eight key targets ensure progress in delivering the aspirations of the company, which include phasing out single use plastics, creation of an equitable and inclusive working environment, establishing a compliant network of suppliers and at least half of operational waste being recycled.
The entry showed clear evidence of action as well as aspiration, with case studies showing improvements in how the company is eliminating plastic waste, switching to renewable materials and reducing pallet wrapping. Where there may be uncertainty about the balance between the costs and benefits of sustainability, Bunzl showed how a commercial business can be focussed on sustainability.
The judges said: “Bunzl is the outstanding nominee in this category.” It’s “sustainability programme is well detailed.” The entry was “a very thorough and professional display of a modern company making a positive difference to the world they trade in”.
Runner up was Speedy Hire.
Excellence in Service Innovation seeks to celebrate services that have improved in an innovative way. It looks for creativity, originality and either improvement or creation of brand new services that give added value to the customer.
The winner is Test & Inspection Department, Select Plant Hire. Select Plant Hire has invested significantly in its T&I department to ensure clients, both internal and external, are provided with the best possible services, solutions, innovations and the highest standard of independent inspections. The natural growth and development of the department means more T&I services have been brought back in-house (tower and crawler cranes) while ensuring they are always operating with the current legislation and industry guidance.
The judges said: “Bringing the service back in-house is commendable. A high standard is set and to some degree higher than required.” It is “a well thought out and comprehensive service package that benefits everyone in the chain.”
Runner up was RiConnect Rental Module, RiConnect UK Limited.
Excellence in Product Innovation, sponsored by International Lift and Hoist,seeks to highlight the new and creative products that are entering the marketplace from our members. Shortlisted candidates have all created products that take the lifting world forward. Their innovative products mean that the world can go higher, further and safer in tougher environments.
The winner is RUD Twin Trigger ROV Hook, RUD Chains Ltd. Historical data shows frequent offshore incidents involve a hook snagging on rigging and the unintentional release of the load, known as shedding. The RUD Twin Trigger ROV Hook has been engineered to surpass the industry’s stringent safety and efficiency standards, reducing operational downtime and associated costs. This hook boasts a unique outward opening safety mechanism with just two moving parts, enhancing both safety and ease of use.
The judges said: “The RUD ROV Hook has been designed to set itself aside from other products on the market for subsea application and focuses on safety and ease of use to streamline subsea tasks. This product is deployable across the global market and could be developed to solve similar issues in other sectors”.
Runner up was VisionTek, Bridon International Ltd.
Excellence in Safety, sponsored by Rigging Services applauds the organisations that prioritise the health and safety of their employees and demonstrate leadership, innovation and continuous improvement in safety management.
The winner is Bunzl Safety and Lifting. Bunzl’s corporate wide commitment to safety was hugely impressive. Irrespective of position or seniority, all of its staff and customers benefit from numerous initiatives designed to deliver safety. These include an Incident and Reporting App, a culture where all staff are involved in reporting incidents, intra-team Bunzl games used internally to drive through the safety culture and clear reporting by branch. Bunzl provided numerous examples of the steps it has taken to ensure safety within its workforce, both in terms of investment in infrastructure and equipment and in recent changes to how pre-set checks on machinery help to manage risk. Work to support field inspectors was also extremely impressive.
The judges said: “I like the idea of using a positive message to achieve progress over something that is negatively perceived, such as inter-branch competition.” And: “The B safe inspections are very good and ensure that all people have to make the correct safety checks before using the equipment.”
Runner up was Lifting Department, Select Plant Hire.
Excellence in Lifting Operations, sponsored by IMES,recognises and celebrates individuals or teams that excel in conducting lifting operations safely, efficiently and in compliance with regulations and best practices.
The winner is Beryl Alpha Lifting Team, Apache Corporation.In 2023, a motor within a gas compressor on the Beryl Alpha failed, limiting natural gas export from the platform in the North Sea. Located in an extremely cramped and enclosed space, the repair could not be conducted safely in location and the motor had to be removed and shipped onshore, an extremely complex process never attempted in the platform’s 47-year history.
What ensued was a remarkable feat of lifting mastery in just 37 days. With only 50 mm clearance either side of the motor for removal, high ambient temperatures and working at height in proximity of a live plant containing hydrocarbons, full proof planning and flawless execution was essential. With intricate planning and outstanding teamwork, no accidents or incidents were recorded for the removal and reinstallation. An incredible team accomplishment.
The judges said: “A classic well thought through lifting operation. I liked the use of multiple methods, such as jacking, skidding, lifting and pulling.” And it was “a well planned and executed lifting operation with safety at the forefront.”
Runner up was UniShore Lifting Truss, MGF Trench.
For more information, visit leeaint.com and awards.leeaint.com
