Catherine scores top Award!

Thursday 01st December 2011

England Rugby hero Lawrence Dallaglio presented Catherine Hoaken of h&b member Ashmead Building Supplies Ltd with a prestigious national award at the Builders’ Merchants Awards for Excellence on 25th November.

The event, which is the Builders’ Merchants equivalent of the Oscars – and now in its tenth year - was held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London and was attended by over 450 senior staff from suppliers and merchants.

Catherine’s award was for the category “Achiever of the Year 2011” and recognised her outstanding performance. The judges were particularly impressed that she stepped in to take over the management of a branch at short notice when the manager was taken ill - with stunning results.

Catherine started work at Ashmead’s ten years ago as a part-time clerical assistant, and has now become full-time assistant manager of their busy Willand branch, located in mid-Devon.

“I was so surprised to win, I really didn’t expect to!”, a delighted Catherine commented.  Ashmead MD Tony Swain said “She has really put heart and soul into helping our customers, our staff, and our business. She deserves this recognition and we are all really proud of her achievement!”

Avonmouth-based Ashmead has been supplying heavy building materials, drainage, and timber for over 30 years and has been a member of the h&b buying group since 2008.

A runner-up for the award was Simon Clark of Tiptree Building Supplies (also h&b members), who coincidentally attended the same school as Catherine!

The photo shows Catherine flanked by Lawrence Dallaglio (L) and Andy Williamson (R) Director of IKO plc who were sponsors of the award category.