News, Blog, Awards, Giving Back, Events, Industry | Wednesday 24th May 2023
In March this year we took the time to celebrate the whole business for all their contributions across 2022 – newcomers, values holders, brand ambassadors… the lot! Of course, we also had to look at each of our teams – Permanent, Contract, Operations, US – and their success stories across the year to identify one team that has thrived and really excelled as a collective this year. After a year of quality work across all the teams, it certainly wasn’t an easy decision. But the jury’s out! The official Zitko Team of the Year award for 2022 goes to….. Team Contracting!
Since it’s origin 5 years ago, the Contracting team has gone from strength to strength, leading up to our present-day powerhouse of Laura Raven (Director of Contracting), Ellie Kendal (Senior Contract Recruitment Consultant) and Helen Marley (Compliance and Resource Officer) – with the more recent addition of Daniel Smith (Contract Recruitment Consultant) as the team continues to expand with the growth of business. After the initial celebrations by the team had subsided, we caught up with them to find out about their success, what makes their team so special, and what their hopes are for the future of the Fire and Security Industry:
How does it feel for Contracting to be winner of Team of the Year at the first ever Zitko awards?
Ellie: AMAZING! Contracting as a team work so hard on a daily basis, and winning this award is just a nod to how much effort we have all put in - especially to compare it to the year before we had many challenges, just goes to show with the right people you really can take things to the next level!
Laura: Bloody awesome. The team have worked so hard this year, and the results they have achieved have been unbelievable! Looking back over the year, this achievement seemed almost impossible at times. The financial success for the business and us as individuals is one thing, but to have it acknowledged that our team ethos is what makes us so god damn good is what makes me really proud!
Helen: Fantastic, every individual in the team has worked so hard. It was amazing to be recognised for this.
What do you believe is the secret to success for a winning team?
Ellie: Team work 100%, we all help each other out daily whether that be a small admin task or to help filling a role – we share knowledge and help each other wherever we can.
Laura: We want everyone in our team to be a winner, and we work collectively to make that happen!
Helen: Sounds like a cliché but teamwork does make the dream work
What is your favourite part of your job role?
Ellie - Senior Contract Recruitment Consultant: My team are what makes me the happiest, but I also love speaking to all the contractors and clients I have built really solid relationships with over the past few years – So basically, the people!!
Laura - Director: Watching the individuals in the team learn, become more and more successful and progress in their careers makes me so happy.
Helen - Compliance and Resource Officer: I love being able to support the team, we have a great rapport and love we all want each other to succeed.
What do you believe is the secret to success in your role?
Ellie: Never comparing myself to anyone else, focusing on my own job and delivering the best service I can! That has paid off so far!
Laura: Being a successful billing leader is a delicate balance of being able to support your team and their personal goals and targets, along with your own and the businesses. As the most senior person in the team, my job is to lead by example and deliver training and support to my team as needed. I believe my main role is to do whatever is takes to help all the team succeed, whether that be assisting with BD, resourcing or advert writing, I will do it for my team.
Helen: The support I receive from the team, we really do work well together.
What is your favourite part about working in the Contracting team?
Ellie: I love how fast paced it is, its quick to feel rewarded and again, the people! How did I get so lucky in my team?!
Laura: I have 2 – THE TEAM and the fast-paced environment. It’s never boring!
Helen: The variation in the days, it can be so fast paced at times too. But we all come together to make sure we provide an excellent service.
Do you have any specific plans to take the TOTY crown for a second year running?
Ellie: We are just going to keep doing what we do best – if that wins us the crown for the second year running then we are taking over the world
Laura: Carry on being awesome and break a few more company records – But in all seriousness – Deliver exceptional service to everyone.
Helen: To carry on driving forward and growing further as a team.
What would you like to see happen in the world of Fire and Security Contracting, or in the industry as a whole?
Ellie: I would love to see more women, I have just placed my first female engineer with a company I love, and nothing makes me happier!
Laura: More focus on encouraging new people into the industry – It’s such an exciting industry to be in, it can offer long term careers, travel, and really good earning opportunities – Talent can help you with that!
Helen: More women in the industry!
How did/do you plan to celebrate this win?
