Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards - RISING STAR - Runner up

While Gemma was an experienced estimator, she had no knowledge of the industry.

During a 10-week handover period before the previous estimator retired, she worked tirelessly to extract every bit of information possible from the recesses of her predecessor’s mind. In addition, members of the engineering and manufacturing teams were similarly peppered with questions to enable her to build up an end-to-end understanding of not only what the business does, but why they do it and (importantly) how much it costs.  

All along the way, she documented this so that there is now a written record for colleagues to refer to.  

Processes have been standardised, templates created, and now, elements have been automated: our nominee has created a process allowing key data to be added into an estimating tool and accurate prices produced quickly with minimal effort. This has improved productivity and repeatability of pricing. 

Bensons also had 3 other commendations: Gaz Paul, Highly Commended Rising Star, Leon Ormston, highly commended Apprentice of the year and Helen picked up the award for highly commended SME employer of the Year. 

Our business is built on people and we are delighted that we have been recognised for the work we put in to train and encourage our team to be the best they can be. Overall, the awards were a great success for Bensons and a delight to see so many people in manufacturing being rewarded for all their hard work.