Celebrating success in the region

Nov 20 2007

THE economic future of the North-East depends upon individuals who can learn and improve throughout their working lives and on businesses who are willing to invest in the skills of their workers.

A key way of raising the aspirations of young people and adults alike and of encouraging employers to invest in their workforce in order to help keep the region productive and competitive, is to recognise and reward achievement.

The recent Celebration of Learning and Skills (CoLaS) Awards, from the Learning and Skills Council’s (LSC)
North East, honoured and rewarded some of the region’s most outstanding individuals and employers, recognising
their innovative and progressive approach to skills development and learning excellence.

This year’s Oscarsstyle ceremony at The Sage Gateshead was the biggest event of its kind ever to be held in the region, with a total of 11 awards covering all aspects of education, employment and skills development, from hospitality and media to recruitment and construction.

Chris Roberts, regional director, LSC North East, said: “Rewarding achievement helps raise motivation and morale and thereby helps to increase participation and attainment in learning. But celebrating achievement through awards ceremonies such as this also raises awareness of the value of learning.

"The importance of learning throughout life can never be underestimated; it can open doors and change lives like nothing else can.”

Haltwhistle businesswoman Heather Bolam, current owner of the New Inn public house on West Road, was presented with the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Award in recognition of her hard work in transforming the New Inn from a tired and outdated establishment, to a successful customer-focused venue.

In the six months since she took over the business, Heather has put to good use her 25-years experience in the
hospitality sector to make the New Inn an integral part of the Haltwhistle community, ensuring regulars can take
part in local darts tournaments and extending training opportunities to her hard-working staff.

Her dedication to making the New Inn a success, coupled with her welcoming attitude towards locals and tourists alike, ensured she beat off stiff competition from three other North-East businesses to emerge victorious at the
high-profile CoLaS Awards.

Chris Roberts said: “Heather has achieved a truly remarkable transformation since she took over the New Inn public house and has been relentless in her quest to increase the quality of service and motivate her staff to ensure the venue has a remarkably welcoming and homely feel. Her dedicated approach to meeting the needs of both her staff and customers has meant she is a highly popular landlady and has made her business a success.”

All of the winners were present at the CoLaS Awards ceremony, where they joined 1,000 other invited guests to enjoy an evening of regional recognition and local entertainment, hosted by television personality Kirsty
Gallacher.