Do you know a Rising Star?
Although our 2024 Rising Stars have already received their awards, we're always on the look out for young people who have shown exceptional promise and talent in their respective fields within the foodservice packaging industry.
This Award acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and commitment to their work – and who have already achieved noteworthy successes early in their careers.
Do you know somebody that fits this description? If so, we'd love to hear from you when next year's Awards open for entry.
WINNER
Despite having only two years of experience in foodservice packaging, Beth’s impact has been impressive, having been promoted from regional sales manager to national account manager, before being appointed head of national accounts. Within this role she has been instrumental in helping customers switch to compliant packaging options in advance of the single-use plastics ban, and helping the company achieve a 60% increase in web sales for its ban-compliant products.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Erika joined NCCO as an internal sales executive, but having developed excellent relationships with the company’s customers was quickly promoted to sales executive for northern and eastern Europe. Within this role she constantly impresses her colleagues with her focused, organised and determined work ethic, coupled with an inquiring approach and an appetite to challenge the norm to improve results.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Harley’s work ethic across multiple apartments during his apprenticeship has given him invaluable insights into the company’s operations in addition to the inherent understanding he gained from a 30-year family heritage within the food packaging industry. As sales representative Harley’s professionalism ensures the seamless integration of products across the food packaging, vending, water cooling and coffee sectors.
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FINALIST
Abigail started at i2r as an apprentice and since then has spearheaded the creation of a multi-stage training path for new employees and helped improve system efficiency by automating a manual packing station. She also created a preventative maintenance programme to schedule presses and machines for regular servicing – reducing the risk of failure. Her hard work and dedication saw her shortlisted for SME Apprentice of the year by the Lloyds Banking Group.
FINALIST
On joining the company within a newly reformed team Faith took ownership of disposables across the Bidfood network of 26 depots – growing the sales team and evolving the team structure. Since taking on hygiene and equipment sales, Faith’s tireless efforts and outstanding customer service have resulted in a personal sales contribution of £10.7 million and a 10% growth forecast at the end of this financial year.
FINALIST
Josh has emerged as a trailblazer at Cromwell and was nominated for his holistic approach to the business, spanning brand development, sales strategy and a strong commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. His innovative approach enabled him to create compelling brands and products and position them strategically in response to consumer dynamics and industry trends.
FINALIST
Known for his ‘IT genius, humility, and exceptional communication skills’, since joining GoPak as business transformation coordinator George’s contributions are described as having ‘fundamentally reshaped the company’s landscape’. He has emerged as a role model – spearheading vital technology modernisation projects, optimising back-end processes, and enhancing customer digital interfaces – regularly handling up to eight significant projects at any one time.
FINALIST
Having initially joined the company as a part-time graphic designer, Adrienne’s creativity and flair quickly led to a full-time marketing role. Since then she has enriched all Go-Pak’s marketing collateral, single-handedly managing the development of exhibition stands, refreshing all photography, and enhancing marketing campaigns, resulting in significantly increased customer engagement both online and offline.
FINALIST
Nick’s role as asset care manager sees him overseeing all machinery and managing upgrades and transitions – from sourcing solutions through to installation. His drive and commitment to a project designed to convert an annual production of 700 million EPS trays to a version that can be widely recycled at kerbside was pivotal – helping to save a site employing over 200 people from potential closure
Our 2022 Rising Star Award winner was Jenny Briggs of Bidfood.
Our 2020 Rising Star Award winner was Jack Lennox of Klöckner Pentaplast.