"This nomination truly means so much to me. Being nominated as a finalist is incredibly special because, in the three years I’ve been with Chequers, I’ve seen such an amazing transformation and enormous growth. It’s been a privilege to be part of that journey, and none of it would have been possible without the incredible team around me. This recognition feels like a celebration of everything we’ve achieved together, and I’m so proud of what we’ve built."
Naomi Childe, Managing Director, Chequers (finalist Trailblazer Award)
We received over 500 nominations for this year’s Shining Star Awards, spanning 10 unique categories, including the Trailblazer, Impact Employee, and Dream Team Awards.
With so many exceptional entries, our judges faced tough choices, carefully narrowing down each category to just three outstanding finalists.
We want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who was nominated. It's a fantastic accomplishment and a true testament to your hard work and dedication. Being nominated by a colleague or client is something to be proud of!
Learn more about the criteria for each category and meet our outstanding finalists below.
"The Shining Stars event was an absolutely brilliant evening that made me very proud to work for our business. There were so many great finalists and it was such a lovely surprise to win one of the categories."
Sarah Mcleod, Operations Director, Portfolio (winner Trailblazer Award)
Trailblazer
The Trailblazer Award recognises colleagues who change the game. These are the people who embrace challenges, spark new ideas, and push boundaries in ways that leave a lasting impact. They are entrepreneurial in spirit, innovative in approach, and fearless in exploring new opportunities. More than that, they inspire others through their energy, creativity, and commitment to excellence.
- Naomi Childe
- Sarah McLeod
- Mike Hanahoe
Everyday Hero
The Everyday Hero Award recognises those who quietly make an extraordinary difference. They step up when needed, support their colleagues without hesitation, and show us what it means to live our values day in and day out.
- Joanna Baranowska, Transport
- Neil Hawthorne, Central
- Norma Liliana Delgado Astudillo, Chequers
- Fay Dickson, Amulet
- Diego Barrera, London
- Emily Snowdon, HelpPoint
- Siobene Chambers, Scotland & North
- Sheila Downes, Southern
- Amie-Rose Hartley, East Anglia
Impact Employee
The Impact Employee Award recognises those who think bigger than the day-to-day. These colleagues champion sustainability, social responsibility, and wellbeing. They put people and the planet at the heart of what they do, creating meaningful and lasting change across the business and beyond.
- Deb Smith
- Eric Davies
- Johnny Linney
Star of Stars Frontline
The Star of Stars – Frontline Award brings together our monthly winners into one category, celebrating those who stood out for their dedication and impact throughout the year. These colleagues represent consistency, professionalism, and courage on the frontline, setting the bar for excellence across Churchill Group.
- Peter Mitchell
- Mohamed Elnaggar
- Karla Collins
Star of Stars Management & Support
The Star of Stars Management and Support Award celebrates colleagues recognised through monthly nominations for outstanding contributions. Each month, the MDs select one nominee whose dedication, professionalism, and impact stand out. These exceptional colleagues are then put forward for the annual award, highlighting consistent excellence and positive influence within their teams and across the business.
- Precious Nnebedum
- Andrew Johnson
- Connor Burgess
To The Moon & Back
The To The Moon & Back Award recognises colleagues who consistently deliver exceptional customer service, demonstrating initiative, warmth, and a service-led mindset. This award celebrates individuals or teams who go above and beyond, positively influencing both customers and colleagues while helping to raise standards across the business.
- Sophie Clark
- Anthony Evans, Thomas Bell & Owen Stevenson
- PHC – Ladies
"Being part of the shining stars dream team award and having the university of Suffolk reach the final 4 was a fantastic achievement and very proud of the team but always winners in my eyes it just shows the hard work and dedication/commitment 2 teams put in working together and delivering for their client."
Matthew Keane, Operations Manager (finalist Dream Team)
Talented Newbie
The Talented Newbie Award recognises colleagues with less than two years’ service who consistently go above and beyond. It celebrates individuals who demonstrate skill, innovation, and commitment to service, positively influence team culture, and contribute to the business from day one.
- Ausra Baltrusaityte
- Megan Whalley
- Charlotte Macdonald
Inspirer
The Inspirer Award recognises colleagues with direct reports who consistently demonstrate outstanding leadership. It celebrates those who set a clear vision, inspire their teams, champion development and wellbeing, implement new ideas, and take measured risks to challenge the status quo.
- Gabbie Lapompe
- Leroy Daley
- John Young
Dream Team
The Dream Team Award celebrates groups who achieve excellence together. These are the sites and teams where collaboration, innovation, and service culture thrive. Each member contributes to success, and together they create something greater than the sum of their parts.
- Transport – GTR
- Central – Red Bull Racing
- Portfolio – K&E
- East – University of Suffolk
Exceptional Achievement Award
Some acts stand apart, moments of courage, quick thinking, or compassion that simply don’t fit into any other category. The Exceptional Achievement Award exists to recognise those extraordinary circumstances where colleagues go far beyond expectations.
- Winner: George Thynne