Celebrating Excellence: Dragon Awards 2024

Team Leader / Manager of the Year – Phil Gordon, AVT Reliability

Phil Gordon of AVT Reliability^® has been awarded the 2024 Team Leader Award, a recognition backed by an overwhelming number of nominations from his colleagues. Over the past few years, Phil has expertly managed an expanding team and customer base, consistently rising to the challenge during the company’s organizational restructure. His commitment to leadership is evident in his pursuit of a Level 5 Leadership and Management course, earning him deep respect from his team.

Phil’s recent success in recruiting top talent for challenging key accounts, alongside his ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, highlights his exceptional leadership skills. His strategic thinking and dedication have driven his team to exceed performance expectations, making him a deserving recipient of this award.

Apprentice of the Year – Charlie Stelfox, AVT Reliability

Charlie Stelfox of AVT Reliability^® is the recipient of the 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award, a recognition bolstered by numerous nominations from his peers. Since joining AVT Reliability^® as a Support Engineer Apprentice in 2023, Charlie has quickly become an invaluable team member, seamlessly integrating into the Warrington office and playing a crucial role in supporting the Machine Sentry™ Fixed Sensor manufacturing. His politeness, eagerness to learn, and proactive attitude have made him the go-to person in the office.

Charlie’s ability to excel in building panels and in following wiring diagrams for the Machine Sentry™ Online systems, a rapidly growing area of the business, further showcases his dedication to growth. He has also contributed significantly to speeding up the support desk and Machine Sentry™ Online builds process, balancing this with consistent excellence in his college studies. Charlie’s versatility, attention to detail, and positive attitude have marked him as a standout apprentice with a bright future at AVT Reliability^®.

Above and Beyond – Kassie Kleingeld, AESSEAL Australia

Kassie Kleingeld of AESSEAL Australia has been awarded the 2024 Above and Beyond Award for his extraordinary dedication to the construction of the new facility in Brisbane. Kassie demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout the construction of the new facility, consistently going above and beyond in his role. He showed his initiative by attending early site meetings, working late to ensure tasks were completed, and meticulously addressing every challenge that arose. Kassie’s proactive engagement with contractors and his strategic efforts to reduce costs were invaluable to the project’s success.

Without Kassie’s unwavering commitment and hard work, this significant project would not have achieved the same level of success. These contributions are a true testament to Kassie’s professionalism and dedication.

Fernando De Campos collected the award on behalf of Kassie Kleingeld

Branch / Department of the Year – AVT Reliability UK

AVT Reliability^® has received this year’s Branch of the Year award, recognizing the team’s exceptional growth, development, and work culture. Over the past few years, they have consistently hit targets, contributing to significant milestones like achieving £20 million in sales over 12 months and recording the first £10 million year in 2023. This success reflects the hard work of every team member in supporting product, software, and service sales while integrating with the wider group businesses.

Under Chris Ryan’s leadership, AVT Reliability^® has excelled in business performance and created a positive work environment with excellent staff retention. The Warrington branch has been especially critical, serving as the hub of Machine Sentry™ production and shipping, ensuring timely deliveries and high-quality service.

The team’s commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation sets AVT Reliability^® apart as an exceptionally worthy recipient of this award.

Managing Director’s Award - Suvish Viswanadhan, AESSEAL Middle East

Suvish Viswanadhan has been honoured with the 2024 Dragon Awards Managing Director’s Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication.

Suvish exemplifies the qualities of a visionary leader with an impressive ability to inspire and motivate his team. His leadership is marked by a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every team member’s strengths are effectively utilized. Suvish’s strategic thinking and problem-solving skills have been pivotal in navigating complex challenges and achieving significant milestones.

Under Suvish’s guidance, two loss-making businesses in the Middle East have been transformed into profitable ventures, expanding market share and demonstrating his adeptness in driving organizational success. His proactive approach includes representing AESSEAL Middle East at the Oil and Gas Mechanical Seal Technology Conference in Saudi Arabia and championing the Betterworld Solutions Initiative, reflecting his commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation in mechanical seal technology.

The leadership from Suvish extends beyond conventional management; he is a mentor and role model whose honesty, kindness, and constant support uplift and empower his team. His focus on professional growth, coupled with his efforts to create training programs for new employees and his active listening skills, underscore his dedication to developing talent and fostering a positive work environment.

Suvish’s ability to exceed sales targets, address challenges efficiently, and support the professional development of his team makes him a truly deserving recipient of this special award.

Amelia Wood collected the award on behalf of Suvish Viswanadhan