Human resources professionals from across the north-east celebrated the achievements of their peers at the star-studded tenth annual cHeRries awards.
Nine awards and two commendations were handed out at the event, which recognises the achievements of specialists in the fields of human resources, training and recruitment in the region.
Over 440 people were in attendance at the glamorous ceremony at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Concert Centre.
PICTURES: Can you spot yourself in our cHeRries Awards 2017 gallery?
Entertainment on the evening was provided by Tony Christie – whose rendition of ‘Amarillo’ delighted the crowd – as well as the saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski and covers band Fifth Avenue.
The evening’s host Fred MacAulay entertained attendees throughout with his sharp humour and witty observations.
One of the loudest cheers of the evening was reserved for the news that over £4,000 had been raised for local cancer charity Friends of Anchor.
The biggest prize of the night – the Top Cherry for outstanding contribution – was won by Sean Saluja.
That award was sponsored by Mattioli Woods.
Mr Saluja is a partner and the head of Burness Paul’s employment division.
He has more than 20 years experience in dealing with all aspects of employment law and has been recognised by Chambers UK as a leader in his field.
Mr Saluja was praised by colleagues for his no-nonsense advice, sense of humour and in-depth legal knowledge.
Others described him as a role model for the profession, and someone who can make tricky subjects easy to understand when delivering training.
He said: “I’m hugely honoured and I just feel that it’s the pinnacle of my career to have been given this award.
“It’s not just a great privilege, it’s the highest privilege.”
Emily Duffield of TAQA Bratani Ltd won the Blossoming award, sponsored by Aberdeen Business School at Robert Gordon University.
Professor Elizabeth Gammie, Head of the university’s business school said: “I am delighted that ABS is able to support the winner in such a tangible way by supporting Emily Duffield of TAQA, in working towards achieving her professional qualifications.”
Ms Duffield said: “I didn’t think I was going to win – the other two girls were so fantastic so I really feel it’s a great achievement.”
“I’ve never been involved in any event like this so it’s really, really great for me.”
The second award of the evening was presented to Helen Strachan of Wood Group for an Extraordinary HR Initiative.
She was commended for her work in changing the perception of occupational health from surveillance to something which benefits staff.
She was the first occupational health professional employed by Wood Group and is now seen as a vital part of the company’s HR function.
Ms Strachan said: “I’m just delighted to have won the award – I’m humbled and I’m honoured.
“Particularly during a very troublesome year last year I was instrumental in implementing self-help programmes and as a result of that we are now looking at a global opportunity for developing the work that I’ve done.”
The Fantastic HR Advisor, sponsored by Peterson, was presented to Peter Matthews from the Aberdeenshire Council Learning and Development team online for his work to increase the number of young people working for Aberdeenshire Council.
Collecting the award on his behalf, colleague Kay Hopwood said: “He’s an extremely worthy winner.
“If I could bottle his enthusiasm and ask other people to be as he is, I would be so proud of everybody.”
“He’s a marvellous person to work with.”
Ruth Cameron of Amec Foster Wheeler won the Excellent HR Manager award, sponsored byactiv payroll.
She was presented the award for her achievements with the company, which include hiring 4500 people, delivering over £100,000 of efficiency savings and becoming the first ever HR professional to become a contract manager with Amec Foster Wheeler.
Ms Cameron said: “It’s been a tough couple of years for everybody but in HR you sometimes have the worst things to do, and the whole team are amazing.
“It’s not just me – it’s about them tonight.”
Ruth Harris of Petrofac was highly commended in the category for her contributions to operational improvements.
Entier Ltd lifted the gong for Exemplary Employer of the Year, sponsored by CMS Cameron McKenna, for their work with local farmers and producers.
Lesley Officer, a HR director at Entier said: “It’s a testament to the hard work, the dedication, the investment and the commitment to our people”
The Organisational Development Team at Dundee and Angus College lifted the Tremendous Training and Development award for its work to develop a strong quality culture at the institution.
The team were praised for their approachability and their efforts to shed the negative image often associated with quality assurance.
Team member Christine Calder said: “You work in education and you’re really there for the students, but to be recognised from out with the industry is really positive.
“There have been so many people involved in our particular initiative that to take it home is just going to be wonderful.”
Hazel Cheung was highly commended in the category for her work as a HR advisor at Stork.
The Outstanding HR Director, sponsored by Amec Foster Wheeler was won by Dr Annie Ingram of NHS Grampian for her influence on the NHS both locally and nationally.
She is currently executive director of workforce for NHS Grampian.
Ms Ingram said: “It’s stunning, I had absolutely no expectation that I would win.
“The NHS you hear about the scientific stuff and the great stuff we do for patients, but we don’t often celebrate the background people.
“For the HR people to be nominated and to be recognised is just absolutely fabulous.”
