Mount Charles has celebrated the achievements and outstanding contributions its employees have made to the success of the business over the past 12 months.

The company’s annual Trevi Awards, so named in recognition of founder Trevor Annon, rewarded eight individuals and one team at a black tie ceremony on 5th April in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

Chairman of Mount Charles, Trevor Annon said: “It was an honour to present the awards at the third annual ‘Trevis’, and I would like to again offer my congratulations to all those who won as well as those who were shortlisted.

“In a company of 2,500 people, they should all feel proud to be singled out for making a difference and their fantastic contributions to the ongoing success of Mount Charles.

“It’s thanks to the hard work, commitment and downright talent of our people that we can be confident when we tell our customers that our service level is nothing short of excellent. I’m grateful that these awards give us an opportunity to shine a light on those who truly go the extra mile to ensure a job well done.”

The results were:

Best Newcomer Winner: Matthew Wheatley, Kitchen Manager, Belfast International Airport Highly Commended: Edel Murphy, Area Manager, Cleaning

Excellence in Leadership Winner: Angela Brown, Area Manager, Cleaning Highly Commended: Angela Maguire, Area Manager, Healthcare & Third Level Education

Most Innovative & Creative Employee Winner: Stephen Mackie, Brand & Marketing Manager Highly Commended: Chris Eagleson, Chef Manager, Wallace High School

Outstanding Contribution to the Team Winner: Diana Gavranic, Supervisor, National Aquatic Centre Highly Commended: Chantelle Clinton, Bar & Waiting Staff, Talent Division

Outstanding Customer Service Winner: Eileen Goodwin, Foodservice Assistant, Sandvik Highly Commended: Patrick Lecky, Cleaning Supervisor, Lisburn Leisureplex

Support Star Winner: Suzi Bell, Operations Finance Administrator, Head Office

Team Spirit Award Cleaning Team at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council

Unsung Hero Award Jacinta McKerr, Area Manager, Cleaning Highly Commended: Valerie Sloan, Control Clerk, Moy Park Dungannon

Pride of Mount Charles Braid Irwin, Catering Manager, Friends’ School Lisburn

The ultimate award on the night was the ‘Pride of Mount Charles’, which is awarded annually to a person whose service to the company is inspirational to those around them.

This year’s winner, Braid Irwin, joined Mount Charles in 1990, spending seven years as a Chef in Lisburn Training Centre before taking on the role of Catering Manager at Friends’ School Lisburn when the company won the contract in 1997.

Braid has been at the helm of that contract, one of the company’s longest running, for over 20 years. In that time, she has trained and developed countless employees, consistently improved standards across food quality, food hygiene and healthy eating and created efficiencies and cost savings for both Mount Charles and the customer.

Commenting on her award, Trevor Annon said: “Braid is an extremely worthy recipient of the Pride of Mount Charles award.

“Her loyalty, commitment and talent are all exemplary. She runs an incredibly tight ship at Friends’ and it’s no small part down to her that we’ve had the privilege of holding that contract for two decades and counting. Congratulations, Braid!”

Braid Irwin added: "I was so surprised to win the Pride of Mount Charles award, I didn’t think for one minute that I would get it.

"I have a real passion for cooking both at home and in my job and consider myself an ambassador in my line of work as I have been doing it for most of my life.

"I feel extremely honoured to have my hard work recognised by the company," she said.

Mount Charles is Ireland’s leading independently owned foodservice, cleaning, security and vending company.

Visit www.mountcharles.com for more information and news.