Life’s a bowl of cHeRries at awards night

The north-east’s exceptional human resources (HR) practices and professionals are to be celebrated once more at DC Thomson’s annual cHeRries Awards.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the annual event at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on May 30 2019, at which 10 awards will be handed out. Candidates can enter from today and nominations will be taken until midnight on Sunday February 10.

This year’s award winners included Karen Catto from Stewart Milne Group, who won the much-coveted Top cHeRry Award, sponsored by Mattioli Woods. The HR director was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the industry, having joined the company in 1996 after roles in the oil and gas and paper-making sectors.

The 2018 ceremony was hosted by Fred MacAulay and organised by DC Thomson.

It’s never been easier to enter the awards, as people can apply online at www.cherriesawards.co.uk using a new, streamlined form. Those shortlisted will be interviewed by the judges before the final selection is made. Categories include everything from Excellent HR Manager to Fantastic HR Adviser to Terrific Team of the Year.

Christine Calder, the professional learning course leader at Dundee and Angus College, won the Tremendous Training and Development category in 2017. Since then, her award has taken pride of place in the D&A College office.

“The whole experience was wonderful and it inspired me to keep working on other innovative initiatives,” said Christine. “I was made to feel very special, as were all of my colleagues who attended.

“Since winning a cHeRrie award, D&A College has received a lot of interest, some of which has come from international companies.

“Although flattering, it has only shown me how many people recognise the value of the cHeRies Awards in Scotland and further afield. Therefore, if you are implementing, or have recently implemented, a new and exciting training and development initiative, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to enter the awards.”

Awards categories:

Excellent HR Manager (sponsored by Activpayroll)

Exceptional Employee Engagement Exemplary Employer of Choice (sponsored by Aberdeen University Business School)

Extraordinary HR Initiative (sponsored by Nexen) Fantastic HR Adviser Outstanding HR Director (sponsored by Wood)

Terrific Team of the Year (sponsored by CMS)

Tremendous Training and Development (sponsored by Petrofac)

The Blossoming Award (sponsored by Robert Gordon University)

The Top cHeRry (sponsored by Mattioli Woods).