Congratulations to the 2024 LEEA Awards Winners

Congratulations to the 2024 LEEA Awards Winners

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) hosted its annual awards ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel on Oct. 16, 2024. The event, now in its sixth year, marked a record-breaking night with the highest attendance to date, a surge in global entries and an expanded list of finalists.

LEEA Chair Oliver Auston opened the event, applauding the achievements of industry professionals and celebrating excellence in lifting equipment engineering across diverse categories.

"Lifting is an outstanding and crucial part of the economy," LEEA CEO Ross Moloney said.

"It’s about problem-solving, making dreams come true and at the end of a shift, that we go home safely. Congratulations to the eleven recipients of our trophies. You are designated representatives of excellence, built on pillars of innovation and safety. I thank all the nominees as well as the sponsors and judges for their essential contributions. See you at the LEEA Awards 2025.”

The 2024 Award Recipients

1. Emerging Talent Award - Bradley Seaman, IMES International Ltd
   Recognized for his initiative and dedication, Bradley Seaman has set a standard for future professionals in the lifting industry. “Brad is the epitome of emerging talent and appears to be a very energetic and proactive person and is obviously keen to learn and develop his knowledge and skills,” the judges said.
2. CEO Award for Services to Learning and Development - Andy Dowd, Speedy Hire
   Dowd’s extensive contributions to training at Speedy Hire were highlighted, with CEO Ross Moloney noting his dedication to education and mentorship in developing new lifting engineers. “Andy Dowd is clearly an outstanding example and advocate of learning and development in the industry,” Maloney said.
3. “In addition to completing four LEEA Diplomas himself, Andy is the Speedy main contact for the LEEA Accredited Training Scheme, which has 10 approved courses. He is a member of the LEEA Learning and Development Committee and has been shortlisted three times for trainer of the year. His determination to innovate in terms of teaching methods and mentor apprenticeships really stood out, and I believe it is wholly fitting that we recognize his service to the sector both in and out of the classroom.”
4. Trainer of the Year - The Craig Morelli Award - Ashley Hall, Kito Crosby
   With more than a decade of training experience, Hall has become a leading educator in safety, driving industry-wide change through hands-on teaching and an on-site training trailer that travels across the UK and Europe.
5. Excellence in People Development - Jo Stamp, Sunbelt Rentals
   Known for her supportive mentorship and extensive industry knowledge, Stamp was celebrated for fostering a culture of growth at Sunbelt Rentals.
6. Technical Excellence and Professionalism Award - Anton van der Zalm, Van Beest
   A key contributor at Van Beest for two decades, van der Zalm’s technical expertise and leadership have set new standards in quality and innovation.
7. Excellence in Leadership - Hadi Al Sagour, Saudi Aramco
   Al Sagour was honored for his impactful leadership at Saudi Aramco, where he has improved crane and lifting services and safety within the Middle Eastern industry.
8. Sustainability Excellence Award - Bunzl Safety and Lifting
   The award highlighted Bunzl’s sustainability efforts, including their initiatives to eliminate plastic waste, support renewable resources and promote inclusivity within the company.
9. Excellence in Service Innovation - Test & Inspection Department, Select Plant Hire
   Select Plant Hire was praised for reintegrating their test and inspection services in-house, offering cutting-edge and compliant solutions.
10. Excellence in Product Innovation - RUD Twin Trigger ROV Hook, RUD Chains Ltd
    Recognized for addressing critical offshore safety issues, the RUD Twin Trigger ROV Hook exemplifies forward-thinking design for secure subsea operations.
11. Excellence in Safety - Bunzl Safety and Lifting
    Acknowledged for its comprehensive safety program, Bunzl’s efforts include an Incident Reporting App and a strong internal safety culture.
12. Excellence in Lifting Operations - Beryl Alpha Lifting Team, Apache Corporation
    The team successfully executed a complex lifting operation on the Beryl Alpha platform, managing logistical challenges and maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Guests were introduced to LEEA’s charity partner, Demelza, which provides support for families of children with life-limiting conditions.

Former Special Forces Sergeant Jason Fox added inspiration to the night with stories from his military career and recent TV experiences.

LEEA CEO Moloney closed the event by commending the community's dedication and looking forward to the LEEA Awards 2025, where excellence will once again be celebrated.

Congratulations to all the winners!