It was an evening of entertainment, networking and first-class cuisine, as over 200 guests gathered at the Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club in Birmingham for the BICSc Annual Awards. The black-tie event attracted cleaning and FM professionals from across the industry who enjoyed a memorable evening, which saw eleven awards presented to those who had maintained exceptionally high standards via training and assessment throughout the year.

The Institute’s top accolade, The Sholom Gordon Award, went to Doug Cooke, CEO of Principle Cleaning and former Chairman of the British Cleaning Council, for his services to the industry over many years.

BICSc CEO, Stan Atkins, paid special tribute to Mr Colin Hasson, who sadly passed away in April this year. He announced that the BICSc International Award would now be known as the ‘Colin Hasson International Award’ in his honor, a move which brought warm applause from the room.

The BICSc Awards Dinner is one of the few ‘must-attend’ events in the cleaning and FM calendar, and the purpose built conference marquee adjoining the famous Forest of Arden Hotel, was a perfect setting for this special evening. 

After the presentation of the awards and banquet dinner, guests took part in the Charity Auction and raffle, which this year was in aid of the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, raising

With the evening’s main business over, live band Stirling Austin took to the stage and performed an uplifting set of classic hits from the Motown and Swing eras, filling the dance floor until the evening came to a close around midnight.

Organizers say it was one of the most successful awards night yet, and wish to thank everyone who took part, with a special mention to the sponsors and award winners – listed below. 

BICSc 2015 Award Winners:

Sholom Gordon Award - Winner - Douglas Cooke

Eric Hill Medal - Winner - Michael Henderson

Colin Hasson International Award - Winner - Colin Hanks

Ayres Regional Award - Winner - Northern Ireland Region 

BICSc Award for Client Commitment to Training - Winner - Sussex Estates & Facilities LLP

Doreen Heyes Award - Winner - St George’s Hospital, London (MITIE)

BICSc Outstanding Student of the Year Award - Winner - Tyler Hamilton, HMP Wormwood Scrubs

BICSc Award for Excellence in Training and Assessment within an Accredited Training Organisation (in-house) - Winner - Manchester Metropolitan University

BICSc Award for Excellence in Training and Assessment within an Accredited Training Establishment - Winner - HMP Norwich

BICSc Award for Assessor of the Year - Winner - Sarah Marsland, Manchester Metropolitan University

CIMS Award For Commitment to Excellence - Winner - Principle Cleaning Services