One of the winners from Aycliffe Business Park’s awards ceremony has attributed “teamwork and friendship” as key factors in their achievement.
Occupational Health and Training Services (OHTS) won the Service Business of the Year category at the 2022 Make Your Mark Awards, held in association with Husqvarna at Redworth Hall Hotel.
Managing director Linda Jones said: “I’m just stunned – it’s wonderful. I’m really pleased for everybody because we’ve all had a lot of extra work because of the pandemic. Everyone’s been working really hard.
“The pandemic brought different challenges – protecting people from the infection itself, giving businesses support over what they could and couldn’t do.
“And then there was the backlash after lockdown, with people having all sorts of problems – worrying about work, psychological issues, just giving everybody as much support as we can, it’s been really busy.”
And when asked what makes it work, Linda proudly added: “Teamwork – and friendship.
“We are professional in what we do but we also care about each other, as well as looking after the businesses.
“The business park community is great – it’s such a great atmosphere and people ae so friendly. It’s great to win but we didn’t really care because it’s wonderful to be part of it all.”
OHTS provides bespoke customer services relating to wide range of occupational health support and guidance to clients.
The firm has recently purchased a mobile unit which is fully fitted as a clinic to offer a flexible service to clients, who range from small, medium and large manufacturing companies, education environments, individuals and chemical companies.
After the Covid outbreak, OHTS adapted by branching out into PCR Covid testing for travel purposes, which had to comply with government requirements, and saw the company setting up an agreement with a laboratory in Barnard Castle.
Looking ahead, Linda said: “We just want to keep on looking after people, as we’ve always done, and each other as well.
“It’s often a very difficult balance between looking after people and keeping a business profitable, which is what we try to help people to do.
“We’ve also bought a mobile vehicle because we noticed a lot of places started to struggle with the space because people needed to spread out more, so they didn’t have the space for us to come in and do testing.”
OHTS beat off competition from Upex Electrical Distributors (UED) and Digital Edge to win the Service category, which was sponsored by Stiller Warehousing and Distribution.
Stiller business development manager Thomas Prentice said: “We were very pleased to be the sponsors of the awards. I would like to thank the entrants and shortlisted for throwing their hats into the ring for this and sharing with the judges a little about what how their companies perform so well.
“OHTS adapted quickly to offer clients covid workplace policies and procedures advice. UED delivered a notably consistent financial performance and service delivery over the last five years. And we were very impressed with Digital Edge’s focussed and innovative service offering of WIX website development.
“OHTS were the winners on the night; however, all were worthy finalist and should be applauded.
“In a year of, goods shortages and soaring costs it can be too easy to lose sight of the fact that no business can thrive or survive without a compelling service offering.
“We look forward with interest to next year’s awards and our participation in one form or another.”
- Pictured above: Occupational Health and Training Services managing director Linda Jones receives the Service Business award from Stiller business development manager Thomas Prentice.