Lockheed Martin boss: I know the value of apprenticeships because I did one

Emlyn Taylor, group managing director of defence and security company Lockheed Martin UK’s Rotary and Mission Systems, based in Havant, said: ‘We are delighted to sponsor the Apprentice/Trainee of the Year category in this year’s Business Excellence Awards.

‘As a defence and security company operating in the area for more than three decades, we fully understand that investing in our early careers talent helps to develop diverse skills and bring innovative capabilities for the individual and to the business.

‘Awards like this serve to recognise the commitment, dedication and achievements of apprentices and trainees, and also shine a spotlight on those employers, providers and individuals who champion them.

‘I am really proud to help celebrate the successes in this area.’

Emlyn added: ‘At Lockheed Martin we offer real-work experience and full support into continuous learning as part of our early careers programmes and, as a previous apprentice myself, I know the value of that investment first hand.’

The awards shortlists have now been finalised. A special core panel of judges will now decide who will be named winners in each category.

They will also decide who will be named Overall Business of the Year, a special award where only the category winners are eligible.

Then there is the Lifetime Achievement award, presented to someone adjudged to have made a significant contribution to the Portsmouth area’s business community.

Winners will be announced on April 29 at a prestigious gala black tie dinner and ceremony to be held at Portsmouth Guildhall – the highlight of the business year in the city. The event will also be live streamed.

This year is an extra- special one for several reasons. It’s the 20th year of the awards, plus it’s the 30th anniversary of the University of Portsmouth — the university’s Business School is headline sponsor.

We’re also delighted to be returning to a normal event format after two years of being affected by Covid restrictions.

Other sponsors of the awards include Portsmouth City Council, BAE Systems, HSDC, Citrus IT Support, Aerial Direct and Solent LEP.

The awards will be hosted this year by Portsmouth-born BBC South Today news presenter Anjana Gadgil.

Special guest speaker will be Paralympic gold medallist and University of Portsmouth graduate Lauren Steadman MBE.

Cross-section of businesses will be recognised by prestigious awards

The News is proud to stage the 2022 Business Excellence Awards.

The awards will recognise a cross-section of businesses and the vital role they play in the success of the region.

The prestigious awards ceremony will take place on April 29 at Portsmouth Guildhall and will be attended by more than 300 guests, as well as being live-streamed.

Category sponsorship packages are available at £2,750 plus VAT and include tickets. E-mail [email protected] for details.

Tickets are £80 plus VAT for the three-course black tie dinner and are available from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/portsmouth-news-business-excellence-awards-2022-tickets-245714427467

For more information, please go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk or e-mail Linda Pritchard on [email protected].

THE AWARDS

Headline sponsor: University of Portsmouth Business School

CATEGORIES

Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Aerial Direct)

Medium Business of the Year (sponsored by Citrus IT Support)

Large Business of the Year

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by University of Portsmouth Business School)

Start-up Business of the Year (sponsored by GetSet Solent)

International Business of the Year

Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Company of the Year

Employer of the Year (sponsored by HSDC)

Creative/Cultural/Visitor Business of the Year (sponsored by Portsmouth City Council)

Retail & Leisure Business of the Year

Training Programme of the Year

Company CSR Initiative of the Year (sponsored by BAE Systems)

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year (sponsored by Lockheed Martin)

Entrepreneur of the Year

Sustainable Business of the Year

Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by University of Portsmouth Business School)

Overall Business of the Year (sponsored by Solent LEP)