Member Article

Hero Eric collects top award

A DRIVER at a Teesside transport company has been named the region’s Unsung Hero at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Eric Conner, of Nicholson’s Transport, was recognised as Unsung Hero of the Year at the inaugural North East Employee of the Year Awards held at Wynyard Hall Hotel in June.

The ceremony celebrates talented employees across the North East recognising their hard work, commitment and dedication.

Eric, who has worked for Billingham-based Nicholson’s Transport for many years, was applauded for his eagerness and enthusiasm to help out others – especially when they became stuck.

Examples include driving to the Yorkshire Dales to dig out a lorry driver who became stuck in snow; making urgent deliveries out of hours; becoming the main point of contact while the firm’s security gates were being repaired; and becoming Nicholson’s unofficial chauffeur to take management staff to functions out of working hours.

He said: “I was absolutely thrilled to win the award and didn’t really know anything about it until a few weeks ago. I was nominated by my bosses and it’s quite an honour to realise those little extra things are noticed and appreciated.”

Honouring a variety of talent, including Best Young Employee, Apprentice and Leadership Award, the North East Employee of the Year ceremony featured a drinks reception, three-course dinner and first class entertainment in an effort to celebrate the success of staff across the region.

David Nicholson, Managing Director of Nicholson’s Transport, said: “Eric is one of those people who can turn their hand to anything. He has a great attitude and it’s encouraging to know we have someone around for who nothing is too much.

“The fact he is willing to drop everything, get in his own car and drive down to Reeth in the snow to dig someone out, sums Eric up perfectly. He is just one of those people who is always willing to help out, to go the extra mile because he wants to help and it’s the right thing to do. He has a positive attitude towards his work.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonathan Ward .