The APC celebrates two amazing achievements as Jonathan Smith and Lydia Hopley were awarded ‘winners’ at the 2024 Express & Star Business Awards.

                              

Jonathan Smith, who has been CEO at The APC for nine years, won the ‘Business Person of the Year’ award. When he was hired, the board sought someone with industry expertise who understood the sector's challenges and the critical importance of valuing its people as a number one priority. Since joining, Jonathan Smith has tackled industry and business environment challenges head-on and has transformed The APC into a leading employer of choice in the sector; promoting diversity and gender equality, and maintaining a strong focus on continuous learning and development.

                              

Lydia Hopley, Assistant Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment Manager, was honoured with the ‘Employee of the Year’ award. Lydia joined The APC in 2019 and has since supported various areas of the business before transitioning to the quality, health, and safety team at the national centre in Cannock in June 2020 as health and safety administrator. This gave her the opportunity to further develop her skills and turned her passion for helping others into a reality.  Her outstanding work ethic was recognised by her peers and The APC's senior leadership team, leading her to be promoted to Assistant Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment Manager.

These awards reflect the incredible efforts Jonathan and Lydia have put into creating a safe, positive, and inclusive workplace for The APC. 

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