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The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) hosted its annual awards ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel on Oct. 16, 2024.
The event, now in its sixth year, marked a record-breaking night with the highest attendance to date, a surge in global entries and an expanded list of finalists.
LEEA Chair Oliver Auston opened the event, applauding the achievements of industry professionals and celebrating excellence in lifting equipment engineering across diverse categories.
"Lifting is an outstanding and crucial part of the economy," LEEA CEO Ross Moloney said.
"It’s about problem-solving, making dreams come true and at the end of a shift, that we go home safely. Congratulations to the eleven recipients of our trophies. You are designated representatives of excellence, built on pillars of innovation and safety. I thank all the nominees as well as the sponsors and judges for their essential contributions. See you at the LEEA Awards 2025.”
The 2024 Award Recipients
The Emerging Talent Award goes to Bradley Seaman, IMES International Ltd. Recognized for his initiative and dedication, Seaman has set a standard for future professionals in the lifting industry.
The CEO Award for Services to Learning and Development goes to Andy Dowd, Speedy Hire.
Dowd’s extensive contributions to training at Speedy Hire. “Andy Dowd is clearly an outstanding example and advocate of learning and development in the industry,” Maloney said.
The Trainer of the Year - The Craig Morelli Award goes to Ashley Hall, Kito Crosby
With more than a decade of training experience, Hall has become a leading educator in safety, driving industry-wide change through hands-on teaching and an on-site training trailer that travels across the UK and Europe.
The Excellence in People Development goes to Jo Stamp, Sunbelt Rentals.
Known for her supportive mentorship and extensive industry knowledge, Stamp was celebrated for fostering a culture of growth at Sunbelt Rentals.
The Technical Excellence and Professionalism Award goes to Anton van der Zalm, Van Beest.
A key contributor at Van Beest for two decades, van der Zalm’s technical expertise and leadership have set new standards in quality and innovation.
The Excellence in Leadership goes to Hadi Al Sagour, Saudi Aramco.
Al Sagour was honored for his impactful leadership at Saudi Aramco, where he has improved crane and lifting services and safety within the Middle Eastern industry.
The Sustainability Excellence Award goes to Bunzl Safety and Lifting.
The award highlighted Bunzl’s sustainability efforts, including their initiatives to eliminate plastic waste, support renewable resources and promote inclusivity within the company.
The Excellence in Service Innovation goes to Test & Inspection Department, Select Plant Hire.
Select Plant Hire was praised for reintegrating their test and inspection services in-house, offering cutting-edge and compliant solutions.
The Excellence in Product Innovation goes to RUD Twin Trigger ROV Hook, RUD Chains Ltd.
Recognized for addressing critical offshore safety issues, the RUD Twin Trigger ROV Hook exemplifies forward-thinking design for secure subsea operations.
The Excellence in Safety goes to Bunzl Safety and Lifting.
Acknowledged for its comprehensive safety program, Bunzl’s efforts include an Incident Reporting App and a strong internal safety culture.
The Excellence in Lifting Operations goes to Beryl Alpha Lifting Team, Apache Corporation.
The team successfully executed a complex lifting operation on the Beryl Alpha platform, managing logistical challenges and maintaining rigorous safety standards.
Guests were introduced to LEEA’s charity partner, Demelza, which provides support for families of children with life-limiting conditions.
Former Special Forces Sergeant Jason Fox added inspiration to the night with stories from his military career and recent TV experiences.
LEEA CEO Moloney closed the event by commending the community's dedication and looking forward to the LEEA Awards 2025, where excellence will once again be celebrated.
Congratulations to all the winners!
