Outstanding colleagues recognised

Outstanding colleagues and teams from across Lincolnshire Co-op’s diverse business were honoured at the retailer’s Spotlight Awards event.
The event, which was held at The Drill in Lincoln, saw Branches of the Year recognised within each business area, as well as Team of the Year, Overall Colleague of the Year, and Helpful, Trustworthy and Inspiring Colleagues of the Year.
Helpful Colleague of the Year was awarded to Pharmacy Home Driver at Barrowby Gate Pharmacy in Grantham, Angela Thompson, who promptly raised the alarm to the relevant services when she noticed the deterioration of some vulnerable patients that she delivered to.
Angela was one of the only people who regularly saw them and without her concern for their wellbeing, and courage to speak out when she felt something was amiss, the patients may not have got the help they needed.
Katie Selby, Funeral Director, and Bob Blake, Funeral Operative, both based at Tritton Road Funeral in Lincoln, received Inspiring Colleague of the Year for going above and beyond to support a bereaved family, enabling them all to mourn in a way that was meaningful to them.
Also based at Tritton Road Funeral, Katie Woodward-Emslie, Funeral Receptionist, was awarded Trustworthy Colleague of the Year for showing real empathy and support to a family who had lost a loved one, making a real impact on their mourning process.
Chloe Grooby, Customer Service Assistant Step-up and Ryan Owen, Team Leader, at Dunholme Food were awarded Team of the Year, for working together to keep everyone safe in a stressful situation. The team kept calm and in control, contacting the police for intervention.
Overall Colleague of the Year was awarded to Emma Relton, Commercial Admin Manager at Support Centre in Lincoln, who embraced the society’s strategy, Purpose Beyond Profit 2030, by creating tools to help her team manage change while in her previous role as Coningsby Food Store Manager.
She has also been instrumental in organising various fundraising events in Coningsby, including bingo nights at the local community centre, in support of local groups and good causes.
Branches of the Year were awarded to Scawby Food Store, Carlton Centre Travel in Lincoln, Carlton Centre Post Office in Lincoln, Sleaford Funeral Home, and Birchwood Pharmacy in Lincoln.
Chief Executive Officer at Lincolnshire Co-op, Alison Hands, said: “Our Spotlight Awards were a fantastic opportunity to celebrate colleagues who have gone above and beyond.
“I was honoured to be part of the judging panel, so I know just how tough the competition was; it was amazing to hear so many inspiring stories.
“A massive congratulations to our wonderful winners and thank you for your commitment to our shared purpose, which is to make life better in our communities.”
Spotlight Award winners
Overall Colleague of the Year
Winner: Emma Relton, Commercial Admin Manager at Support Centre in Lincoln.
Runner-up: Trish Lirette, Customer Service Step-up at Barnbygate Food Store in Newark.
Runner-up: Liam Ingamells, Team Leader at Eastwood Road Food Store in Boston.
Overall Team of the Year
Winner: Chloe Grooby, Customer Service Assistant Step-up, and Ryan Owen, Team Leader, both based at Dunholme Food Store.
Runner-up: Liquorpond Pharmacy in Boston.
Helpful Colleague of the Year
Winner: Angela Thompson, Pharmacy Home Driver at Barrowby Gate Pharmacy in Grantham.
Runner-up: Dennis Cooper, Funeral Operative at Horncastle Funeral Home.
Inspiring Colleague of the Year
Winner: Katie Selby, Funeral Director, and Bob Blake, Funeral Operative, both based at Tritton Road Funeral Home in Lincoln.
Runner up: David Forster, Project Manager at Support Centre in Lincoln.
Trustworthy Colleague of the Year
Winner: Katie Woodward-Emslie, Funeral Receptionist at Tritton Road Funeral Home in Lincoln.
Runner-up: Caroline Phillips, Customer Services Assistant, and Paula Harrison, Customer Services Assistant Step-up, both based at Washingborough Food Store.
Runner-up: Jess Cross, Customer Service Assistant Step-up, and Connor Rouse, Team Leader, at Winning Post Food Store in Lincoln.
Funeral Home of the Year: Sleaford Funeral Home.
Food Store of the Year: Scawby Food Store.
Travel Branch of the Year: Carlton Centre Travel.
Post Office of the Year: Carlton Centre Post Office.
Pharmacy of the Year: Birchwood Pharmacy.