Congratulations to our National Pest Awards 2024 winners!
Diversity & Inclusion Award
Paul Cooper says diversity & inclusion is very important to him. It’s not about inclusion, it’s about not having exclusion, he says. Paul wants to show people that no role is excluded to them.
Large Company of the Year
In November, 2019, Pest Solutions employed four people, now it has more than 70 staff. The business recently restructured its sales team which will enable it to push hard for national accounts. “It’s exciting times,” Chris Cagienard said.
Local Authority of the Year
Lee Taylor says that in the last 12 months, the local authority has completed 160 new proofing jobs, and his team points out to domestic customers that it’s cheaper for them to block a vent or fill a cement hole than getting a builder to do the work. His pest controllers armed with a card machine to take payments immediately which has worked well.
Pest Business of the Year
In an incredibly strong field, Pest Solutions, the Large Company of the Year, stood out. Chris Cagienard said the stereotypical view of a pest controller is one that isn’t fair. Chris said: “People paint us with a different brush from the one we deserve to be painted with that we’re, a bunch of aging, gruff men that kill things for a living. I think it’s important to show people that, pest control is not what you think it is. What we find is, when we got people engaged and enjoying their job, they are more productive.”
Pest Controller of the Year
Josh Bates said being a finalist in this category was testament to how hard he’s worked to prove himself. “Over these past five years, I’ve just wanted to prove to everyone that I can be a great technician and I can provide a really good service,” Josh said.
Small Company of the Year
Mick Kilburn started EPM in 2010 and the business has grown organically. The company has a zero-tolerance attitude, when told “it can’t be done”. Mick says: “As long as the customer works alongside us, we can make sure that it gets done.”
Sole Trader of the Year
Matthew Arnold started the business in February 2023 and says he spends time to make sure that things are done properly, rather than not rushing between appointments. He acknowledges that training is incredibly important.
Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Beaver director David Lodge is passionate about sustainability and the environment. While he acknowledges that, being based in London, his company’s carbon footprint is large, he is committed to keep fighting for it and try and do as much as he can to reduce it. He wants to lead by example in his own business, and the wider the industry.
Unsung Hero of the Year
Ellen Ambler says she loves everything about her role, which is so varied. Promoted to office manager four years ago, she said before tonight that she might pass out with shock if she wins.
Young Pest Controller of the Year
Aaron Scott joined John O’Conner in January 2023. Says that professional pest control appeals to him because no two days are the same. Aaron said he was chuffed to be a finalist.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Alan retired from his role as CRRU chairman in 2024 and he is being recognised for the hard work he put into developing CRRU, and its Code of Best practice, for the benefit of the entire sector.
Sharon retired from her role as Global Technical Marketing Manager at BASF this summer, so there is no better time to recognise her impressive career than at this year’s National Pest Awards.