SPONSORED BY KATMEX
UNSUNG HERO
FINALIST
MARTIN COCKERILL ( BOB LITTLE & CO )
Unsung hero - Katmex managing director Lee Cranston handed the award to SABIC UK ’ s Steve Brennan .
WINNER
STEVE BRENNAN ( SABIC UK )
His day job is process technician for chemical giant SABIC – but Steve Brennan ’ s role is much more than that .
And it ’ s for the extra tasks he takes on to make life better for others that he was a deserving winner of the Tees Business Awards Unsung Hero prize .
The category , sponsored by Katmex , is to recognise someone who always goes that extra mile for the greater good .
That ’ s certainly the case with Steve , whose roles as Unite union rep and mental health advocate ensure he ’ s always looking out for others .
Since starting at SABIC in 2001 , he ’ s taken it upon himself to , in his words , “ make people ’ s lives better ”.
“ If I can change one thing that stops someone hurting themselves or having a bad time , that ’ s what I want ,” said Steve .
“ It ’ s how I am as a person , I suppose . I just want to improve people ’ s lives – I don ’ t want people at work feeling miserable or going home and having a bad time .”
And on a night that autism and neurodiversity charity Daisy Chain won an award , Steve said neurodiversity is something he ’ s keen to look more into .
He said : “ We ’ re going to try to do some stuff where we can help people who maybe have different ways of working .
“ We went to a health and wellbeing expo in Birmingham where we talked to different people and that really stood out to us .
“ In a company our size , there ’ ll be people with neurodivergence who could need some help .
“ If we can provide that , great – that ’ s just what I want to do .”
With 20 years of dedicated service to Bob Little & Co , financial planner Martin has achieved the rare double-chartered status from the CII and LIBF , showcasing his commitment to excellence .
His deep understanding of financial planning , combined with a uniquely personal approach to client relations , has enabled numerous individuals to achieve their dreams of early retirement .
However , his skills extend beyond technical expertise , with his mentorship and leadership helping to significantly shape the firm ’ s culture .
FINALIST
HARSHA ARYA ( WOOTZANO )
Since coming to the UK to complete a master ’ s degree , with distinction , in mechatronics systems , Harsha has worked tirelessly to help with the integration of robotics and AI in the UK .
Harsha ’ s skills at Wootzano , which produces highly dexterous robots for fruit and vegetable packaging , is playing a pivotal role in how robotics and AI are integrated into society to serve people , allowing it to execute complicated tasks while also analysing , deciding and producing decisions for optimal deployment .
SPONSOR ’ S REFLECTIONS :
Lee Cranston , managing director , Katmex “ It was great to sponsor this award once again for those individuals who go above and beyond , either within their workplace , their community or , in some instances , both . Another great evening with a fantastic turnout , highlighting the extraordinary talent here in Teesside .”
2023 winner : Paul South ( MFC Foundation )
The voice of business in the Tees region | 137