November 14, 2022
Hosted by celebrity compere Alfie Moore, comedian and ex serving police sergeant with the Humberside Police, together with the British Drilling Association (BDA) Chair Paul McMann, the BDA Awards, sponsored by Casagrande UK, were a great success.
Held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, on 12th November 2022, the Awards recognise the talent, innovation and people that embody the principles of the BDA, and this year was no exception. In fact, the quality of submissions genuinely made choosing category winners almost impossible and the BDA would like to thank everybody that entered the Awards.
The winners for 2022 are:
Lead Driller of the Year Award – Brian Gee, Marriott Geotechnical Drilling
Brian is an outstanding individual Lead Driller, who has made a great contribution to the British Drilling Industry as well as the company he works for.
Brian truly embodies the ethos of the BDA, with a willingness to learn and the adaptability and consistency required to excel. His work ethic is outstanding, rising to all challenges thrown at him, whilst also keen to learn from his peers. Brian is all that we would expect a lead driller to be and was a very deserving winner.
Apprentice of the Year Award – Jon Morgan, Alun Griffiths Contractors
Jon was an outstanding apprentice on the BDA Apprenticeship Scheme and was recognised for being an outstanding apprentice, and for the positive contribution that he made to his workplace, showing commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication.
He is destined for a great career in the drilling sector!
Industry Excellence Award – WJ UK
WJ UK was awarded in recognition of its “MC6 Electric Drilling Rig”, an innovation that brings numerous benefits to site, but more importantly, has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of all the projects it is involved in – much needed if the UK is to meet is Net Zero target!
Well done, a deserving winner!
Safety Initiative Award – Raeburn Drilling & Geotechnical
Raeburn Drilling & Geotechnical was awarded for its Mental Health Awareness Initiative – ‘Stop, Think, Understand, Support’.
Given the growing awareness of mental health issues in the workplace, and the taboo that often exists around these issues, this initiative is most welcome and is already making an impact.
Well done, another a very deserving winner.
Lifetime Achievement Award – John Grainger and David Lewins
John and David were both recognised for their huge contribution to the drilling sector over their entirety of their careers and it was only fitting that they each received an Award as a thank you.
Both have achieved the respect of their peers and have given back so much to the industry that they have made their careers in, as well providing encouragement, guidance and support to those new to the sector.
Well done both, we wish you the best of luck for the future!
Highly Commended
Though unlucky not to win, the judges were impressed with the following entries and asked for them to be given special recognition.
Both projects were highlighted as worthy of additional praise – so well done to all involved in these projects.
Thank you Sponsors
The BDA would also like to take this opportunity to once again thank the companies that sponsored the 2022 Awards – Casagrande UK, JKS Boyles and John Lawrie Tubulars. It is only through the support of sponsors that events such as this are possible – thank you all so much!
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