Sefton@Work Hosts Successful STAR Awards Ceremony

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Southport’s Grand was filled with celebration, inspiration, and community spirit when Sefton@Work hosted its annual STAR Awards recently.

Sefton@Work’s glittering STAR Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of local employers and individuals. They shine a spotlight on those who have made remarkable strides in employment and personal development to ultimately benefit people who live in Sefton.

Opened by Sefton Council’s Chief Executive Phil Porter, the evening featured live entertainment and a charity raffle to support the Sefton Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal. Sefton Council leader Cllr Marion Atkinson presented the awards and Claire Maguire, the Council’s Service Manager for Employment and Learning made the closing remarks.

Cllr Atkinson said:“I was honoured to be able to present these fantastic local employers and individuals with their well-deserved awards.

“Everyone who won should be immensely proud of their efforts as they exemplify inclusive recruitment, meaningful mentorship and leave a lasting positive impact on our communities.”

Highlights included:

  • Employer of the Year: Aramark UK at Everton FC Hill Dickinson Stadium for recruiting more Sefton@Work clients than any other employer.

  • Mentorship Excellence: Vinci Building for empowering clients through exceptional guidance.

  • Strategic Partnership: G4S Employment Support Services for their pivotal role in the Restart programme.

  • Caring Business Advocate: Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group for championing care-experienced young people.

Other winners included Apollo Care, The Lake House, Chroda Facilities Management, eduk8 Partnership Ltd, Inglenorth Contracting Ltd and Mersey Care Sefton CYP & Families 0–19 Admin Team.

The Sefton@Work STAR Awards also celebrated clients who have overcome significant barriers to employment. This included the Innovation in Role award which went to Sasha Rudd, now a self-employed digital music creator with over 257,000 social media followers.

These stories, shared throughout the evening, highlighted the transformative power of tailored support and meaningful employment.

The charity raffle benefitting The Sefton Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal held on the night, was made possible thanks to generous contributions from partners including Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group and RM Counselling UK. Over £700 was raised.

Sefton@Work continues to build a stronger, more inclusive Borough by connecting residents with opportunities, supporting employers, and celebrating the social value created through collaboration. It offers free, confidential, impartial advice and guidance to Sefton residents over 16 years of age on all aspects of jobs, education, training, including self-employment.

The team offer varied types of client centred support to meet each individual’s needs. This can include help back into work, finding their first job or help with a change of career. Sefton@Work also provides free recruitment services for local employers, which includes advertising vacancies, managing applications and pre-screening applicants. Businesses get a free, bespoke recruitment service via the Employer Liaison Team.

People can find further information on the service atwww.seftonatwork.netand by emailingseftonatwork.info@sefton.gov.uk. Individuals can call Sefton@Work on 0151 934 2610 while employers should call 0151 934 2648.

People can watch the video from the night athttps://youtu.be/2eY_32sud1U?si=YeRoiJ9xphGMzOED