The organisers of this year's PPMA show have announced the UK's most outstanding professionals from the packaging and processing machinery industry as part of the show's new feature, the Ones to Watch awards.
The five short listed candidates are now all in with the chance of being crowned the winner at the PPMA Show from 27-29 September. Fighting it out for the number one spot is Sabine Fiehl from Busch UK, Phil Smith from Converging Solutions Ltd, Greg Austin from Endoline Machinery Ltd, Joanne Weate from Schubert UK Ltd and Nicola Swann from Videojet Technologies.
Chris Buxton, CEO of the PPMA and one of the judges for the award said: "We launched the Ones to Watch awards this year as a way of celebrating the wealth of young talent across the packaging and processing machinery industry. The strength of applications we have received has been impressive and I wish all of those short listed the very best of luck. I'm sure that each and every one of them will continue to make an impact on their companies' success."
The awards recognise promising individuals under 35 years old who have made a real impression on the industry. Along with the winner, there will also be a prize for second and third place. All five Ones to Watch finalists will form part of an 'Achievement Gallery' at the event from 27-29 September 2011.
Sabine Fiehl (Busch UK) was named Busch UK employee of the year in 2009 and is a highly motivated sales employee, never failing to continue to expand and develop her knowledge of the market.
Phil Smith (Converging Solutions Ltd) started at the company as an engineering apprentice ten years ago and has worked his way up to the position of Technical Director.
Greg Austin (Endoline Machinery Ltd) joined the company as Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands four years ago. Despite having no previous sales experience in the packaging automation market he made an immediate impression on the company.
Joanne Weate (Schubert UK Ltd) has been working in the packaging and processing industry for five years and has excelled in all aspects of marketing and sales support activities. She has also been responsible for the implementation and maintenance of Schubert UK's CRM data base system.
Nicola Swann (Videojet Technologies) has been working in the packaging and processing industry for four years and is currently employed by Videojet Technologies Limited. She has made several strong contributions to the company, including her strong marketing activity, which has led to the tripling of inbound lead generation.