TRAINING is the key to career success, according to the winner of the first-ever Catherine McCloskey Award for Outstanding Contribution.
The inaugural award, which was made recently by high street insurance retailer Open + Direct at a gala awards ceremony, went to area manager Jennifer Crossnan.
Jennifer, who was recognised for her commitment to her staff at her Coleraine branches, is Open + Direct’s longest serving staff member having worked with the company for 33 years, most recently at the Abbey Street branch in Coleraine, and has made a significant contribution to the company.
In her time with the company she has expanded the local team from 30 to more than 80 staff and championed her branch as the base for Open + Direct’s central contact centre and home of their new online quote and buy service.
Jennifer said: “I’ve dedicated all of my career to Open + Direct — mostly because I love the people I work with but also because Open + Direct invest in their staff and the training is always of a really high standard. The company and the industry have changed massively but the training has always kept me engaged with what I’m doing — and this is something we aim for with all of our staff.”
Open + Direct operations director, Colin McEvoy, said: “We can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Jennifer. She plays a vital role within the firm, always welcomes a new challenge and she leads an exceptionally loyal and well motivated team.
“Catherine was a hugely important part of our business and it’s lovely to be able to honour her as we approach the first anniversary of her tragic passing. ”
The Outstanding Contribution Award is named after Catherine McCloskey, the Derry based area manager for Open + Direct who tragically passed away last year after an unexpected illness.
In total 14 prizes were awarded on the night recognising the talents of Open + Direct’s 250 plus staff.