Gas emergency and pipeline service Wales & West Utilities has scooped two of the ten categories at the National Gas Industry Awards to cement its position as a leading player in the UK gas industry.
The Newport-based company won the Gas Industry Safety and Customer Service Awards whilst the company’s Steve Edwards, Director of Regulation and Commercial, who was shortlisted in the Gas Industry Leadership Award, won an Outstanding Contribution Award. Steve was recognised for his positive influence in the energy sector over the last two decades, including his lead role in the development of the industry’s fuel poor scheme as well as his commitment to delivering outstanding levels of gas safety, reliability and customer service to the millions of people the gas industry serves every day.
The event, held at the Hilton Park Lane in London, was organised by The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) and The Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA). It saw over 600 attendees gather to celebrate the largest and most prestigious event of the gas industry calendar.
The annual event honours the outstanding companies and people who make the UK gas industry great.
2016 marks the sixth year that Wales & West Utilities has won the Customer Service Award since 2008.The company was recognised for being at the forefront of customer service in the industry for ten years, while also being one of only four companies out of 500 to achieve the highest distinction status from the Institute of Customer Service.
In winning the Gas Industry Safety Award judges commented that the company has improved its major accident safety systems to provide a safe and reliable gas network, gaining ‘exemplar’ status from the Health & Safety Executive. The company is unique in the gas industry in being awarded the RoSPA Gold Award for the past three years running.
Graham Edwards, Wales & West Utilities Chief Executive, said:
“We’re delighted to have won these prestigious awards for our safety and customer service performance; they’re both top priorities for us. And it’s great news that Steve has been recognised for the contribution he’s made to the gas industry.
“As a company we’re always challenging ourselves to do better. Winning these awards and being recognised by our peers is testament to our hard work.”
Mike Foster, Chief Executive of EUA said:
“Congratulations to Wales and West Utilities on the well-deserved win. The standard of entrants this year was exceptionally high, so to win in two categories is a real achievement.”
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, takes pride in serving Wales and the south west of England. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.