Last week’s blog was probably the most read in The Whiteboard’s 16 year history. This would suggest that you all love wallowing in your own and each other’s misery more than you do hearing good news. To prove this theory, here’s a blog celebrating success* (*if winning awards equates to success in this industry). As per, I made a number of predictions on this back in May. Let’s see how the boy done shall we?
Excellence in Business Innovation
Prediction: AWF
Winner: Medrecruit
I’ve been predicting these things for nearly 10 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s to never get the first prediction right. I’m not sure what Medrecruit have done, but “well done” none-the-less.
Excellence in Candidate Care
Prediction: Good Together
Winner: Dynamix
…it is wise however to get the second prediction correct. In my head, I had this down as a two horse race between Good Together and Medrecruit. I, in my naivety, didn’t give Dynamix a look in. How wrong I was, and how wrong I continue to be on Dynamix. More on that to come.
Excellence in Client Service
Prediction: Frog Recruitment
Winner: Dynamix
What is it with the guys at Dynamix?! They’ve been largely under the radar, but when it comes to good work/writing submissions telling us that they’re doing good work, they’re smashing it out of the park. Frog are usually a dead cert in this one, but it appears that there’s a new sheriff in town.
Excellence in Safety and Wellbeing Culture
Prediction: Stellar
Winner: Advanced Personnel
This follow up blog has become well-known for how poor my predictions are, but this might be a record. Will I get any correct? My friends at Stellar lose out, perhaps due to a coat stand blocking a fire exit, and Advanced Personnel bring home the bacon. At least Trade Assist didn’t win it I suppose.
Excellence in Social Purpose
Pediction: Frog
Winner: Robert Walters
After a tough couple of weeks, it’s good to see RW get this one. What?? I mean it! I think given the recent redundancies, winning Large Agency would have been a bit awkward, but this is probably a better award to win anyway. Rumour has it, Shay even opened his speech with a little gag. Also surprising to see Frog missing out on the two awards where historically, they’ve always been pretty strong.
Outstanding Boutique Agency
Fundraising Talent Recruitment
Prediction: Rothley
Winner: Rothley
What??! I’ve got one right?! I mean guess work should get me one in three, but still. Admittedly, Rothley were the only firm I had heard of, but still nice to be in the Winner’s Circle. I hope the other guys sank a few wines, networked a bit, and had a good evening.
Outstanding Medium Agency
Prediction: Digital Garage
Winner: Dynamix
What the hell?? Once upon-a-time, when that woman from Salt was Imperial Wizard of the RSCA, people knew that there was no point competing in the categories that Salt entered. How times have changed. No Salt, Jonathan Greening on the mic as opposed to stuffing awards into his tuxedo pockets, and Dynamix getting the clean sweep. That’s three out of three. Incredible scenes I’m sure. I wouldn’t know. Wasn’t there.
Outstanding Large Agency
Prediction: Robert Walters
Winner: Trade Assist
I think booing at an awards night is incredibly puerile. Given how Trade Assist treat those who want to leave their company, I would have booed. A very, very, VERY poor choice from the judges.
Recruitment Leader
Prediction: Kara Smith
Winner: Brien Keegan
It was a toss up between Kara and Brien, with both claiming the other should get it. I went with Kara as I see how she operates first hand as she’s my work neighbour, but last night Brien got the nod. I don’t think anyone would complain if any of these three won an award.
Recruitment Professional
Katie France – Stellar Recruitment
Prediction: Katie France
Winner: Katie France
I’m back b*tches! Saving my blushes is Katie from Stellar. I don’t really know Katie, but it’s a great team full of great people, so I’m not surprised by this one. Can I save my blushes further?
Rising Star
Madison McMeekin – Randstad Limited
Prediction: Ryan Bevens
Winner: Ryan Bevens
Yes I can! Those bankers at Potentia have given me a strong finish, nailing three out of ten predictions correctly. Coincidently, this is the same number my Nan got right, ‘cept she picked names out of a hat. We had to dig her up ‘mind, as she died a decade ago. Well done Ryan, good work for getting nominated Madison, and get out whilst you still can Jay.
Anyway, a poor showing from me this year, but hopefully those in attendance had a fun night and didn’t take things too seriously. Well done to all the winners, and nice work to (almost) all those who were nominated. Hopefully everyone has a stinking hangover today.
^SW
