See nominations below for:
Amanda Chandler, Carina Filek, Tim Fletcher, Claire Grecian, Helen Hanson, Mark Waddington, Clare Brind, Nick Morgan, Joe Sheppard, Kate Stevens, Lester Wolstenholme, Neil Blewitt, Selina Donald and Charlotte Turns.
Ahead of FMBE Awards we have been collecting nominations for our awards for standout individuals in FMBE, the BEst Connected Awards. Many of those nominated are at the awards this year (though they don’t have to be).
The BEst Connected Awards will be presented to any of these individuals who are ‘confirmed’ by the FMBE attendees and our broader readership between now and Valentine’s Day, Friday 14th February. There isn’t a limit to the number of recipients chosen to receive each accolade.
To confirm a nominee, simply show them some love! Use this form and on it, when asked, aim for 50 – 150 words saying why you agree with the nomination.
Like any good Valentine the nominee need not know who nominated them – though you can of course choose to let them know.
We’re looking for 3-4 confirmations from people who do not work in the same business as the nominee but do have the authority to endorse them.
Those awarded will then be invited to receive their accolade at a lunchtime event in London – location TBC – on Friday 14th March.
The FMBE Hall of Fame – Nominees
Amanda Chandler, Business Unit Director, Field Sales Solutions
“Amanda Chandler is a kingpin at Field Sales Solutions… having developed key business opportunities for both Ferrero and P&G. She started her time at FMCG I think, way back with Mike Cottman, in about 1991 and has had experience as a popular member of the team at many large FM agencies. She is a legend of the industry.”
Carina Filek, Global COO – Elevate Global
“With an impressive career at Elevate Global going from Staffing Director to COO – over the past 15 years at Elevate Global, Carina has been nothing short of a trail blazer. Always challenging the status quo – Carina has launched several purpose driven initiatives in Elevate Global with a focus on sustainability, personal development, and diversity and inclusion following her own passions for use our platforms to positively impact our people. This includes ElevatingPurpose (our social and action environmental plan to give back to local communities and look after our planet, ElevateHER to drive gender equity and minimise gender discrimination, and Elevation: our mentoring program designed to help those internally and our event staff to reach their career goals.”
“Carina is an incredible leader who has invested time in developing her skills, enabling her to be the visionary leader that she is today, her approach to communication and leadership is centered around openness and compassion, creating a safe place for people to develop.”
“It is not simply an honour, but a sincere joy, to reflect on the human being; the friend, the colleague the strong female leader, that is Carina. We have worked together for over a decade now and it is not an overstatement to say her work in supporting the growth of a global product demonstration program for Virtual Reality with Oculus, Facebook and then Meta, has changed the trajectory of the business and company understanding about product market fit, customer engagement and content development.”
“She is what the world needs more of.”
Tim Fletcher, Grocery Field Sales Controller, Britvic Soft Drinks
“Tim has been a leading client for many agencies and led many award winning campaigns across the years. He has also been an outstanding level-headed and unbiased judge at FMBE, always giving us insight and opinion that sheds light on activities that others may miss. Tim has a particular affection for the Brand Ambassador of the Year category, a choice which shows his commitment to the people in the field”
Claire Grecian – Founder and MD – The Circle Agency
“She is just one of the most dynamic and attentive entrepreneurs I have witnessed in the FMBE industry. The Circle Agency didn’t just emerge from COVID, it developed through those challenges to be stronger and better – and hasn’t taken a backwards step since. If you just turn up at a Circle Agency event, you see the same meticulous experience in action as you would with a VIP invitation to day one. “
Helen Hanson – founder – HEL’s
“There’s nothing Helen doesn’t about this industry. She’s a joy to work with and has inspired so many staff and colleagues over the years.”
“Helen is a powerhouse in the industry, relentlessly driving innovation and championing staff welfare and best practices. She is a trusted source of advice and support for both clients and team members, even long after they have moved on from working with us. Always generous with her time, expertise, and connections, Helen is dedicated to helping others grow and succeed in every aspect of their lives.”
Mark Waddington, CEO and Founder, Staffwise,
“Mark embodies the qualities of a truly connected and visionary leader. Under his guidance, Staffwise has transformed into a trusted partner for 100s of clients across the UK and internationally, including Europe, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the USA. His innovative approach to SaaS technology has redefined staffing solutions, earning the respect and trust of clients, partners, and peers alike. Mark’s dedication to fostering meaningful relationships is unparalleled. He has cultivated a vibrant community of engaged clients, demonstrating his commitment to collaboration and mutual success. His ability to unite clients, agencies, and suppliers through unique solutions for workforce management, data collection, big data analysis and bespoke software solutions such as gamification, showcases his role as a bridge-builder within the FMBE ecosystem.”
BEst Connected FMBE Supplier – Nominees
Clare Brind – Senior Account Director – HEL’s
“Every time Clare is involved in a project I know it’s in safe hands and it takes so much stress off me. Having her expertise (and calming energy) working on the Waitrose Festivals with me has taken so much stress away. She is always on top of everything and she just gets it. Clare is exactly what you would want a supplier to be, and above all she is just genuinely great to work with. She really deserves this award!”
“Fabulous account management from start to finish. I had total confidence in her plan and ability to deliver it. She was the best service provider I had in the whole of last year.”
Nick Morgan, CEO, We Group
“We Are OPs provides an extremely valuable consultative partnership for TRO for all aspects of event health and safety. OPS have seamlessly integrated into all TRO teams with a new process for 2024. OPS offer dynamic support across event paperwork compilation and approvals, supplier compliance and on-site representation.”
Joe Sheppard – UK Managing Director – Elevate Global
“Joe has been working at Elevate for over 4 years now and has been in the events space for more than 2 decades. His drive and passion for connecting the right talent with brands to deliver exceptional experiential experiences – is what makes him a deserving contender in this category. Having spearheaded some of Elevate Global’s largest projects to date including Celsius’ UK and IRL launch and stichd’s global trackside campaign, his efforts contributed massively towards the estimated £32m value Elevate made from last March to March 2025. He truly embodies our value of People People, working with a diverse range of event professionals across the globe and delivering perfection for clients where possible.”
“Joe took a chance on me! He recognised my work on events and made a point to give me opportunities thereafter. He gives me care and guidance.”
“An inspirational leader Joe is a true giant of the staffing world.”
Kate Stevens – Marketing Director – Live Agency
“Relentless in championing diversity, authenticity & advocacy (staffing) with constant focus on campaign audience and ROI.”
“Kate’s popularity is well-known in FMBE circles and has been a leader in staffing for many years. Her director status on the outstanding Cadbury 2012 activation was a benchmark piece.”
Lester Wolstenholme – Director – Reflex International
“Where would we be without Lester? having worked with him for over 20 years, Lester has always been there, finding a way, making a deadline work, fixing mistakes, solving problems, always brilliant, always available and always with humour – he is who you need in your (branded) backpack – the perfect nominee for this BEst recognition award”
BEst Connected Brand Engagement Client – Nominee
Neil Blewitt – Co-Founder – Aspire Drinks
“Whilst a demanding client (with very high expectations and standards) Aspire more than reward these by bringing equally high investment into the demo programme we deliver for them. They back up their expectations with fantastic support and collaboration for us as an agency partner. This includes monthly incentives for our teams, regular review meetings and in-person visits to our in-store teams to provide input and support. They also invest in training and point of sale, helping us deliver continuous improvement across the activity.”
BEst Connected Sustainability Champion – Nominee
Selina Donald – Director of Sustainability, The Bulb
“The Bulb are the embodiment of the best partner to introduce a new sustainability strategy to run deeply into all areas of such a diverse business as TRO. This spans in-house full-service Production, Creative and Operations. The Bulb pitch the right level of strategy at the right time and have experienced great buy in throughout the business. The Bulb have a great variety of tools to introduce and drive success of initiatives with all stakeholders and teams at TRO.”
“The clarity of Selina Donald’s approach to sustainability has helped numerous agencies to be guided to best practices.”
BEst Connected New Agency Developer/ Innovator – Nominee
Charlotte Turns – MD – Foster
“Charlotte created a fantastic business in Fosters. A few years ago, we took a bet on a new up and coming field sales agency who offered a differentiated product vs many other agencies in the market. Her dynamic approach, creative flair and leadership have been key tools in building her business. Charlotte has been a great business partner and it’s been incredible to she her passion, drive and determination lead to a successful field sales agency. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the business.”
“A true innovator who is selling a new innovative solution by understanding how store level coverage, route to market and retail activation at head office level work together to deliver true measurable brand acceleration for each client.”
“The pure energy, disruption,’ and tenacity to change our industry…make a difference…apply old school knowledge and experience to make a difference in our industry and for challenger brands.”
“Charlotte launched Foster with a high quality differentiation factor from established Field Marketing Agencies. Her company’s success at attracting increasingly large brands to the Foster approach demonstrates that the innovative approach is driving fast growth under her leadership.”