Shropshire stars: MNA Media workers celebrate success
[gallery] Shropshire Star staff including a key member of the business team have been honoured for their achievements at the 2015 Real Awards.
Mia Wright was named Shropshire sales person of the year at the event, which recognises the achievements of workers with the Star's parent company MNA Media, to complete back to back wins.
Other winners from the Shropshire Star included Toby Neal, who was named Shropshire Journalist of the Year, the Public Facing Award went to Shrewsbury office receptionist Gill Williams while the editorial team for the Weekend supplement was named Team of the Year, with feature writer Kirsty Bosley taking home the New Employee prize.
Sue Croft, advertising sales manager, was named Long-Serving Employee of the Year, Ketley-based mechanic Frank Shervey won the Driver/Distribution Team Member of the Year.
Other Ketley-based winners included operations director Alan Palin, who took home the Directors' Discretionary Award, and Sam Williams, who won Circulation Person of the Year. Ms Wright was unable to attend the event, so fellow advertising representative Daniel Bliss collected the gong on her behalf.
In total, 320 guests saw 21 winners collect awards at the Telford International Centre.
The evening included a toast in memory of Claverley Group Chairman Mr Douglas Graham following his death on March 21 aged 85. Mr Graham's widow Sara arranged for those attending to receive a complimentary drink in memory of her husband.
Paying tribute, Claverley CEO Phil Inman said: "Mr Graham was a major force in the success of our business. His career, which spanned more than half a century, saw the MNA and its sister companies achieve significant triumphs amid times of fierce competition and constant change."
Mr Inman said Mr Graham had appreciated the hard work of the MNA's staff and had supported the recognition offered through the Real Awards event.
The 2015 winners were hailed by Mr Inman as "the best in the business".
He said: "Our business is changing as the behaviour of our readers and customers continues to evolve. Given the progress we have made to shape a business for today and tomorrow, built upon profitable print and digital growth, it is right that we honour the staff who have helped to make it happen."
In total, 258 entries were submitted, with 68 finalists making it on to the shortlists.
