Harper Adams wins Employer of the Year award

Posted 21 July 2011

Encouraging staff to keep fit and eat well has resulted in Harper Adams University College being named Employer of the Year at an awards ceremony this week.

Three representatives of the University College joined fellow nominees, local councillors and Olympic Youth Medallist Kelly Edwards for the Telford and Wrekin Active Lifestyles Awards evening, hosted at Oakengates Theatre this week. 

The awards were presented by Councillor Arnold England, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Well-being, and Roger Bates, Chairman of Telford and Wrekin Sports Forum. 

Cllr England said: The Active Lifestyles Awards Evening recognises the achievements, contributions and commitment of individuals, groups, clubs and employers in sport and physical activity during the last 12 months.”

Harper Adams was honoured for its “pro-active, direct engagement approach” to helping its staff to lead active and healthy lifestyles”. Ben Harper, Sport and Societies Coordinator at the University College, received the award on the night. He said: “Support for employees has been built into the current Harper Adams sports strategy.

“Initiatives have included a government-subsidised cycle purchase scheme, provision of safe cycling training and regular bike or walk to work days.

“Timetables for on-site facilities - which include an open-air swimming pool, fitness suite and badminton and squash courts – are arranged such that staff can use them at lunchtimes and from 5pm. New badminton sessions have been a massive success.

“Harper Adams also supports sport in the community. Fitness classes held at the campus, including the latest craze, Zumba, are open to the general public. And local sporting groups use our facilities for training and for special occasions such as awards nights, including the recent Nova junior football presentations.

“In 2011, the University College took over operation of the former Newport Edge-ahead event, rebranding it as the Harper Adams Five10 Run. Employees from across the University College, including senior management, became involved, some running and several manning the event in an unpaid, voluntary capacity, making sure the local community did not lose out.

“It is an honour to have been recognised for our efforts in this area at the Active Lifestyles Awards.”