The 2016 Awards saw the unveiling of new award category, Apprentice Employer of the Year. The award is the result of a collaboration between Leicester Mercury and Leicester College, and the clear need to recognise the work of apprentices and their employers within such a prestigious business awards.

Although a new category, the award was well supported with nominations. Leicester College’s judging panel commented: “The volume and strength of the nominations for this category were exceptional, with businesses highlighting their many different positive experiences of hiring and working with apprentices within their organisations.”

The three shortlisted businesses were Corporate Architecture, emh group and St George’s Nursery.

All three businesses were also among those recognised at Leicester College’s own Awards to Industry on Wednesday 13 April 2016, with Corporate Architecture being awarded Apprentice Employer of the Year at these Awards.

On presenting the award to emh group at the Leicester Mercury Business Awards black tie dinner, Leicester College Principal Verity Hancock commented:

“Apprenticeships are a key government priority, they are viewed as pivotal to the continued growth of the economy and they support businesses in succession planning.

“Apprenticeships enable businesses to look to their own future, and invest in their company’s continued growth and expansion.

“We felt that by sponsoring the Apprentice Employer of the Year Award it would allow the business community to take a moment to reflect on the achievements and contribution that apprentices have made to their work place. But, it would also allow us, as a College, to thank these apprentice employers for their continued support, investment and dedication to the skills development of young people.”

Chan Kataria, Group Chief Executive accepted the award on behalf of emh group. Delighted by the win he stated: “This award is about the many apprentices we employ and train, and the team both at Leicester College and within our own academy that supports these apprentices to succeed.

“Our apprentices are an invaluable part of emh group and contribute to the day-to-day work across the organisation from undertaking business admin roles to construction, plumbing and joinery expertise. We are committed to supporting and nurturing apprentices, and hope that this award and its recognition will encourage other employers to consider investing in a young person via an apprenticeship to develop their business.”