Well done to our Sub36 Awards 2019 Finalists – recognising inspiring young talent

When the leading regional Lancashire Business View publication asked for nominations for the most influential, innovative and inspiring business people aged under 36 in Lancashire for this year’s Sub36 Awards, we were happy to oblige.

Sub36 was created to celebrate the success of those beginning to carve their careers, moving up the ranks or already at the top of their game, using their youthful vision to bring ideas that positively disrupt their sector.

AMSG’s Myfanwe Costin and Zoe Atkinson are finalists

We were delighted when our employees Myfanwe Costin and Zoe Atkinson were announced as finalists recently in the Leader and Employee of the Year categories respectively in Sub36.

 Here, at AM Services Group, we pride ourselves on our strong vision and set of values, which includes everyone evolving, achieving and making a difference. Our team is dynamic and people are always trying to think how to do things differently and better. All ideas and opinions are valued and listened to, and everyone is encouraged to have a voice. We have a large number of inspiring, younger team members who have developed into or been appointed to senior positions.

Myfanwe Costin  – Sub36 Leader Finalist

This award recognises people who have been trusted to lead and they’ve done it, not only to better themselves but the business and team within it. Myfanwe comments: “Leading our team alongside our fast growth and success means making sure everyone knows what is expected of them and how we can work together to achieve targets and deadlines.”

About Myfanwe – Sub36 Leader

 ‘I’m Lancashire born and bred. I have a degree in Business Management attained from Lancaster University in 2010. I have a work background in accounts and purchasing in the manufacturing environments. I have always had an interest in numbers and have built up my education around this.

 At AMSG, I have been the finance manager since May 2018. As well as holding on to the purse strings, I am responsible for the business support administration team. I ensure the smooth running of financial activities to ensure maximum business efficiency and I strategically look at future trends and support business resilience.

 Leading our team alongside our fast growth and success means making sure everyone knows what is expected of them and how we can work together to achieve targets and deadlines. My team adapts to the challenges head on and works strongly with the One team, one goal ethos of the company.

 I am extremely proud to be appointed part of the senior management team and attend board meetings. Being a woman member of staff aged 30, I believe this is a great achievement.

 I like to feel I’ve made a difference when I come to work. For me, success is about doing my job well and saving the company both time and money. For me to be successful, the team needs to feel empowered to achieve both individual and team goals. Being part of such a fast paced environment is extremely exciting. I never have the Monday morning blues and thoroughly enjoy coming to work each day.”

Zoe Atkinson – Sub36 Employee of the Year Finalist

This award is for the one to watch – the employee with the can-do attitude who every boss wants in their team. They make things happen and have a positive impact in the workplace which does not go unnoticed by their colleagues, customers or suppliers. Zoe says: “Just over 12 months ago I had only just begun my journey with our company in administration and with no experience of this sector. It wasn’t long after that I saw the growth and development opportunities available. Soon enough I had tackled my role and was asking for more which made me the ‘go to’ person at headquarters.”

About Zoe – Sub36 Employee of the Year

“I grew up on a farm near Lancaster and only moved away last year when I purchased my first house in the city. I went to high school here too. Despite being told it’s what you ‘should’ do, I knew that sixth form and university wasn’t for me. I wanted to throw myself straight into work to gain experience and find something I love. I trained as a hairdresser for three years, moving on to retail where I soon progressed to management level. I joined AM Services Group three years later where I became the contract manager.

 My responsibility is to ensure that we deliver a high standard of service to our clients. This involves ensuring my employees have the appropriate training and equipment to deliver this service. I build relationships and ensure good communications. I was selected to be a ‘champion’ for the company’s vision and values as I’m passionate about these and want to help inspire others. It is really important to me that I leave my employees feeling motivated and proud to be a part of the AM family.

 Just over 12 months ago I had only just begun my journey with our company in administration and with no experience of this sector. It wasn’t long after that I saw the growth and development opportunities available. Soon enough I had tackled my role and was asking for more which made me the ‘go to’ person at headquarters. This resulted in my being the first ever office based person to be awarded ‘employee of the month’ and the first person throughout the company to have received three separate nominations. I undertook various courses and was approached by the managing director to enrol in a Leadership and Management Level 3 Diploma.

 I was promoted to the area’s contract manager in May this year. The last three months have been challenging  – learning, and building trust and relationships – but nevertheless I have enjoyed doing so. I know I made the right decision for my future.”

Good luck for the awards event …

 The Sub36 Awards winners will be announced at the awards event on 17 October at the Blackpool Winter Gardens. We’ve got our fingers firmly crossed for Zoe and Myfanwe.