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GWS Make Awards Final - MS Society Awards 2011

SPARKS FLY AS LOCAL WELDING COMPANY MAKES AWARDS FINAL

A Cheshire welding supply company has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award for creating an excellent working environment for a member of staff affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

General Welding Supplies (NW) Ltd. (GWS), based in Widnes, has this week been announced as a finalist in the ‘MS Employer of the Year’ category at this year’s MS Society Awards. They are one of just three organisations shortlisted for the coveted award and have been invited to attend the final in London on 27 September.

The award is sponsored by Bioness who provides solutions for dropped foot- a common symptom of MS.

The company was nominated by a member of staff who felt his employer ‘showed initiative and compassion in learning about the condition.’

GWS went the extra mile to ensure their employee was able to continue doing the valuable work they had done for so many years at the company, by ensuring they were comfortable and safe in their working environment. This included attending specialist appointments to gain more information on the condition, laying new carpets to avoid trip hazards, making necessary modifications to the workshop area and changing the company car to better suit the individual’s requirements.

The judges for the category were looking for an organisation that creates excellent working environments for staff and shows consistent consideration and awareness of the fluctuating condition of MS- something they strongly felt GWS does.

On making the final, Valerie Allen from GWS said: ‘When Bob told us he had developed MS, we were obviously very concerned and wanted to learn more about the condition to try and help him in his everyday working environment. Bob is a valuable member of staff and has been with us for over 20 years, he is a key member of our team. His work is very varied and we needed to assess all areas of his working environment to ensure his maximum safety and comfort. Other members of staff have also been very supportive and offered their help in many ways. We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award and are keen to carry on supporting Bob in any way we can over the coming years.

The MS Society Awards were created to reward individuals and groups for their hard work in changing lives for people affected by MS.

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS Society, said:

“The MS Society Awards recognise and celebrate the shining stars of the MS community. We are delighted that General Welding Supplies Ltd. has reached the final for the MS Employer of the Year award and we look forward to welcoming them to our awards ceremony in September.”

The MS Society Awards final will take place at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London on Tuesday 27 September 2011.

GWS Sponsor Dragons

Email widnesdragonsfc@hotmail.co.uk

Website www.thedragonsafc.com

Widnes Dragons F.C were formed in 2003, with two teams competing in the Halton and District League, the clubs philosophy was to let children of all abilities enjoy taking part in football.

In the 2011/12 season, the club has now grown to 17 teams and a Soccer School, with over 250 registered players with the age range of 4 year olds to Open Age.

The club has also enjoyed success on the pitch too, winning league and cup titles as well as Halton Club of the Year, by continuing to promote the right ethics they have also won Secretary of the Year and numerous Fair Play Awards. All this has helped them to create an image that has helped them become seen as an Official Supporter of the Marina Dalglish Cancer Appeal.

General Welding Supplies (North West) Ltd has been involved with the club for over 5 years and became an official sponsor in 2010, it is with sponsors such as them and others, that the club can continue to maintain and develop their growing status within the North West and beyond.

William Morley – Secretary

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