The inaugural Finnebrogue People Awards were held on Friday 30th May to celebrate what makes Finnebrogue exceptional—its people.
The evening opened with a welcome address from Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Nethercott, and brought together colleagues from across the business to recognise the dedication, talent, and spirit that drives Finnebrogue forward every day.
From the launch of the Finnebrogue FIELDS Academy, for dedicated learning and development, to the inspiring stories behind each category award winner, Chris Overend, Finnebrogue’s Head of HR, provided a powerful reminder of just how much we can achieve when we invest in one another.
FINNEBROGUE ‘FIELDS’ ACADEMY
Facilitating Innovation, Education, Leadership & Development for Success.
FIELDS Academy is Finnebrogue’s employee development programme, designed to provide multiple pathways for employees to learn, grow, and advance within the company. It focuses on learning, development, leadership, and succession planning. Colleagues who completed additional learning and development in 2024/25 were awarded their completion certificates.
Advanced Leadership Programme, with Queen’s University Belfast.
Chris Mills, Damien Dobbin, Darren Magee, Erika Bruzaite, Gillian Corrigan, James McMillen, Jamie Fowler, John Johnston, Laura McKinney, Rebekah McKelvey.
Leadership Development Programme.
Alex Brennan, Alex Majury, Barbara Mullan, Chris McCartan, Gerald Oosthuizen, Kelvin Swaffield, Jose Tavares, Maria Austin, Megan Steele, Paul Lavery, Ryan Collins, Sarah Hill, Sarah Wallace,Tegan Bodles, Virginia Narkute.
Future Leaders Progamme, in partnership with 21 Training.
Aidan Breen, Andrew Haugh, Ashleigh Burns, Bogdan Indries, Brogan Michie, Caolan Conlon, Garry Fitzsimmons, Gavin Brennan, Gheorghe Stan, Grace Lilburn, James McAteer, Jed McCartan, Joseph Conlon, Kevin Darby, Leanne Gray, Magdelena Luszcz, Mark Thompson, Martin Sutherland, Milos Timko, Nicky Johnston, Rachel Marks, Rachel Shimmons, Reo Salmon, Sam Turner, Stephen Galbraith, Stephen Wilson, Stephen Wylie, Steven Hoy, Steven Kearney.
CATEGORY AWARD WINNERS
These awards are particularly meaningful because all individuals were nominated by Finnebrogue employees. While there can only be one winner in each category, the judges were truly impressed by every individual shortlisted. Each finalist stood out for their dedication, passion, and the impact they make every day.
[Top left to right]
Best Maintenance & Technical Support Team Member
James Dinsmore
Wellbeing Champion Award
Laura Jankauskiene
Sustainability and Environmental Champion
Katherine Ebert
Best Warehouse & Logistics Team Member
Jed McCartan
[Middle left to right]
Innovation and Process Improvement Award
Nicholas McEvoy
Customer Satisfaction Award
Amy Beattie
Teamwork Excellence Award
Maria Austin
Rising Star 2025
Noah Holden
[Bottom left to right]
Safety Star Award
Nathan Curran
Outstanding Leadership Award
Egle Zilinskiene
Quality Assurance Champion (not present)
Barbara Mullan
Best Operations Team Member (not present)
Traian Tanasie
FINNEBROGUE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: MARIA AUSTIN
Maria is Finnebrogue’s Customer Service Manager and is always ready to lend a hand across departments where she can. She is a true team player who lifts everyone around her. Maria consistently goes above and beyond to ensure customer expectations are met—often juggling the competing pressures between departments, tight deadlines, and evolving customer needs. Her calm approach, clear communication, and unwavering support help bring teams together, especially when time is tight and stakes are high. For her dedication, adaptability, and the positive energy she brings to every challenge, Maria has rightly been named Finnebrogue’s Employee of the Year.
GENEROUS EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Finnebrogue has been leading the way in employee benefits to reward and recognise its people. It offers a wide-ranging package, including:
• Competitive salaries.
• Free or discounted Finnebrogue food products.
• Monthly Values Champion – generous prize for those who exemplify the company’s core principles.
• Long Service Awards.
• Birthday day off.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including cash back scheme and on-site access to counselling and mentoring services.
• A Cycle to Work Scheme and an Electric Vehicle Scheme promoting sustainable commuting.
• Family friendly policies.
• Range of flexible working shifts.
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION FOR ITS WORKPLACE AND PEOPLE STRATEGY
Finnebrogue continues to set the standard—fostering a workplace culture built on recognition, wellbeing, and shared success. Its commitment to people has not gone unnoticed, with the business proudly earning accolades such as Employer of the Year and Best Wellbeing in the Workplace. These awards reflect Finnebrogue’s dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Find out more about working at Finnebrogue – click here
