Posted: 09/03/17
Young Achiever of the Year accolade for apprentice Katie
A West Nottinghamshire College apprentice has won a national award for helping her employer deliver vital services to the victims of flood and fire.
Katie (centre) receives her award from Rainbow International’s customer services director Andrea Morrissey and managing director Steve Mitchell.
Katie Russell, who works for disaster restoration company Rainbow International, beat off competition from hundreds of colleagues across the UK to win the Young Achiever of the Year award at the firm’s national conference, held at Alton Towers Conference Centre recently.
Mansfield-based Rainbow International specialises in restoring homes and businesses following fire, flood or accidental damage for the insurance industry, as well as providing a domestic and commercial cleaning service through a network of more than 70 branches. Claims handler Katie works at the Sutton-in-Ashfield branch, in Huthwaite Road, which covers the Derby west, Matlock, Ashbourne, Eastwood and Dronfield area for the national company.
Katie’s bosses Fay and Jennie Mills said she had played a significant part in the success of the business and has shown remarkable commitment and dedication.
Jennie said: “Katie has a tremendous attitude. For one so young, she has a fantastic ability to re-assure all of our insurance customers and policyholders, showing empathy with their predicament in a really efficient manner. Most of the time we are dealing with people at times of great stress and trauma in their lives, following a disaster or incident in their home, so a reassuring, calming and pleasing approach is absolutely vital.
“The winter months had brought a surge of claims and we were receiving many new instructions each week. Katie is very keen to help others and is instrumental in managing our claims from start to finish, ensuring the very highest level of customer service is applied to every job.”
Katie, 18, who lives in Jacksdale, has worked at Rainbow for 18 months. She is continuing to progress her education while working and has recently completed a Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship at West Nottinghamshire College.
Katie has now progressed onto the Level 3 AAT Accountancy apprenticeship through the college, and commenting on her award said: “It was a real surprise to find out I had won this national award. I really enjoy working here and this was the last thing I was expecting.
“It’s really pleasing to be recognised by this award for all my hard work. I enjoy helping people and it’s most satisfying to see our customers’ lives returning to normal after such traumatic events like a fire or flood in their home
“Jennie, Fay and all the rest of the Rainbow team have been very supportive and helped me to progress in my career, so many thanks to them; and I am eager to assist anyone who suffers any unfortunate incidents in our area in the future.”
Rainbow International’s managing director, Steve Mitchell, said: “Katie has demonstrated an exceptional approach to her work and is a wonderful example of what can be achieved with a ‘can do’ attitude.”
