Pictured above: Professor David Edwards (left) congratulates Jon Young (centre) and Bob Oldmeadow

Two directors of Gloucestershire-based training company C&G services have been presented with awards by the Off-Highway Plant and Equipment Research Centre (OPERC) for their contributions to the training industry.

C&G Managing Director Bob Oldmeadow and Technical Director Jon Young received the surprise awards at the Plant and Equipment Management Innovation Conference 2010 at the Business School, Birmingham City University.

The event, at the Centre for Business Innovation and Enterprise, was held to strengthen the links between the industry and the academic world.  It was attended by representatives from the leading plant and equipment organisations, including JCB, A-Plant, DeWalt and Speedy Hire. The awards were presented by Professor David Edwards, CBIE Director and founder of OPERC, at a dinner following the conference.

The awards were given to C&G "For an outstanding contribution to plant operator training and education throughout UK industry and their long term commitment to raising the standard and professionalism of the plant and equipment community".

C&G trains more than 7000 people a year in streetworks, plant and construction and transport skills. Bob Oldmeadow commented: "We were surprised and delighted to receive these unexpected awards. It is highly gratifying to feel that our work in the industry is being recognised at such a high level."