21 November 2008

Dear Colleagues

While it is not the reason we do things, awards are always nice to win.  They are also a useful indication of how good we are compared to others in the same industry and different industries.  So it is great to be able to say we continue to be up there with the best
 
Last week we hosted the International (rail) Station Awards.  For the second year in a row Central Station won the best large station award and best station overall.  Carrickfergus was highly commended in the small station category.
 
These awards are organised by Translink, Iarnród Éireann, NedRailways (Netherlands), First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail (both GB).  Notably the awards are judged not only on the basis of the station and its facilities but as importantly on all aspects of customer service.
 
Our very successful ‘Metro Connects’ TV advertisement - produced by Ardmore Advertising in Holywood – has received a Gold Award in the 38th annual International Creativity Awards.  This is one of the longest running international advertising and graphic design competitions with 2,700 entries from 45 US states and 22 countries worldwide.
 
The Metro entry sits alongside other winning submissions from iconic brands such as Disneyland Resort, Dolce & Gabbana and Mattel Inc.  Good company indeed!
 
Lastly, in the annual Chartered Institute of Marketing awards Translink was ‘runner up’ in best performing marketing business category – again beating very stiff competition.
 
These awards are something to be really proud of.  Congratulations to all involved.

Catherine Mason,

Group Chief Executive