Meet the Making the Difference Award winners: Dan Lewis

As the Making the Difference (MTD) Awards 2024 approaches, Vertas Group is delighted to reflect on the outstanding achievements of last year’s winners, fostering a culture of appreciation.

Vertas Group’s annual MTD Awards are dedicated to recognising the incredible talent across the business. However, before welcoming a new cohort of winners, the Group is thrilled to revisit the exceptional talent that took centre stage last year.

In celebrating the contributions of its colleagues, Vertas Group is pleased to use this as an opportunity to acknowledge individual efforts and reinforce the core values driving the company forward.

We recently followed up with Dan Lewis, ATG National Account Manager, who received the Inspiring Leader Award at last year’s awards. Speaking to Dan, it is immediately clear why he’s an outstanding leader. His genuine passion for work and knack for motivating colleagues is evident, setting him apart as a one-of-a-kind leader.

Congratulations on your success at Making the Difference Awards. You received the Inspiring Leader Award, and your approach to leadership was described as ‘an example for others in the industry’. How did it feel to be selected as the winner? Personally, what does the recognition mean to you?

Upon hearing my name called out, I was still not convinced that I’d won the award. After a gentle nudge from Lauren, Jo and Bill sat next to me; I snapped out of my daze, and they urged me to start making my way to the stage. I’m naturally an emotional recluse, but I cannot describe the wave of emotion that came over me when I received the award from Kate Innes, Group Chief People Officer – especially when she whispered, “You really deserve this, Dan!”. It all started to become a reality at that point.

All I could think about were the people who had put their heart and soul into our business, enabling me to be in this position. I desperately wanted to celebrate with my regional team (Piotr, Susan, and Andy) and the genuine superstars on our frontline. I was lucky enough to have Lauren and Jo from Sunderland with me, representing ATG venues and Bill Farley, who had guided me since I began my journey with Vertas. We had a mini celebration between us!

When I returned home the next day, my wife and two daughters were so excited to see the award and pictures from the event. It felt like we were all winners, as without their understanding and support, I would have crumbled under the pressure a long time ago.

Please provide a brief overview of your role. What do you particularly enjoy about working in your specific service area?

It’s hard to label exactly what I do. The expectations and parameters change frequently. The best way I can describe it is I adapt daily to become what our clients and colleagues need me to be. 

Some days, I can be on the phone for hours discussing a personal challenge with a colleague (or even a client), and other days, I can be stood up in front of multiple directors presenting on how to improve service, work innovatively and mitigate costs. Alternatively, I can spend six or seven hours travelling to venues on a cramped train with no Wi-Fi. My role involves a lot of travelling and nights away. My favourite days are when I can interact with our clients and colleagues on-site. I am truly humbled and inspired to witness the dedication and desire in our business.

Serving in The Royal Navy conditioned me to become obsessed with my work and accept the demands associated with success. I manage to strike a good work-life balance as I’m equally obsessed with spending time with my girls and our vast array of animals!

Colleagues who are seen to be demonstrating the Group’s values are more likely to be nominated for an MTD award. How do you feel the company values influence your work? How do you think this helped contribute to your nomination and eventual award success?

The key to our success as a people-driven business is consistency. A stable platform enables us to prioritise continuous improvement and innovation.

All I ask of my team is they leave work a little more accomplished than when they arrived. The phrase “Making the difference” holds great versatility; we can make a positive impact in numerous ways, whether that’s saying hello and smiling to the person at the stage door or responsibly disposing of waste. If we all make lots of small differences, our business will excel above and surpass our competitors. The greatest gift Vertas has given me is empathy, I see it daily in our business, and it’s what sets us apart.

Vertas Group strive to create a positive and productive work environment. How do you feel the MTD awards and other initiatives contribute to shaping and maintaining a positive company culture?

I believe we must shout it from the rooftops when we succeed. Our recently implemented Workvivo software has provided us with a space for internal communications. After all, we are well and truly a nationwide business now.

I feel privileged to be part of a business that invests in its people through programmes such as Aspire to Inspire, apprenticeships, and nationally recognised qualifications like IOSH and First Aid. I’ve been with our business for nearly three years, and in that time, I’m proud to have promoted four colleagues from part-time roles to full-time site managers. We currently have six colleagues undertaking IOSH and two colleagues awaiting a start date for their apprenticeships (and this is just one account). It’s a wonderful feeling to be part of a business that supports personal development.

Next article