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When we ask for nominations for our Rising Star and Unsung Hero categories for our internal staff recognition awards each year, we’re never short of deserving nominations.
The NRL Group Awards have fast become an important part of our annual Christmas Conference, which brings together colleagues from across our businesses. From celebrating what we have achieved together, to seeing the impact of our social value activities, each conference is a well-received event that’s a key date on calendars.
In Newcastle in December, NRL Group CEO David Redmayne was delighted to reveal the 2024 winners of our coveted NRL Group Awards, and we recently caught up with them.
Laurita Galajeva, Rising Star of the Year
Having joined the NRL Group in 2021, Laurita works within the contractor payroll department in our Wigan-based Group support office. Laurita’s well-earned promotion to Senior Payroll Assistant was a result of her proactively taking on more responsibility, whilst providing vital support to colleagues within the team.
Laurita, what made you interested in working in payroll?
To be honest I was not aware what payroll was and that it would be something I was interested in until I joined NRL.
You've had the opportunity to learn a lot whilst working in your role, do you enjoy developing your knowledge?
I definitely have learned a lot, and in fact all I know I have learned since working at NRL. I for sure enjoy developing my knowledge as it frequently challenges me, which is what I need as otherwise I can get bored very fast and easy if I'm doing same the thing over and over again.
What skills have you brought from previous roles that have proven invaluable?
I’d say I have learned that the sooner you get out of your comfort zone the better, and to always ask about something you are not sure about rather than just making assumptions. As well as stay honest and true to yourself.
How did it feel to be announced as the Rising Star of the Year 2024 winner?
I felt very honoured - and for someone like me, who has moved from their home country to the UK, every little recognition is like winning an Oscar prize.
What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
To keep learning and developing my skills and knowledge and see what else NRL as a company has planned, and of course to be part of it.
Jay Smallwood, Unsung Hero of the Year
Celebrating his 10-year anniversary working at the NRL Group later this year, Jay initially joined after applying for an apprenticeship role, before progressing within the Wigan Recruitment branch to his current Compliance and Administration Consultant role. Jay’s continued development sees him span responsibilities working both within our NRL Recruitment business and supporting regulatory compliance and project administration within our Linx workforce solutions business.
You'll be celebrating 10 years with NRL in September, how has your role evolved over that time?
Starting at NRL as an Apprentice, my role has changed significantly with a lot more responsibility now. I deal with multiple different functions from NAECI payroll, Compliance, VISA applications/Statement of Works and also assisting across both the Linx and NRL Recruitment businesses.
You also support contractors through our Linx business, do you enjoy working across both businesses?
Collaborating across the NRL Group can be challenging however, I do like a good challenge. Overall, I do enjoy working across the different businesses as it builds a good relationship between internal stakeholders getting to speak to different departments.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy managing the NAECI compliance/payroll calculation for the Edmonton Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) project, as I have had the opportunity of starting fresh from the beginning of the project.
How did it feel to be announced as the Unsung Hero of the Year 2024 winner?
I was chuffed to be nominated for the award and to win was an amazing feeling. Knowing that your hard work throughout the year has been noticed across the business shows I must be doing the right thing!
What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
I am looking forward to working on site at Edmonton which will be a big change in atmosphere, swapping the office with a construction site - but I'm excited to see how everything functions on site.
Celebrating our colleagues
We're pleased to be able to highlight the great work that is delivered across the NRL Group by our talented colleagues through recognition such as this. We look forward to reading nominations for this year’s NRL Group Awards later in the year.