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CICES Annual Dinner 2023

Our annual CICES awards night and dinner was held on Friday 22 September, at Manchester’s iconic Midland Hotel.

A sincere thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event, including esteemed guests, award winners and of course, our sponsors:

Following a drinks reception, where guests were welcomed by incoming CICES president Batsetswe (Bats) Motsumi, they were then invited into the main dining suite.

The guests of honour were then introduced, including outgoing president Dr Andy Evans and other members of the presidential chain.

A special welcome was reserved for Mr Daniel Sum, Council of Management member and former Hong Kong regional chair, who had flown in especially.

Award winning

After well received speeches by both Bats and Andy Evans, it was time to announce and present the evening’s awards.

The Institution Award was given to long-standing member, Kier’s Jim McCluskey, in recognition of his years of tireless service and outstanding contribution.

Darrell Smart, CICES operations director, was the recipient of the President's Award, presented for decades of dedication and delivery of high standards.

Other deserving winners on the night included:

  • Megan Roche: Robin Jones Award (Equity, diversity & inclusion)
  • Ishini Saparamadu: Robin Jones Award (Innovation and sustainability)
  • Pearse Kelly: Robin Jones Award (Overcoming challenges and breaking boundaries through education, training and development)
  • George Leslie Ltd: Approved Development Scheme Award (In recognition of making the most progress of the commercial management AD schemes)
  • Storm Geomatics: Approved Development Scheme Award (In recognition of making the most progress of the geospatial AD schemes)   

Resounding success

After all awards had been presented, speeches made and dinner had been enjoyed, it was time for a ‘premiere’ of Bats’ introductory video.

This was shown on a big screen and highlighted his reasons for assuming the CICES presidency and his vision of ‘adding value through collaboration’. 

With the ‘business’ part of the evening completed, guests were entertained by a DJ, with dancing and drinks continuing into the night.

The new president outlined his satisfaction with the event, saying:

‘It was great to welcome over 300 of our members and guests to Manchester last week.

'We celebrated the success and dedication of our people, staff, Approved Development Scheme partners and sponsors.

'After unveiling my presidential year theme "Adding value through collaboration", I've received many positive responses to this and the clear actions that I've set out.

'I'd also like to offer a special congratulations to all the award winners from the night and thank everyone who made the evening happen.'

Click here to view official photographs from the CICES Annual Dinner 2023 in Manchester.

Published: 28 September 2023