The North East Contact Centre Awards (NECCA) have announced their shortlist of entries for the 2020 awards, featuring many of the region’s well-known brands, as well as outsourcing specialists and public sector organisations. The shortlist can be viewed at www.necca.co.uk/shortlist-2020
The Awards have been revamped for this year, with more emphasis on individuals within the contact centres who are delivering success and impact – at all levels including operators, team leaders and senior managers. National and international firms with significant operations in the region are competing for the top spot in all categories, together with public sector agencies who have had to adapt and respond quickly to increasing call volumes due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nineteen categories are being contested, recognising and celebrating the “Individual Stars”, “Awesome Teams” and “Outstanding Organisations” across the North East. The judging process is being carried out by a core panel of 5 industry experts, supported by other specialists in contact centre operations and management.
The team of judges is being led by Christine Allenson, a former Customer Service Director who has led the region’s largest contact centre with 1,500 employees. Christine commented on how pleased she was to be supporting the regional awards:
“The North East Contact Centre Awards have been a popular programme for the sector over the last 16 years. I am delighted to be leading our core team of judges and supporting the organisers of NECCA - who have already given this year’s awards a major boost, with several new categories announced and the emphasis on recognising individual talent within our industry. Special mention of course to our sponsors for their proactive support this year: Sunderland City Council, greenbeen, North Tyneside Council, Business Durham, People Gauge and Invest North East England.
“Throughout my own career I have seen rapid growth in our sector with many household brands opening contact centres in the North East, so I’m keenly aware how much the regional awards mean to companies who enter. Our industry is one of the region’s largest employers and we are determined to recognise the many unsung heroes who drive this success.
“Shortlisting the entries has been a difficult process as we received 121 applications in total – the highest number yet, in spite of major challenges across the sector caused by Covid-19. We are delighted to announce our shortlisted entries – but I want to take the opportunity to thank every nomination we received. The standard of entries was particularly high and all organisations who participated this year deserve praise for their resilience, dedication and commitment whilst working through really difficult circumstances.”
Gary Barnfather from Sunderland City Council added:
“At Sunderland City Council we are fully aware of the strength and diversity of the industry – not just in Sunderland, but across the wider region. From Tees Valley up to Northumberland, our region employs more than 30,000 people in contact centres – almost 6% of our workforce - so the industry is clearly a huge contributor to our local economies. I’m sure the competition will be fierce and I’m looking forward to hearing which individuals, teams and organisations will receive our top awards this year.
“The team of judges will now be conducting extended interviews and receiving presentations from the shortlisted candidates to decide on our winners in all categories. Our main judging criteria is how entrants demonstrate impact for their customers, their company, their colleagues and their community.”
NECCA is organised by Newcastle-based event management company, The Projects Studio. Director Andrew Wilson commented:
“Congratulations to all Shortlisted Entries for NECCA 2020. We know how much effort has gone into submitting applications, and our shortlist is testament to the strength of this sector in the North East. We are supporting our judges now as they embark on the next stage in the process – whittling down the shortlist to decide on our winners.
“Our plan this year was to stage an Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on 20 November at Ramside Hall. We’ve been waiting for the latest government guidance on business events before we make any final decision. If we need to postpone the event, all tickets will be carried forward to any new date – we are keeping in close contact with all our stakeholders to inform them of any decision we take.
The North East Contact Centre Awards are supported by:
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