Graeme Warnell, GW Environmental Consulting and EV-EXBOX

Why did you decide to enter the APEA Awards, and how did entering end up on your desk?

For years I attended the APEA Show and Conference and every time I watched the awards, I always thought we can do that. But we never did – we never found the time to complete an entry, and we just assumed it was a very long, hard and onerous process. How wrong we were!

In 2022, we entered and became finalists. In 2023, our EV‑EXBOX team went a step further and won the 'Innovation Award'. Then, in 2024, our environmental team won the 'Environmental Protection and Sustainability Award'.

How did you pick the categories you entered?

We knew our environmental and clean energy arms of the business had some great innovation and we were convinced we were making a difference in the areas we operated in. In truth, we could have fit most of what we do into one category or another – sometimes it wasn’t a perfect match, but that was never a show-stopper.

How did you approach entry creation (solo, or in collaboration)?

As an SME, I handled the entry myself, but I’d say it’s key to have someone close to the project complete it. This is more than just sending in a marketing brochure – the judges need to understand the drive, passion and effort behind the work.

How long did you spend on your entries?

Each online entry took no more than one day. We enjoyed the fact that the online entry platform allows you to deliver concise information about the entry via responses to the specific form questions, then supplement those answers by attaching other useful supporting documents (that already existed and didn't need to be re-written).

How did you feel when you were shortlisted as a finalist, then tell us about the big night?

It immediately felt like the effort had been worthwhile. The APEA Judging Panel had recognised the merit and potential in our entry.

On the night, I was surprised by how anxious I felt! It’s a big room, always lively, with a huge audience. Being recognised in front of peers and industry leaders was hugely rewarding. I didn’t celebrate as wildly as I might have done 30 years ago (especially with an exhibition stand to take down the next day!), but it was great to talk to so many people at the bar after the ceremony, who not only wanted to congratulate us, but who also genuinely wanted to know more about our products.

What happened afterwards - did the win boost your company's reputation?

We saw a definite profile boost. It also gave us a fabulous platform from which to launch marketing campaigns!

Why, in your view, it is it important for the best of the industry enter the APEA Awards, each year?

I think everyone should enter. The industry can decide who is best in any given year, but that prize is there for us all to aim for, no matter how big or small any organisation is. Trust me, a bit of effort can deliver significant rewards!