A cleaner at MediaCity in Salford has been given an award for encouraging and inspiring a young intern. Margaret Gill of contract company Westgrove Group, which provides cleaning and security staff for shopping centres across the UK and employs more than 1,000 people, mentored Stefania Ilenikhena.
When Stefania began her internship at Peel MediaCity 18 months ago she was shy and lacked confidence; her self-belief grew with the help of Margaret, who advised her on the work and made her feel part of the team. Ilenikhena impressed Westgrove so much that it offered her a paid contract. Pictured left to right are Stefania and Margaret.
Margaret, who enjoyed mentoring Stefania, said: “It was great to win the award but it was even better to see how Stefania has blossomed in the role. She is a valuable part of the team.”
Warrington-based Westgrove, an ACS Pacesetters company, arranged the internship through Pure Innovations, a charity in Stockport that helps young people get jobs and learn skills.
Westgrove Group Account Manager, Sami Alfarhan said: “We are proud to partner with Pure Innovations and, without them, stories like Stefania’s wouldn’t be possible. It is inspiring to see how far Stefania has progressed, both in her confidence and the skills she’s gained. We’re delighted that she’s part of the Westgrove team now.”
Margaret was given Westgrove’s “CSR Initiative of the Year” award. The awards for Westgrove staff mark everything from acts of bravery and saving lives to excellent service, in more than 70 UK shopping centres.
The ceremony included talks: on shopping centre security by Paul Keeling, owner of The Senate Group, which advises the UK government and companies on security and crisis management, and Alex Staniforth, Westgrove’s brand ambassador and record-breaking endurance adventurer, who has raised more than £25,000 for The Young Minds Trust.
