Twickenham stadium was buzzing with activity last Friday to celebrate the 13th annual West London Business Awards, where United Colleges Group (UCG) took centre stage as the lead sponsor. Over 400 people representing organisations from across sectors were in attendance to celebrate growth and innovation across west London.

At the ceremony, our very own carpentry apprentice, Talvin McClunie, won in his category for the 16-29 Apprentice of the Year. Here, Talvin was recognised for his exceptional practical skills and dedication to self-improvement, demonstrated both at college and on site working with his employer, Size Group’s John Brennan.

Upon delivering the award to Talvin, the judges commented, "It is fantastic to see critical craft skills being represented so well. Talvin is clearly outstanding in his work with a solid career in carpentry ahead of him. He is clearly inspiring people around him in his own right and people are learning from him. A very worthy winner.”

United Colleges Group Student Union President, Beheshta Bakhtari, also received a ‘highly commended’ recognition from the judges for her entry for the Teenpreneur of the Year Award. The judges were enchanted by her story about how she has transformed the Student’s Union into a social enterprise that funds exciting health and wellbeing classes for students.

Stephen Davis, CEO & Group Principal said: “We are delighted to see two of our students recognised at this year’s West London Business Awards. Talvin’s achievements in his apprenticeship and Beheshta’s outstanding leadership as Student Union President rightly impressed the judges. Our college is shaping the next generation of leaders in West London; we remain firmly committed to their success and to working closely with our valued local partners to deliver for our community.”

As an active member of the west London business community, United Colleges Group was invited to have Music students perform some contemporary songs for guests as they took some pitch-side photographs before dinner. Stephen Davis, UCG CEO and Group Principal was also invited to present an award on the night.

United Colleges Group’s Interim Head of HR was also shortlisted for the West London Hero Award for her success in transforming the HR and EDI strategy of the college for the better since she joined the college two years ago.