Glaxo's young stars lauded at prestigious industry awards

TWO budding engineers have scooped awards for their hard work.
Reuben McNaughton, who works at GlaxoSmithKline, in Barnard Castle, picked up a £1,000 cheque for exceptional career achievement at the annual NEPIC (North East of England Process Industry Cluster) awards.
His colleague, Sophie Hawman, was one of three trainees to take the accolade of Apprentice of the Year.
Hundreds of industry bosses were on hand to watch £20,000 of awards handed out.
GSK site director in Barnard Castle, Dr Alastair Leighton, was thrilled the Teesdale pair had been recognised.
He added: “They may be young people, but already they both have very important roles in making sure people all over the world have access to the innovative medicines we make when they need them.”
Mr McNaughton was full of praise for his employer.
He said: “GSK has really helped support development of my engineering expertise and it’s great that an organisation like NEPIC rewards the investment GSK and other companies put into the future of process industry skills.”
Ms Hawman added: “I am overwhelmed.
“I hope that this will inspire other young people to choose the apprenticeship route and be able to take advantage of the kind of opportunities that I have received while at GSK.”
Prize funds were also donated to science-related school projects.
NEPIC chief executive, Dr Stan Higgins, said: “The calibre of the winners and attendees of our event, along with the list of fantastic sponsors, reflects the importance of the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and polymer process industries to the both regional and national economy.”