I put myself forward for the award back in June after Briege Ashley, my Area Manager, encouraged me to go for it. I didn’t even think I’d get to the finals, so to win was just crazy.

I was actually on holiday in Florida on the night of the awards, so two of my fellow store managers, Stephen West and Gerry Johnston, went in my place. I watched the ceremony live on Twitter from the comfort of my hotel room, and when I found out I’d won I went straight over to one of the local bars and had a little celebration!

Stephen West and Gerry Johnston accepted the award

When I put myself forward, I gave them my career history, achievements and the awards I’d won to date. But I think the thing that clinched it for me was the amount of community work I do. I’ve been working with a local homeless charity called Haven for the past two years. I head out on a Saturday night for two to three hours to feed homeless people in the local area.

I couldn’t believe the amount of congratulations I got from the whole business after I’d won. It was just unbelievable, I think my phone was dead for two days from people telling me how proud they were of me.

Stephen McMahon
Store Manager, Old Park Road