Big-hearted Stansted staff have been honoured for vital work they carry out as fundraisers and volunteers in the community at an award ceremony held at the airport.
I-Volunteer is a special award scheme run by BAA Communities Trust to celebrate and reward the many volunteering and fundraising achievements of London Stansted staff in their local community.
The national awards were first launched in 2004 by the Trust, but for the first time this year, the competition was run locally at Stansted.
Speaking at the event, held at the airport’s Radisson Blu Hotel on April 4, Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, Nick Barton said:
“Everyone here tonight should feel very proud of what they have achieved. Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners - you are all important and valued ambassadors for London Stansted in the local community and these awards are just one way in which we can say thank you.”
Shortlisted entrants received a donation of £250 for their chosen charity, with category winners receiving £2000, and runners up receiving £1000.
In total, £15,250 was donated to various charities and local community projects.
Winners include:
Outstanding Contribution Award: Heather Stevens - Takeley
The night’s top award of £2,500 went to Heather Stevens, a security officer from Takeley. She picked up the Outstanding Contribution Award, for her work for Help for Heroes and the Hedley Court Rehab Centre.
This is a remarkable achievement for Ian Smith who has been with Price Bailey forty years.
In 1971, the year of decimalisation, Ian Smith graced Price Bailey’s door and has never looked back.
After a five year career with the Inland Revenue (now the HMRC), Ian decided to move from his London base and join Price Bailey Chartered Accountants at the Guild House in Water Lane (he has the bumps to prove it given the low ceilings). Ian’s first role was tax senior and very soon progressed to tax manager. In those days the sophisticated technology included drum calculators, Kalamazoo and spirit duplicators - for most of us this technology would seem alien. His loyalty, integrity and diligence to his clients and colleagues make him very special.
Richard Price, Chairman of Price Bailey LLP and son of a founding member of the firm, said it was a privilege to work with Ian. He has worked with the firm for more than half the firm’s history and has seen many changes mostly for the better which has made it a top 40 firm.
Ian commented: “I practice what is preached but often ignored in society and that is care and courtesy go hand in hand. In my forty year career with the firm the technology may have changed significantly but gaining the trust of your clients is paramount and never letting them down is crucial.”
Ian continues to be a valued member of the Private Client team advising clients on tax efficient ways to improve their finances.
Stansted Airport has been named ‘world’s best low-cost airport’ at the 2011 World Airports Awards in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The UK’s third busiest airport scooped the best in category prize in the annual Skytrax airport customer survey, based on the feedback of 11.38 million passengers, across 100 different nationalities and covering 240 airports worldwide. 
Welcoming the award, Nick Barton, Stansted’s Managing Director, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted Stansted has been named as the best low-cost airport in the world, especially as the award is decided by those who matter the most - the passenger.
“Stansted is firmly established as a world leader at serving the low-cost airline sector that has transformed air travel. We have a route network that stretches to around 150 destinations with Stansted now offering more direct scheduled European flights than any other airport in the world. 
“We are extremely proud Stansted is home to airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, germanwings and airberlin, plus AirAsia X, one of the new breed of long-haul, low-cost airlines. These are some of the most profitable and innovative airlines in the world, operating modern and efficient aircraft fleets, and who continue to grow and open new markets. It’s thanks to the help and support of our excellent airline partners that we have gained this global honour and recognition.
“The airport has just celebrated the 20th anniversary of HM The Queen opening our iconic terminal building in 1991. This award is a fitting tribute to the world class airport infrastructure developed by Lord Foster that has been brilliantly complimented by the modern efficiencies and technological improvements achieved by the low-cost airline sector.”
Low cost airline bmibaby will touched down for the first time at London Stansted this week (28 March 2011), marking the launch of a new direct connection to George Best Belfast City Airport.
bmibaby, part of the bmi group, will operate up to 16 flights a week from Stansted to Belfast City Airport. With up to three flights a day and fares as low as £19.99 one way the route will prove extremely popular with both business and leisure travellers.
Home to visitor attractions such as Titanic’s Dock & Pumphouse and world class venues like Waterfront Hall, Belfast is fast becoming a must-visit city for the discerning traveller.
The new route boosts Stansted’s flight capacity to Northern Ireland and also provides inbound business passengers with increased access to the City of London, Canary Wharf, as well as high-tech industries around Cambridge and direct access to the East of England.
“I’m delighted to welcome bmibaby as the airline launches its first services from
Stansted,” said Stansted Airport’s managing director, Nick Barton.
“bmibaby will operate up to 32 services a week to and from Stansted so this is not only exciting news for leisure travellers, keen to explore Belfast City’s highlights, but I’m sure the route will be very popular with business travellers reliant on direct flight connections to and from Belfast.
“With tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games having recently gone on sale, and Stansted well positioned as the closest major airport to the Olympic Village, these new flights will also be welcome news for visitors from Northern Ireland seeking convenient access to the games.”
Julian Carr, managing director, bmibaby, said: “Today is the start of our new service from London Stansted to Belfast City Airport. We are the only low cost carrier to operate this route and provide convenient flight times and a high frequency service to the heart of Belfast.
"We are a low cost airline that offers a high quality service with low fares to great European destinations. As this is our first route from Stansted we look forward to welcoming people from the region on board our airline."
- Flights operate three times a day Monday to Friday, once on Sunday
- Fares from £19.99 one way including all taxes
- Free allocated seating at check in and generous 22kg checked in luggage allowance
- Customers can also register for bmi Diamond Club – the UK’s most generous frequent flyer programme
For further information and flight reservations visit www.bmibaby.com
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