UK firms recognized at national operational excellence (OPEX) awards

Several UK organizations were recently recognized at the 2025 Operational Excellence Awards. The awards took place earlier this month at the Park Plaza London Riverbank.

The event celebrated top performers in the UK’s operations and business sector, showcasing organizations driving business transformation through improved processes, technology adoption and customer experience.

One of the winners was the OCS Operations Team at Covent Garden, which was awarded the title of Operations Team of the Year. Another was Alternative Futures Group (AFG), which became the first charity to be recognized at the awards.

Industry awards are important because they provide an opportunity to showcase and celebrate those making a difference and driving change.

The Business Transformation World Summit Awards 2026 were launched earlier this month. The annual global awards recognize those spearheading superior operational excellence (OPEX) and business transformation initiatives within their organizations. Across eight categories, this year’s award winners will be announced at the rebranded Business Transformation World Summit, taking place January 26 – 28 in Miami, Florida.

UK businesses win big at national OPEX awards

The winners of the 2025 Operational Excellence Awards are:

• Wincanton – Overall Operational Excellence Award.
• John Bicheno – Operational Excellence Leader.
• OCS Covent Garden Operations Team – Operations Team of the Year.
• AFG, Kirsty Murphy – Operations Manager/COO of the Year.
• Evcoms, Hiba Fadhil – Women in Operations.
• Mitie – Operational Excellence in Facilities Management.
• Aldermore Bank – Operational Excellence in Retail and Banking.
• Sunrise Medical – Operational Excellence in Manufacturing.
• Queen’s University – Operational Excellence in Third-Level Education.
• Wincanton – Operational Excellence in Transport and Logistics.
• Essity, early careers program – Training Program of the Year.
• LIBF – improving education through technology – Best Use of Technology in Operations.
• Collinson Group – Innovation in Operations.
• Mitie – Green Operational Excellence Award.
• Aldermore Bank – Digital Transformation and AI Award.

Register for All Access: OPEX Operational Excellence 2025!

Winners celebrate OPEX achievements

OCS is the integrated FM services provider at Covent Garden, London, delivering services across more than 75 buildings in partnership with Shaftesbury Capital. From managing over 55 major events without to delivering the beloved Christmas installations, the OCS team demonstrates resilience, creativity and a seamless one-team ethos.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that the team has been recognized as the Operational Excellence Team of the Year,” said Bruce McDonnell, managing director private sector (UK) at OCS. “This award truly reflects the collective focus, dedication and relentless commitment to continuous improvement that defines this group.

“Their drive to refine every aspect of what they do, always seeking out positive changes to deliver the best possible service to this exceptional estate, is nothing short of inspiring. A huge well done to everyone involved. You’ve earned this recognition and it’s fantastic to see your efforts celebrated.”

AFG is a specialist provider of learning disability, autism and mental health services that enable people to live independent lives. Over the past year, AFG has introduced innovative workforce solutions in social care and championed the use of assistive technology for the people it supports.

“I would like to recognize my colleagues at AFG who have helped lead us through an operational transformation, enabling the people we support to gain independence. AFG is an amazing organization to be part of,” said Murphy.

Ian Pritchard, CEO of AFG, added: “The transformation we’ve seen in workforce stability, staff engagement and financial sustainability is a direct result of her [Murphy’s] strategic vision and tireless dedication.”

Professional Process Excellence Certification Provided by Inixia in Partnership with PEX Network

Designed for today’s fast-paced, competitive business landscape, this certification signals a deep capability in operational excellence and innovation. It enables professionals to lead process transformation across functions and industries, and become change agents within their organizations. Whether you're advancing your career or strengthening your team’s performance, the Certified Master of Dynamic Process Transformation provides a forward-thinking, results-driven approach to creating sustainable value and long-term success.

Learn More