University audio visual expert wins national IT award

An Audio Visual Technician from the University of Derby was awarded ‘IT Service and Support Professional of the Year’ at the annual UK IT Industry Awards 2015 last night.

Phil Blavins, of Belper, Derbyshire, beat major rivals from Lloyds Banking Group, Virgin Media and Domino’s Pizza to win the accolade, which recognises an individual’s outstanding achievement and commitment to deliver a quality, customer-focused support service.

Comedian Stephen K Amos presented the award to Phil at the finalists' dinner last night (November 18), at the Battersea Park Events Arena in London.

Speaking after the award win, Phil said: "Getting a national award for doing a job I love came as a big surprise to me and I'm really proud, personally, for IT Services and for the University.

“We work hard to provide high quality technology and services for our staff and students and it's awesome to see that it has been so well recognised by the UK IT industry."

Phil was nominated for his high level of professionalism and commitment, and for leading the audio visual and multimedia design, operation and development of the University’s audio visual estate.

The University of Derby was also shortlisted in two other category awards; 'IT Manager of the Year’ (for Portfolio Office Manager, Ruth Allen) and ‘IT Team of the Year’.

Senior Business Systems Support and Developer, Mandeep Dhadda, also received the University’s second nomination in the ‘IT Service and Support Professional of the Year’ category.

The annual Awards, recognising excellence in the IT industry are regularly attended by more than 1,000 guests. This was the fourth year in a row that the University of Derby's IT Services department had been shortlisted for the Awards.

Last year, Neil Williams, Director of IT Services at Derby was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Year’ category. He said: "It’s a privilege to be recognised by the prestigious UK IT Industry Awards and the whole department is thrilled with Phil’s award win.

“IT Services at the University of Derby continues to deliver excellent services to students and staff, enabled by high quality and now nationally recognised IT provision."

The next University of Derby Open Day takes place at our Derby and Buxton campuses on Saturday, November 21. Find out more and book your place here: www.derby.ac.uk/opendays.