Two of Aggregate Industries’ employees have been recognised for their outstanding achievements and commitment to the minerals extractives industry at this year's Institute of Quarrying (IoQ) Fellow Lunch and Student Awards.

Dave Owen, an Asphalt Plant Manager at Aggregate Industries, and Katie Sexton, a Graduate Management Trainee, were both awarded for excelling academically in the University of Derby's Centre for Mineral Products educational programmes.

Dave, who manages a team of 15 across Aggregate Industries’ Astley and Cheshire plants, was awarded the Goodwin Barsby Award.

An Aggregate Industries employee since 2007, Dave decided to follow his passion for advancing his team and enrolled on the course after having successfully completed all other operational training and the DAPs programme.

Katie Sexton, who joined the business in September last year, scooped the Peter Preston Award for being the best achiever and receiving the highest overall marks on the core extractive modules within her studies.

This Award adds to her success after receiving the Excellence of Exeter Scholarship and the Dean’s Commendation for outstanding achievement whilst at university.

Guy Edwards, Chief Executive Officer at Aggregate Industries UK, said: “These well-deserved award wins recognise the hard work and dedication Dave and Katie have put into their work and studies. These accolades are an example of not only their successes but also the positive contribution their achievements have had on their respective teams and sites.”

“We’re also proud that following Dave's dissertation results, the Northern Asphalt Team rolled out the use of Warm Mix Additives to a number of sites which have optimised production significantly, as well as improving our sustainability performance. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact these employees will continue to have on the business in the years to come.”