Awards Ball 2026: Meet Our Award-Winning Colleagues

Earlier this month, more than 400 colleagues from across our offices came together for our annual Awards Ball, a night dedicated to celebrating our brightest stars.

The evening recognised colleagues who have brought our values to life over the past year, along with the people and teams who have gone above and beyond for our clients and for each other.

We caught up with this year’s winners to find out how it felt to take home an award, and what their category means to them.

Find a Way: Chiara Foster, Minster Law Scotland

Chiara was recognised as someone who simply doesn’t stop at a problem. Her colleagues described how she goes above and beyond to help, whether the challenge relates to personal injury law, IT or supporting someone through everyday life. She notices when somebody needs help, makes time for them without ever making them feel like a nuisance, and keeps going until she finds a solution. Her generosity with her time and the example she sets for those around her truly embody the spirit of Find a Way.

Length of service: 18 months

Current position: Solicitor

How did it feel to win the award?

I’m very grateful that my team nominated me!

Why does Find a Way matter to you, and how do you bring it into your role?

I enjoy coming up with solutions, so being recognised for this by my team was really amazing. When challenges come up, I try to be proactive and think about ways we can do better as a team. Being in a smaller team, I think it’s important to take everyone’s ideas on board so we can find a solution that works for everyone.

Be Courageous: Kate Blackledge

Over the past year, Kate has repeatedly stepped outside her comfort zone and made her voice heard. She has broadened her contribution across the business, supporting the new workstream, and confidently putting forward ideas to improve our solutions. Perhaps most courageously, she has moved from a role that often works behind the scenes to presenting system demonstrations to directors, members of the Executive team and external partners, explaining complex work with confidence and clarity. Her willingness to step forward, challenge constructively and keep raising the standard is courage in action.

Length of service: 7 years and 3 months

Current position: Quality Assurance Tester

How did it feel to win the award?

If there weren’t pictures of it, I don’t think I’d believe it happened! It was so rewarding to see my hard work and dedication recognised, and it’s given me confidence that my contributions are making a positive impact. This is an award I’ll always be incredibly proud of and thankful for.

Share a moment from the past year when you were courageous at work.

A key moment for me this past year was delivering live demos of our new to internal Minster Law teams and external stakeholders. Presenting a brand-new system to such a wide audience took a lot of personal courage, but my main goal was to get everyone as genuinely excited about what we had built as I was. It was incredibly rewarding to see that dedication pay off and to showcase the amazing work we do in IT & Change.

Stand Together: Cheryl Hill

Cheryl’s colleagues describe her as the glue that holds their team together. She makes everyone feel valued and creates a safe, positive environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas and speaking up. Her support goes beyond the day-to-day: she listens, understands individual strengths and learning styles, shares her extensive knowledge and approaches every challenge with a genuine “let’s fix this together” attitude. Her nominations highlighted her kindness, compassion and willingness to make time for others, even on her days off, and the strength of her team is a powerful reflection of the culture she has created.

Length of service: Almost 12 years

Current position: Team Leader, Legal Cashiers & Case Resolution

How did it feel to win the award?

I was genuinely shocked to win, especially knowing how many amazing people had been nominated! Once the shock wore off, I felt really proud. It was lovely to know that the support I give my colleagues and the work I put in are noticed and appreciated.

Why does Stand Together matter to you, and how do you bring it into your role?

Stand Together matters to me because I believe we achieve more when we support each other and work towards a shared goal. As a Team Leader, I try to create an environment where everyone feels supported, listened to and valued, whatever their experience. I’m always happy to share my knowledge, help colleagues when they need it and encourage people to build their skills and confidence. For me, being part of a team isn’t just about achieving our own goals, it’s about helping the people around us succeed too.

Team of the Year: Onboarding Team

As the first point of contact for our clients, the Onboarding team has shown just how much they care, both for our clients and for each other. From jumping on serious injury client calls to make sure people get the help they need, to adapting brilliantly to new processes and welcoming new colleagues so no one is left behind, the team has lived our values every single day. Their teamwork, compassion, resilience and commitment to excellent client outcomes truly set them apart.

Mathew Baker, Service & Operations Manager, on behalf of the Onboarding team

Being awarded Team of the Year is a moment of immense pride for everyone in our Onboarding team. As the first voice our clients hear and the first impression they receive of Minster Law, we understand the responsibility and the opportunity that come with every interaction.

This award recognises the passion, care and dedication our colleagues bring to their roles every day. By combining accuracy, empathy and efficiency, we help clients navigate important moments with confidence, delivering on our mission to create outcomes that matter.

We are incredibly proud of this achievement as a team. It reflects not only what we have accomplished together, but also our commitment to continually raising the standard of service and support for every client we welcome.

The Jonathan Bamforth Award for Great Service: Paige Wilson-Wood

Paige consistently puts our clients first, even when a matter isn’t hers to handle. Colleagues describe her as the first to answer incoming calls and someone who will do everything she can to progress a case there and then, despite managing a busy workload of her own. She takes the time to explain difficult processes clearly, so clients understand where they are and what happens next, and feel respected throughout. Feedback from clients reflects the trust she builds through her professionalism, responsiveness and reliability, making her a brilliant example of what exceptional service looks like.

Length of service: Nearly 5 years

Current position: File Handler, OIC Admitted (two-year team)

How did it feel to win the award?

I was in complete shock, as I felt everyone in my category deserved to win. To be the one picked made me feel so grateful.

Why does great service matter to you, and how do you bring it into your role?

I give my all to every client, whether that’s on the phone, by email or in any other way. I try to approach every client with the utmost respect, so knowing that this has paid off with this award makes me really appreciative. It shows me that I’m giving my all to every aspect of my role.

Outstanding Committee Contribution: Nicola Leary

Nicola’s contribution to the business outside of her day job has been described as invaluable. Through leading new initiatives, she provides training, support and insight that help identify and develop colleagues ready to thrive across the business. Having taken on leadership of a new team last year, she has helped it blossom while remaining committed to developing internal talent, creating opportunities for colleagues to flourish and strengthening capability across the wider business.

Length of service: Since November 2021

Current position: Fast Track Academy Team Leader

How did it feel to win the award?

I feel honoured to have won this award. I work alongside some amazing colleagues on the CSR Committee, who all deserve recognition for the work they do supporting local charities.

Share a moment from the past year when you made an outstanding committee contribution.

My highlight from the past year was having the chance to spend time with Year 6 pupils from Orchard Primary Academy and seeing first-hand the positive influence we are having on their futures.

CEO Choice Award: Ashley Bennett

Ashley has made a significant impact in a relatively short space of time. Since joining the business, he has driven forward a number of key projects across both operational and support teams, delivering timely results that have improved processes and created efficiencies. Colleagues describe him as someone who will take on almost any problem and find a solution, often bringing fresh ideas rather than simply tweaking what already exists. He, is patient and generous when explaining technical issues, and makes time to support established colleagues and new starters alike.

Congratulations once again to all of our winners and finalists, and thank you to everyone who made the night so memorable.