NOVUS takes innovation trophy at Retail Week Supply Chain Awards

May be more awards to come

NOVUS, the partnership between leading companies and the University of Huddersfield to attract and develop the next generation of supply chain professionals, has won the ‘supply chain innovation project of the year’ award at the prestigious Hermes Retail Week Supply Chain Awards 2014.

Commenting on the award, Andy Kaye, CEO, BiS Henderson and Chair of the NOVUS Steering Group, said, “This award means a great deal to all those in the industry who have supported the development of the NOVUS Trust. I’m delighted that this collaborative, industry wide initiative to offer students a degree course in supply chain management with a guaranteed job at the end, has been acknowledged as innovative within the sector through such a prestigious award.”

David Leach, Senior Lecturer and NOVUS programme director at the University of Huddersfield, said, “We are delighted to have been recognised in this way. The award plays to the strengths of the NOVUS Scheme in terms of collaboration across the industry and investment in the next generation of supply chain professionals. There is nothing else like it.”

The award, sponsored by Wincanton, was presented by Liam Mcelroy, Managing Director of the company’s Retail Logistics operations, at a gala event held at the London Hilton, Park Lane on 25th September. NOVUS won against competition from five shortlisted blue-chip companies.

And there could be more to come. The scheme is a finalist for the ‘Development of People’ Award in the Chartered Institute of Logistics Annual Awards for Excellence 2014. In addition, The NOVUS scheme has also been nominated for the Supply Chain Standard European Supply Chain Excellence Awards in the category of ‘Training & Professional Development’.

The NOVUS Scheme, now in its second year, guarantees graduate employment to students undertaking two specialist degrees in supply chain management at the University of Huddersfield, along with other benefits that include mentoring from senior industry professionals, guaranteed work placements and additional professional qualifications. The curriculum has been designed in consultation with industry and includes regular industry- led seminars and site visits.

NOVUS is backed by 27 companies including household names such as Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, ASOS, Wincanton, DHL, Network Rail and Arla.

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