Staff at Axminster Tools & Machinery recently picked up an award at the Devon Sports Awards. The company won the award for ‘Business Contribution to Staff Well Being through Sporting Activity’. The award criteria related to the achievements for the sporting year to 31st March 2019.

Keeping fit and staying healthy

Axminster is keen to promote a healthy lifestyle for all of its employees. This combines work-life balance, healthy eating and physical activities. To this end, the company has encouraged and financially supported a range of lunchtime and after-work sports and activities. These include netball, football, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions and most recently a lunchtime spinning class at the local LED sports centre.

Devon Sports Awards

The awards evening took place at Sandy Park the home of Premiership rugby team Exeter Chiefs. Jenny Walrond, BBC Spotlight’s Health Correspondent, compèred the evening and Rob Baxter, director of rugby at Exeter Chiefs, held a Q&A session. After the presentation of the awards, BBC Radio Devon’s James Vickery interviewed some of the winners which included one with Axminster’s Buying & Product Manager, Laurie Forino, who said:

We came here tonight never imagining we would win an award, but are thrilled that we have. Whether it’s netball, football, spinning, having a HIIT session or a lunchtime walk, many of us enjoy sport and taking part in some of the activities supported by the company. It’s fantastic to win an award for something we really enjoy.

Five-a-side team claim victory

More sporting success was enjoyed by Axminster's five-a-side team. They were one of 13 teams competing in the Herman Miller Cup which The Furniture Makers’ Company organised. On Sunday 30th June the team travelled to the Lucozade Powerleague Football Centre in Coventry to play in the tournament. Kick-off was at 1pm and play was fast and furious. After winning several games, our team found themselves in the final facing bed manufacturer Hypnos. However, at full-time the score was 2-2 meaning the match would have to be decided in a penalty shoot-out. The game came down to the wire, with a heroic save from goalkeeper Joe Berry and a final goal from Billy Long, resulting in our team winning the game 3-2 on penalties.

Axminster’s five-a-side team

Dids Macdonald OBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said:

The Herman Miller Cup was fabulous, with more than 100 keen footballers taking part, and what an amazing final between Axminster and Hypnos. However, where were all the women players? Next year, I hope! We’d like to thank our sponsor, Herman Miller, for their tremendous support in helping make this wonderful event possible.

The event raised a record £4,500 for the charity.