Basil Parylo: How being an LABC Superstar winner made a big difference to me

After winning the LABC Superstar (Yorkshire) Award 2017 the response from colleagues, friends, and acquaintances has been overwhelming and I never have experienced anything like this before.

I was first notified of my nomination for the Superstar award from LABC HQ which also secured me a place to this year’s LABC Conference which is an added bonus to me.

I was given the award during the Gala Dinner which made it extra special because I could share my success among friends and colleagues in the LABC network.

It was at that moment I realised I had received an important award by the sounds of cheers and claps from the other delegates. I was expecting a few comments and congratulations over the following days and weeks but I have been overwhelmed by the response I have received so far.

The real Basil Parylo - LABC Superstar winner

This backing continued both at my workplace at Leeds City Council and also at our regional LABC Yorkshire meeting.

This is not only a morale boost to our office, it also raised our profile as a Local Authority Building Control Service and LABC in general.

The next surprise I was not expecting was the response on social media, especially from people I have never met in person, yet the congratulations kept coming. For example, after my status update with a photo of me receiving the award on LinkedIn there have been 4,455 views.

This is way beyond anything I could do without this award to spread the LABC message. After all it’s not just about me, it’s about who and what I represent - Leeds City Council Building Control Service and LABC.

Nominate your 2018 LABC Superstar

My next surprise came when I had to attend the Regional Officers Day at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers because I am Regional Chair for the Yorkshire & Humber Region. Once again the response was incredible - not only from the staff at CABE but also the delegates that attended on that day. CABE was so pleased that one of their regional chairs had won an award they also want to write a feature in their journal.

So what I would say to everyone, if you know somebody in the LABC network that is a potential Superstar please make the effort to nominate them for next year's award. Not only will it give that person something back in the way of a thank you, it will raise morale in your office, as well as the profile of your service, your local authority, LABC, and your own professional membership organisation.

I’m so appreciative somebody made the effort to make my nomination I would recommend you do the same and give something back to someone who deserves this award. It will make a difference to that person.

Further information

Meet the rest of the 2017 Superstar award winners or nominate someone for a 2018 Superstar award.