Fisher & Paykel MD wins Editor’s Award
Fisher & Paykel’s Managing Director David Woollcott has been recognised by the Designer Awards for stepping above and beyond the line of duty in doing something remarkable for the industry.
David was given the Editor’s Award at a virtual ceremony on 18th November 2020. David Woollcott is well-known in the industry for being the Managing Director at premium appliance brand Fisher & Paykel. However, this week Designer has recognised the outstanding work of Woollcott’s new not-for-profit organisation, SaddleUp!. In the wake of over three million job losses and the onslaught of recession, Woollcott is determined to help business professionals facing redundancy get back on their feet, or ‘saddle up’.
With the help of high-level volunteers from an array of industries, including leading companies from within and outside the kbb industry such as BMW, Barclays, Fisher & Paykel, Caesarstone and Aldi,
David wants to change the way that redundancy is viewed by offering support from those in senior positions.
Martin Allen-Smith, Editor, Designer magazine comments on David’s win: “David’s efforts to reach out and help those who, through no fault of their own, have seen their careers badly affected by the events of the past few months, has grown into a fantastic initiative which has already given hundreds of people much needed help and advice. We are pleased to be able to recognise David’s efforts in stepping forward and making a real difference with his SaddleUp! Initiative. This award is a small thank you from us on behalf of the people help so far, and for going the extra mile to support so many across the wide business community.”
Woollcott comments: “I feel honoured to be awarded Designer’s prestigious Editor’s Award and I am amazed at the support SaddleUp! has received since its launch. Redundancy is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through both professionally and personally. SaddleUp! is born from an urgent and immediate need to restore employees’ worth and help them refocus so they are ready to re-enter the jobs market in a positive frame of mind. We MUST change the way redundancy is viewed – it is not a personal failure.”
