Many winners were celebrated at the sixth running of the SEIB Awards held on 4th July 2023 at Dorney Lake, Berkshire. But none shone more brightly that the finale winners in the SEIB You’re a Star award category. The SEIB Awards were an extra special occasion this year in also celebrating SEIB reaching the milestone of 60 years in business. Before the awards began in earnest, the guests enjoyed a delicious three course luncheon in the striking boat house overlooking the venue of the rowing competition at the 2012 London Olympics.
Over the years, many loyal, hardworking and talented people have helped SEIB to become the success story that it is. The first winner in this category, SEIB’s Compliance Manager, Lena Quilley has been with SEIB for over 30 years and has worked her way up to leading the compliance team. Lena’s prize was presented by Suzy Middleton and Bipin Thaker.
Hot on Lena’s heels up on stage were champion showing producer, Katie Jerram-Hunnable and her husband, former Olympic eventer, Chris Hunnable. This pair have provided unwavering support for SEIB Search for a Star for very nearly 30 years! Chris was instrumental in providing advice back at the very first Search for a Star qualifier back in 1996 at Towerlands EC in Essex and nowadays Katie and Chris judge the series finale at Horse of the Year Show.
Katie and Chris have produced show horses for the late HM Queen Elizabeth II, and now HM King Charles III for over twenty years. SEIB’s Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie explained: “We thought who more fitting to present Katie and Chris with their award than the late Her Majesty’s head groom, Terry Pendry, Military Knight, LVO, BEM who then was humbled to receive his own extra surprise award up on stage! I cannot thank Katie and Chris enough for their support. Whether it be driving across the country to judge one class or ten, provide advice, steward or even take part in online Q&A sessions, nothing is ever any trouble for them”.
Giving to others is embedded in the culture of SEIB. From supporting grass roots competition that gives opportunities to amateur riders that they could only otherwise dream about, right through to the company’s unwavering loyalty to promoting nationwide equine welfare, giving to charity and supporting the funeral industry, SEIB are leading the way within the markets they operate.
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