Congratulations are in order to our Operations Director for Common Purpose UK, Louise Teboul, who was recently presented with the Outstanding Professional Award at the 2014 Birmingham Post Business Awards. Louise has delivered Common Purpose programmes in Birmingham for 9 years.

The 2014 Birmingham Post Business Awards was hosted at the ICC Birmingham and the theme this year focused on celebrating businesses and individuals who have helped the West Midlands region to return to growth. The judging criteria for the Outstanding Professional Award included having a significant track record of outstanding achievement, entrepreneurial innovation, providing selfless support to charity/other bodies, promoting the region, industry recognition and a commitment to Customer Service.

Louise said: "I'm delighted and a bit surprised, to be honest, to have won the Outstanding Professional Award. It's a great theme this year - Birmingham Bounces Back - and one that's close to my heart, as I'm lucky enough to work with lots of interesting people from all three sectors in Birmingham and it really does feel like we've turned a corner this year. I've delivered leadership courses to over 180 participants - ranging from senior leaders, to university students and Commonwealth leaders. As well as working with a large number of participants, I work with almost as many contributors on the courses, as well as our alumni.  I love my role - I see it as a privilege to work with so many diverse people - and it's exciting to connect people who'd never normally meet and see the benefits to the city.  It's lovely to have this recognition of the work that I do - but I couldn't do my job without support from lots of people and I think it's as much for all of them, as me."

Find out more about programmes we run in cities around the world.