LEP board member Wendy Dean wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Strategi Solutions Group managing director Wendy Dean has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at Signal One’s prestigious Inspiration in Business Awards.

Wendy was handed the accolade at a ceremony at the Wychwood Park Hotel, Crewe, as judges recognised her major contribution to the region’s business community over many years.

In her pursuit of business perfection, Wendy has never stood still. Recognised early on for being a key strategic thinker, she progressed quickly from receptionist to her first HR role for Royal Ordnance PLC in 1984. From there she joined transport giant ANC, now FedEx UK, as HR Manager, promoted to HR Director in 2000.

A further promotion took Wendy to Steelite International where, under her guidance as Group HR Director, the company was awarded the accolade of Employer of the Year 2014 at the National Business Awards.

Three years ago, aged 50, Wendy displayed her entrepreneurial spirit and knowhow by starting her own business. As ever, the move was a resounding success – Wendy is now Managing Director of Strategi Solutions Group, with 20 employees and 100 clients.

“I am incredibly proud and honoured to receive Signal One’s Inspiration in Business Lifetime Achievement award,” said Wendy. “I have always worked hard to better myself in business and have been fortunate to work with some amazing people and key mentors along the way.

“I never expected to win a lifetime achievement award – it seems such a short time ago that I set out on my career path. But business can always be improved by experience and there are many others whose knowhow and expertise is driving the region forward. Awards such as this are recognition for the efforts of them all.”

Strategi Solutions Group has seen rapid growth and now offers a wide range of services including HR, learning and development, training, marketing, PR, design, and health, safety and environmental consultancy.

“Setting up Strategi Solutions Group was a major move,” explained Wendy, “and one that has been successful due to the core HR values of building a strong, highly skilled, knowledgeable and committed team. I am very proud of what we have achieved.”

Wendy is also a great believer in social responsibility. She is a board member of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, regularly presents to students from Staffordshire University’s Business School, and is chair of the Employment and Skills Forum for Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce. She also sits on the chamber’s Finest Steering Committee.

A passionate supporter of women in business, Wendy also volunteers to mentor and coach women looking to progress in their careers.

“We should always try to give something back,” she says. “I’ll be looking to carry on my work across all areas for many years to come.”