John Mason International has received significant industry recognition, after the UK-based overseas removals specialist received a special award from the International Association of Movers (IAM).

The company’s owner, Simon Hood, picked up the IAM’s inaugural Excellence in Leadership award - given in recognition of an individual’s commitment to growth, as well as impactful, effective, motivational and consistent leadership.

Voted for by peers through the IAM Leadership Alliance Council, Simon was praised for his company’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, as well as for John Mason International’s navigation through the global shipping issues which have affected the entire industry in recent years.

“I’m truly honoured to have been chosen by my peers for this prestigious award,” said Simon. “Since taking the reins at John Mason International, I’ve felt it important to position myself, physically and mentally, alongside my colleagues in an open-office environment so that we can overcome these mammoth challenges together.”

“I want to hear, first-hand, about any issues affecting those on the shop-floor so that we can address them immediately,” he added. “That means spending time with colleagues throughout the business, from being in the warehouse unloading containers, to working closely with our human resources team.”

“Although this is a leadership award, this isn’t about me,” Simon said. “It’s a reflection of the performance of our entire team here at John Mason International. We have all been through a very difficult time in the past 18 months. From Brexit and the effects of the pandemic, to the cost-of-living crisis, shortage of haulage, and spiraling shipping costs, we would not have weathered this storm without the supreme efforts of every single colleague.”

Photo: John Mason International owner Simon Hood.