Notttinghamshire customer service specialist, Prit Ahluwalia, was nmaed the Interim Manager of the Year category of the One in a Million Award.

Nominated by London-based Albemarle Interim Management plc for whom he has worked for the past year, Prit's assignment was with npower Business where he was charged with re-organising their call centres to make them more efficient.

The changes he had to bring about included improving failing service levels, introducing a performance management culture and identify key staff to achieve benchmark performances.

In tandem with this, he set in motion a number of initiatives that involved briefing management and gaining buy-in from long standing members of staff. Having reviewed performance and capability, Prit introduced a change programme with the focus being on accountability and responsibility for personal performance.

Such was his impact that the results included service levels at the call centre increasing to 96 per cent - a 66 per cent improvement.

Liz Rothwell, Customer Services Manager at npower Business said: "It is an understatement to say Prit made a significant contribution within such a short space of time and has delivered real sustainable solutions."

Angela Hickmore, Managing Director of Albemarle Interim Management plc said: "We are delighted to be, for the second consecutive year, introducing partner of the Interim of the Year award. We never forget we work for two customers - the client who hires and the interim who delivers, and the importance of always making the best match."

Helen Reynolds, the REC's Acting Chief Executive Officer, said: "Prit has shown a commitment to npower Business in which the outcomes delivered exceeded all expectation".