August Employee of the Month: Busy Suits Them

September is already well under way, but we're not leaving August behind without recognising two colleagues who stood out during what was an exceptionally busy month across HallMark.

August might usually bring thoughts of summer holidays, quieter diaries and a chance to slow things down. This year, the reality across many of our teams was rather different.

The workload was building, projects were moving and operational demands certainly weren't taking a summer break – and that momentum has followed us straight into September.

Amongst all that activity, two people caught the attention of their managers for very different contributions: Maria Paz Diaz from Exports and Maissa Kardous from Official Controls.

Export Winner – Maria Paz Diaz

Operations Assistant

When several priorities are competing for attention, maintaining the same level of service isn't always easy.

Throughout a particularly demanding period, Paz has successfully balanced her day-to-day responsibilities with significant projects, while continuing to provide excellent support to those around her.

Her collaborative approach, positive attitude and willingness to help have made a real difference, particularly at a time when there has been plenty to keep the Exports team busy.

As her nomination put it:

“Paz has been recognised for her exceptional contribution during busy periods, balancing both her day job and significant projects, whilst maintaining an excellent level of service. Her ability to collaborate with others, her positive attitude and supportive nature have been appreciated and shine through every day.”

It is that combination of quality, collaboration and a genuinely supportive approach that has earned Paz her August recognition.

Congratulations, Paz!

Official Controls Winner – Maissa Kardous

Official Veterinarian

For Maissa, August's recognition comes from a very different side of HallMark's work.

Official Veterinarians regularly face situations that require more than technical knowledge alone. Professional judgement, vigilance and the confidence to challenge when necessary are all fundamental to carrying out the role effectively.

Maissa has consistently demonstrated those qualities, approaching her responsibilities with professionalism and a clear commitment to high-quality, compliant work.

Her nomination highlighted:

“Maissa has been recognised for her professionalism, confidence and commitment with her role, continuously demonstrating her dedication to deliver high quality and compliant work. She always uses sound judgement and shows integrity within everything that she does. Her vigilance, confidence, proactiveness and willingness to challenge difficult situations is an example to others.”

Those qualities reflect exactly why integrity and quality sit amongst our core values. Knowing what needs to be done matters; having the confidence and professional judgement to act appropriately when circumstances become difficult matters just as much.

Congratulations, Maissa!

Different Roles. Same Recognition.

There is plenty separating the day-to-day work of an Operations Assistant in Exports and an Official Veterinarian delivering Official Controls – and that's part of what our Employee of the Month programme is about.

Outstanding contribution doesn't have to look the same across every role.

For Paz, it was managing a demanding workload, progressing significant projects and continuing to support colleagues with positivity. For Maissa, it was vigilance, sound professional judgement and the confidence to challenge difficult situations while maintaining high standards.

As we continue into what is already proving to be another busy month, we're pleased to recognise them both.

Congratulations to Paz and Maissa, our August Employees of the Month! 🏆