Triumphing over adversity and setting a shining example of determination, resilience and leadership, Deborah Colley has been named Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious Express & Star Business Awards 2025. Her award-winning journey was made possible through Performance Through People.
Just two years ago, in February 2023, Debbie’s personal life had an unexpected change and was facing a challenging time. Rather than be defeated, Debbie made the bold decision to rebuild—not just her life, but her future.
Determined to grow both personally and professionally, she enrolled on a two-year Team Leader apprenticeship while also studying for Functional Skills qualifications in maths and English. Despite being out of education for years, Debbie threw herself into the challenge with energy and commitment, impressing tutors with her work ethic and high-quality submissions.
Debbie, now a Demand Planner Team Leader at AF Blakemore Foodservice, applied her learning directly to her role—most notably leading a critical logistics project during a company restructure. Faced with a deadline cut from six weeks to two, Debbie successfully oversaw the reorganisation and transfer of depot stock, training new teams and coordinating efforts across sites.
Beyond the workplace, Debbie’s compassion shines, she became a mental health first aider, and for 18 months volunteered at Compton Hospice & RAF Association phone a friend.
“Debbie really wanted to focus on her career and asked me for help. The first thing that came to mind was the Team Leader level 3 Apprenticeship in which she has done nothing but excel,” said Lee Sirett, her manager at AF Blakemore. “I could instantly see from her personality and how she operated around others that she would be a good pick for an ever-evolving team… To win this would be giving something back to her in which she would fully deserve.”
In addition to this latest accolade, Debbie achieved a distinction in her apprenticeship, was named Apprenticeship Hero at AF Blakemore, and is now exploring a higher-level management programme.
Debbie Colley’s story is a reminder that it’s not how you fall—it’s how you rise. And she has risen with strength, purpose, and a powerful example for others to follow.