Looking to motivate your call centre? You could take a leaf out of Garland’s book and host a talent competition.

The finals of Garlands’ Talent contest saw a win for the Hartlepool contact centre team of Claire Fisher, Jackie Wilkinson and Lee Etherington. The team, who were all singers, fought off fierce competition from representatives from Garlands’ Middlesbrough centre.

The event, which was held on 24th April at Billingham Synthonia Football Club, also saw Claire Fisher crowned as Garlands ‘Most Entertaining Act’ for her fantastic vocal ability. It was a hugely enjoyable evening with all the finalists cheered on by colleagues, friends and family members.

Each of the performers had previously won their way through qualifying heats to take part in the final. The finalists were:

• Claire Fisher (Hartlepool site) who sang Always by Bon Jovi
• Jackie Wilkinson (Hartlepool site) who sang Crazy For You by Madonna
• Lee Etherington (Hartlepool site) who sang Desperado by the Eagles
• David Mohan (Middlesbrough site) who sang Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Deep Blue Something
• Dancer Nicola Quinn (Middlesbrough site)
• Drummer Patrick Boyd (Middlesbrough site)

The judges were Alex Geale and Steven Walker from Garlands’ Communications Department, and Nathan Money from Garlands’ charity partner Daisy Chain. On the night, a raffle was organised to raise money for Daisy Chain.

The winning team from Garlands’ Hartlepool centre received £90 - with Claire Fisher receiving a further £20 for winning the individual competition.
The finalists (L to R) are: Patrick Boyd, David Mohan, Nicola Quinn, Claire Fisher, Jackie Wilkinson and Lee Etherington