Twickenham stadium was buzzing with activity last Friday to celebrate the 13th annual West London Business Awards, where United Colleges Group (UCG) took centre stage as the lead sponsor. Over 400 people representing organisations from across sectors were in attendance to celebrate growth and innovation across west London.
At the ceremony, our very own carpentry apprentice, Talvin McClunie, won in his category for the 16-29 Apprentice of the Year. Here, Talvin was recognised for his exceptional practical skills and dedication to self-improvement, demonstrated both at college and on site working with his employer, Size Group’s John Brennan.
Talvin said “I’m very grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
Upon delivering the award to Talvin, the judges commented, “It is fantastic to see critical craft skills being represented so well. Talvin is clearly outstanding in his work with a solid career in carpentry ahead of him. He is clearly inspiring people around him in his own right and people are learning from him. A very worthy winner.”
United Colleges Group Student Union President, Beheshta Bakhtari, also received a ‘highly commended’ recognition from the judges for her entry for the Teenpreneur of the Year Award. The judges were enchanted by her story about how she has transformed the Student’s Union into a social enterprise that funds exciting health and wellbeing classes for students.
Stephen Davis, CEO & Group Principal said: “We are delighted to see two of our students recognised at this year’s West London Business Awards. Talvin’s achievements in his apprenticeship and Beheshta’s outstanding leadership as Student Union President rightly impressed the judges. Our college is shaping the next generation of leaders in West London; we remain firmly committed to their success and to working closely with our valued local partners to deliver for our community.”
As an active member of the west London business community, United Colleges Group was invited to have Music students perform some contemporary songs for guests as they took some pitch-side photographs before dinner. Stephen Davis, UCG CEO and Group Principal was also invited to present an award on the night.
United Colleges Group’s Interim Head of HR was also shortlisted for the West London Hero Award for her success in transforming the HR and EDI strategy of the college for the better since she joined the college two years ago.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
