Sharon Hughes’ celebrated with Lifetime Achievement accolade at annual Pest Awards

Sharon Hughes, former Global Technical Marketing Manager for Rodenticides at BASF, has been awarded with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Pest Awards in recognition of her contributions to the sector.

Sharon, who retired this summer, has been the driving force behind many milestones reached in the industry during her four decades at the company.

As well as her dedication to research, Sharon has also helped with the innovation of many revolutionary products, including the Storm® and Neosorexa® ranges, and most notably, the award-winning cholecalciferol rodenticide, Selontra®.

Laurence Barnard from BASF Pest Control Solutions commented on the well-deserved win: “I know there were many excellent entries this year for the Lifetime Achievement Award, but I think we all agree that Sharon has made such a difference to the pest control sector and has earned this accolade. From her constant dedication to research and development, to her infectious passion for responsible rodent control, Sharon has been the driving force behind so much of the industry’s progression, and we’re so proud that she was a part of BASF throughout these many achievements.”

Sharon’s career began in 1979 when she joined Sorex as a junior lab technician after completing college. Her passion for biology and animal behaviour quickly emerged, leading her to pursue a degree in Applied Biology at the University of Greenwich. She later returned to Sorex as a lab manager, steadily advancing through the ranks. After BASF acquired the company in 2010, Sharon continued to spearhead research and development efforts, focusing on discovering an alternative active ingredient to replace the anticoagulant rodenticides available at the time.

Throughout her career, Sharon has taken on numerous key roles within the industry, displaying exceptional expertise, contagious enthusiasm, and a profound understanding of animal biology, behaviour, and market dynamics.

Laurence adds: “I hope she is enjoying her retirement and making the most of every minute, but I would be lying if I said we didn’t miss her contagious energy day to day, and at the industry events! Congratulations Sharon, nobody deserves this more.”

The National Pest Awards took place on the 11^{th of} September at the Hilton Hotel, Bankside, London. The evening saw many of the biggest and best names in the pest control industry come together to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of fellow technicians and organisations within the sector.

To find out more about the evening and to browse the winners, visit the website at www.nationalpestawards.co.uk. To find out more about BASF and its award-winning rodent control products, visit BASF Pest Control Solutions

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