These awards celebrate individuals who go above and beyond—those who save lives, protect the public, and make the UK’s street environment safer for everyone. For Seema to be recognised among such extraordinary people was both humbling and deeply meaningful.
Her work has placed accessibility firmly on the agenda in a sector where blind and partially sighted people have historically been overlooked. This award highlights not just her vision, but the progress Blind Ambition is helping to drive across the industry.
A Celebration Shared With Industry Friends and Supporters
Seema Flower, Managing Director of Blind Ambition, attended the Heroes Awards as an invited finalist. Seema was nominated for this award by Gary Hawkins, and we were delighted that so many friends and partners from the street works community joined her on the night.
Those attending alongside Seema included sector leaders and long-standing supporters whose encouragement has meant so much to us over the past few years.
A huge thank you once again to everyone who has supported us, nominated us, and championed accessibility in the street works industry. The support from the sector has been remarkable, including from figureheads such as Clive Bairsto, Chris Speight, Gary Hawkins, Joe Iredale, Gavin Iredale, Robert Marsden, Arun Ram, and many others who have stood beside us.
The street works industry is full of doers—people who honour their word, follow through on commitments, and genuinely care about making the public realm safer and more accessible. That has been refreshing and inspiring in equal measure. We cannot thank the industry enough for its continued belief in Blind Ambition’s mission and its support for the work we are doing to improve accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.
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Gary Hawkins – who nominated Seema for the award
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Clive Bairsto – Street Works UK
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Chris Speight – Street Works UK
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Joe Iredale – UIS Tooling & Technologies
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Gavin Iredale – UIS Tooling & Technologies
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Arun Ram – 3sixty Financial Services
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Robert Marsden – Serial entrepreneur with a portfolio of businesses across the street works field
Having such a committed group present made the evening even more special. Each of them has championed Blind Ambition’s mission in their own way—whether through partnership, advocacy, or direct support.
A Quote from Seema Flower
“I am truly honoured to receive this award. The Heroes Awards remind us how vital it is to make our streets safe and accessible for everyone. I accept this on behalf of the entire Blind Ambition team and all our partners who stand with us—from Gary who kindly nominated me, to Clive, Chris, Joe, Gavin, Robert and Arun who came to celebrate with us. This award belongs to all of us, because accessibility is a shared responsibility.”
— Seema Flower
Recognising the Power of Partnership
Joe and Gavin Iredale, along with Arun Ram, have been strong supporters of Blind Ambition’s internship programme with the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT). Their financial contributions are helping blind and partially sighted interns gain training, experience and confidence as they enter competitive sectors.
Their presence last night underscored how vital these partnerships are. The award is not simply a recognition of Seema’s work—it is a celebration of a growing community committed to inclusion.
Support Future Blind and Partially Sighted Interns
We are currently preparing our next intake of interns. If you or your organisation would like to contribute towards the cost of supporting blind and partially sighted people into employment, we would love to hear from you.
Even a small contribution can help transform someone’s future.
An Unforgettable Night
Our thanks go to Kevin and the entire Heroes Awards team for organising such an inspiring event. It was an evening filled with emotion, celebration and pride—one we will remember for many years to come.
And above all:
Congratulations, Seema. Your dedication is helping to build a safer, more inclusive world.
