Hollie Barnecut Shortlisted for Women in Defence UK Collaboration Award 2026
SMI is delighted to announce that Hollie Barnecut has been shortlisted for the Women in Defence UK Awards 2026 in the Collaboration category.
The nomination recognises Hollie’s outstanding ability to bring people together, encourage cross-functional teamwork, and create engaging initiatives that have strengthened collaboration across the business.
Championing a Culture of Collaboration
Collaboration sits at the heart of every successful organisation, and Hollie has made it her mission to create opportunities for colleagues from across SMI to connect, engage, and learn from one another.
Through a series of creative, interactive activities and team-based challenges, Hollie has transformed traditional awareness and training sessions into highly engaging experiences that encourage participation, discussion, and shared problem-solving.
Her innovative approach has helped break down barriers between departments, bringing together colleagues from across the business to work towards common goals while building stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of each other’s roles.
Creating Meaningful Engagement
What makes Hollie’s contribution particularly noteworthy is her ability to make engagement both effective and enjoyable.
By designing and delivering a fresh programme of quarterly activities, she has consistently achieved exceptional levels of participation and enthusiasm. Her initiatives have created an environment where employees actively contribute, share ideas, and collaborate in ways that extend far beyond the sessions themselves.
The impact has included:
- Consistently high engagement levels across the organisation
- 100% participation in quarterly team activities
- Improved knowledge retention and practical application of key processes
- Stronger communication and collaboration between departments
- Increased confidence in sharing ideas and supporting colleagues
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The Women in Defence UK Awards celebrate individuals who are making a significant contribution to the defence sector through leadership, innovation, and collaboration.
Hollie’s shortlisting is a reflection of her creativity, dedication, and commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative culture at SMI. Her ability to engage colleagues, encourage teamwork, and drive meaningful organisational change embodies the spirit of the Collaboration Award.
Everyone at SMI is thrilled to see Hollie’s efforts recognised on a national stage and wishes her every success at the Women in Defence UK Awards 2026.
Congratulations, Hollie, on this fantastic and thoroughly deserved achievement.