Congratulations to Ken Johnston, winner of the NRL Nuclear Ambassador Award at the in-Cumbria Business Awards 2026, presented last night at The Halston in Carlisle.
Ken's career has taken him from military leadership, starting as a Section Commander, to the control room of one of the UK's most highly regulated nuclear facilities. He brings that same precision, accountability and resilience to everything he does in West Cumbria, including chairing the Organisational Performance Sector group at Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
A champion for wellbeing
What sets Ken apart is how much of his time he gives to other people. As a Mental Wellbeing Champion he has carried the Baton of Hope, the nationwide suicide prevention initiative, and delivered "A Stronger Man" at BECBC: an honest talk about resilience, mental health and why real conversations matter.
His belief is simple: thriving organisations are built on the wellbeing, resilience and collective strength of their people. In the nuclear and engineering sectors, with long days, time away from home and a lot of people who don't find it easy to say they're struggling, that message matters.
International Men's Day, 19 November
Ken is leading BECBC's Organisational Performance Group event for International Men's Day on Thursday 19 November 2026 at Hunday Manor Country House, Workington. Test Inspect Group is proud to sponsor the networking lunch. Read about the event and how to register.
"Ken puts in the hours for other people, and he does it because he cares, not for recognition. That's exactly why this award is so well deserved," said Lee Grears, Founder and Chief Executive of Test Inspect Group. "Men's mental health is something our whole industry needs to talk about more, and Ken is making that happen across West Cumbria. We're proud to back him."
Well done, Ken, from everyone at Flawed Ltd, Responsive Training Services and the wider Test Inspect Group.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can talk to Samaritans any time on 116 123, free from any phone.
