Former Derbyshire player Steve Griffiths collected a prize at the PCA Futures Awards, after impressing the panel with his portfolio of upcycled furniture.
Derbyshire had links to players in each of the three categories, with current squad member Anuj Dal and ex-players Griffiths and Tom Lace in contention for awards.
Unfortunately for Dal and Lace, they were pipped to first place by other outstanding candidates, with the panel describing the standard of presentations this year as extremely high.
The awards event aims to highlight the very best examples of personal development amongst the PCA membership, and it is testament to all the finalists for making it this far in the process.
Former Derbyshire wicketkeeper Steve Griffiths, who represented the county 12 times in first-class cricket from 1995-1999, claiming 39 dismissals in the process, emerged victorious in the Business Impact category.
Griffiths, who became a teacher after his playing days, has a passion for contemporary pop art and captivated the panel with his presentation and portfolio of upcycled furniture using recycled materials.
The 50-year-old is in the process of setting up his business called ‘ACHUB’ (from the Welsh language meaning ‘to save or to rescue) where he wants to continue producing artworks whilst promoting ecological thinking and ultimately leading to a rubbish free world.
The award comes with a monetary prize, which Griffiths is looking to use to upgrade his tools and invest in more storage for the company.
Griffiths, said: “The business is a culmination of many years of work and I’ve always been fascinated by collecting old stuff and giving it a new life by upcycling, that’s what drives me on. We can’t just keep wasting things, there shouldn’t be anything that is rubbish everything should have another use.
“It’s a while since I’ve been a professional and it was lovely being able to share the passion I have for this, the experts from Lodders were fantastic and gave me some great advice.
“The PCA support is amazing, it’s humbling to know that the PCA are looking after former players. The Futures Awards has been extraordinary.”
Ethan Bamber won the award in the Community Spirit category and Yorkshire batter, Yash Vagadia, claimed the overall 2023 PCA Futures Awards, as he continues to balance university study with playing professional cricket.
Congratulations to all the winners!
