A GREENOCK man has picked up a top national honour which recognises his commitment to his colleagues. 

Greg Middleton, who is director of operations and service development at Circle Health Group, scooped the Leader of the Year title at the company's RISE Awards. 

Greg is based at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow and his role also takes in Kings Park Hospital in Stirling, Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen, and the Ross Hall clinic in Braehead. 

The dedicated sales and marketing and business development expert fought off competition from shortlisted Circle Health Group employees from all over the UK to win the title. 

Greg, 41, said receiving the honour was 'overwhelming but in a good way'. 

He added: "I was completely shocked. I genuinely had no expectations at all. 

"I feel really humbled. It's great recognition for myself and for the hospital."

Greg was nominated by sales and marketing manager Lale Metin, who has been working with Greg since 2016. 

An external judging panel considered all of the nominations and came up with a shortlist. 

Circle Health Group says its RISE Awards celebrate the 'talented, compassionate, caring professionals pushing the boundaries of healthcare day in, day out', and recognise 'everyday inspiration' and 'spotlight the people putting patients at the heart and soul of everything they do'. 

Greg received his accolade from Welsh rugby player Dan Biggar at a glittering awards ceremony in London. 

In presenting the award, Dan said: "This employee empowers colleagues to develop their skills, trust their ability, and perform at their best. 

"They employ bravery and agility, always adapted to the needs of their colleagues and the organisation."

Greg has been working in sales and marketing, and business development since he left school in 1999. 

He started out as a modern apprentice at Cigna in Greenock and worked his way up over nine years with the company. 

In 2008 he moved to Glasgow and gained a post graduate diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. 

He joined BMI Healthcare, which is now Circle Health Group, in 2016 as business development manager for central Scotland.

Greg said he's not completely sure what helped him scoop the honour but knows that his team are at the heart of everything he does in his role. 

He added: "I don't dictate what to do. I work alongside my team and I'm always open to ideas and suggestions from them. 

"If I have something I want to achieve, I always look at how we can work together as a team to get it done."