Harvey Nash Belgium announces winner of its second Contractor of the Year Award Posted on 06-03-2024

Harvey Nash Belgium, the leading global technology recruitment business has named Laurence Bauwelinckx, the winner of its second Contractor of the Year Award in recognition of her exemplary performance in an administrative role, highlighting unparalleled customer service, remarkable flexibility in handling diverse tasks, creative problem-solving skills, and outstanding multitasking abilities, all of which significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the workplace.  

Laurence will now automatically be entered into the Global Contractor of the Year process, along with all other winners from Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and the UK. 

Working with over 11,000 active contractors each year Harvey Nash has established this award and the Global Contractor of the Year Award to recognise the value these individuals deliver to businesses and economies across the world, using their skills and experience to deliver vital projects for organisations. 

Laurence was selected as the country winner for Belgium from a pool of highly qualified and passionate nominees.  

At the age of 42, boasts a robust 16-year career as a freelancer. Prior to embarking on this journey, she immersed herself in office management roles within various corporate landscapes, often navigating the intricacies of large organizations where individuals could easily feel like mere statistics. Placing a profound emphasis on human interaction, Laurence finds that receiving recognition not only validates her efforts but also fuels her enthusiasm. The diversity inherent in her work is a cornerstone of her professional identity. 

Her decision to transition into freelance office management was fuelled by a desire to engage in a spectrum of tasks and connect with diverse individuals and personalities. As a freelancer, she recognizes the significance of infusing a personal touch into her work, ensuring that she offers something extra and unique. 

Having traversed through various industries such as accounting, real estate, consulting, IT, architecture, pharmaceuticals, and more, Laurence's professional portfolio is enriched by her ownership of management and real estate companies. This entrepreneurial venture provides her with a profound sense of fulfilment, continually presenting opportunities to learn and innovate with each project. The expertise cultivated in one company consistently proves valuable, either by infusing creativity into new client projects or offering additional insights. 

Intriguingly, the scrutiny faced by someone with a diverse job history, often encountered in the traditional employment sphere, becomes a testament to Laurence's strength and creativity as a freelance office manager. Her adaptability and multifaceted experience only serve to fortify her professional capabilities. 

As she navigates her current role, Laurence collaborates with multiple clients, experiencing a role that dynamically evolves. A typical day for her begins with the anticipation of unpredictability. Following a wholesome breakfast, she delves into a spectrum of communication channels, managing emails, WhatsApp messages, Teams notifications, Messenger, and LinkedIn—acknowledging the ease of communication in today's interconnected world. Prioritizing based on the day's urgencies; she addresses the most pressing issues first. 

In her capacity as an executive assistant, Laurence's responsibilities span booking travel arrangements, managing diverse agendas, scheduling appointments, orchestrating events, budgeting, occasional recruitment tasks, team support, and aiding EU or US teams as needed. This diverse array of responsibilities ensures that no two days are the same. 

Simultaneously, in her role as an event and finance manager for Belgium, France, and Luxembourg, Laurence takes charge of financial operations, coordinates both internal and external events, supports the sales department, handles HR matters, manages payroll, and tackles a substantial administrative workload. 

Post-client work, Laurence turns her attention to overseeing her four companies. This involves financial stewardship, payment management, administrative duties (claiming the top position in Belgium), customer relations, and the management of her real estate business. 

This glimpse into her professional life is juxtaposed with her commitment to quality time during weekends, where Laurence prioritizes moments with her family, friends, and beloved pets—a pair of dogs and a cat. 

“I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Laurence as she embarks on her new mission as COTY Belgium. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in our success. Wishing Laurence continued success on her journey to the global title. Let us rally behind her and celebrate this remarkable achievement together!” - Ronny Lommelen, Managing Director Harvey Nash Belgium. 

Commenting on being named the 2024 Contractor of the Year for Belgium, Laurence added, “I am deeply honoured and humbled by this recognition. It symbolizes not merely a moment of achievement but rather a culmination of dedication, hard work, and collaboration. This award serves as a reminder of the trust and confidence vested in me by my colleagues, customers, and family, propelling me to persist in striving for excellence in every small action I undertake. 

This award is not just a personal achievement but also a recognition for all freelancers in my sector. The role of an all-around assistant is notably demanding in terms of time and energy. Our availability, responsiveness, and capacity to handle last-minute tasks constitute significant facets of our professional personality. These aspects contribute to the excitement and diversity inherent in our profession.” 

Laurence will now go through as a finalist for the Global Contractor of the Year Award, the winner of which will be announced in April.  

For more information about the Harvey Nash Contractor of the Year award please contact Rachel.Watts@HarveyNash.com