The awards which recognise excellence among manufacturing companies in six categories, as well as two Apprentice categories, were presented at the Midlands and East annual dinner of Make UK which was sponsored by Japanese IT solutions provider Hulft.

AE Aerospace, a precision component manufacturer was recognised in the Business Growth, Developing Future Talent and Innovation categories whilst apprentices from Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Rolls-Royce and Lander Automotive were all congratulated. Smethwick based A&M EDM also picked up the runners up award in the Business Growth category, sponsored by RSM.

Commenting on AE Aerospace judges said “This company had a commendable set of objectives for delivering the business transformation and growth strategy. They recognised the need for up-skilling and re-skilling staff linked to professional qualifications, not just on apprenticeships.” The sustainability category saw Advanced Engineering, a precision engineering company take the runners up award due to a large focus on electricity reductions across the whole of the organisation.

Lander Automotive’s Adam Egan was highly commended in the Engineering Apprentice: Rising Star award whilst Zeba Kazi Osmani from Rolls-Royce was runner up in the same category. In the Business Apprentice- Rising Star award, JCB swept the board as Elena Newbrook was crowned winner, with her colleague Olivia Pearch runner up.

Tom Morgan, partner and manufacturing lead in the Midlands at RSM, said: “Despite challenging trading conditions, resilience from manufacturers based in the Midlands is clear to see and the sector remains strong. Many are embracing developments in technology and infrastructure to support strategic growth; develop talent; and strengthen the sector. We look forward to celebrating these successes whilst recognising the key achievements of regional individuals and businesses that are spearheading change at this year’s Make UK manufacturing awards.”

Russell Kirby, Senior Director, Business Development EMEA at Hulf said. “Britain is one of the world’s biggest manufacturing nations, and it is a great privilege to be working with MAKE UK to help support and champion UK manufacturing. The sector is facing significant change, as a result of what is being referred to as the fourth industrial revolution, and it is important that businesses are given the right opportunities to properly position themselves for the future.

“We are looking forward to getting out to meet MAKE UK’s members and being part of such an important and credible awards programme.”