The chief executive of Sheffield Forgemasters has been crowned CEO of the Year at the national Private Business Awards.
Professor Graham Honeyman, who was also appointed chair at the University of Sheffield’s management school in February, was given the award at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall.
Professor Honeyman said: “Most of what we have achieved has been through motivating a workforce to deliver at the highest level and continued investment so that we can make the most advanced, biggest and best products for our chosen sectors.
“I am delighted to receive this award in such esteemed company. I hope this can act as an incentive for other UK manufacturers to aim high and position the country at the apex of the manufacturing world.”
Forgemasters was one of only two Yorkshire companies to be nominated in what proved to be the competition’s strongest to date, with a record 700 nominations.
Charlie Hoffman, managing director at HSBC Private Bank (UK), who headed the judging panel, said: “We were not looking for the largest, we were looking for the best – we wanted to see companies that had solid cash flows, a strong market position, growth in products or services, and excelled during 2012.
“We wanted to see a motivated management, businesses with a long-term strategy, those that were ambitious, and that support their local community – British businesses that punch above their weight.”
Other companies winning awards on the night included Ella’s Kitchen, Hotel Chocolat, BrewDog, Jamie’s Italian and Dr Martens and R Griggs Group.
