The Manufacturer of the Year Awards was yesterday praised by government for its work to help improve the image of manufacturing in the UK and inspire manufacturers to increase competitiveness.
The comments came during the launch of the 2014 Awards, which took place yesterday (3 March, 2014) at a special event held at the House of Commons and attended by Business Minister Michael Fallon.
More than 200 senior business leaders turned out for the launch which was kindly sponsored by Margot James MP.
UK manufacturing was well represented with house-hold names such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Caterpillar, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Renishaw, GE Aviation, Mulberry, Lockheed Martin and Tata joined by other industry players such as MBDA, Lander Automotive, Twoey Toys and many more.
The event, organised by The Manufacturer magazine and www.themanufacturer.com, demonstrated the increased level of support UK government is providing to industry and the improved level of engagement the sector now has with the Department for Business.
Speaking at the event, Business and Energy Minister, Michael Fallon, said: “These awards celebrate the ambition, creativity and innovation that’s evident across the breadth of British manufacturing. Manufacturing is critical to the UK: it’s responsible for 52% of UK exports and over 2.6 million workforce jobs. The Government is working closely with the sector to give businesses the confidence to invest – securing high skilled jobs and a stronger economy.”
Margot James MP commented on the Awards launch: “Representing a Black Country seat and having family connections to the automotive sector, I have a great admiration for those in the manufacturing sector. Rebalancing the economy and championing industry has been a key priority for this government, and I am only too pleased to support these awards which recognise the wealth of talent and excellence in this vital sector.”
The Manufacturer of the Year Awards, produced annually by The Manufacturer magazine, last year attracted over 800 senior manufacturing leaders, an increase of 20% on 2012. Having grown in both size and momentum year-on-year, this event highlights the growing pride, passion and importance of UK industry.
In addition to the overall crowning of The Manufacturer of the Year, there are 13 diverse award categories including: People and Skills; Sustainable Manufacturing; Innovation and Design; and Young Manufacturer of the Year.
The Manufacturer of the Year Awards unites the manufacturing community and provides an opportunity for both celebration and recognition of the success of British industry.
Entries for the coveted awards will open on 20 March, 2014 which will coincide with a factory tour of GE Aviation Wales, last year’s overall winner. Limited spaces are still available for the tour.
GE Aviation’s Mike Patton said: “I encourage all of you to apply for the manufacturer awards here in 2014 as it is a great honour. We’ve been recognised back in the US as far as what we’ve done here from a GE Aviation Wales standpoint. It’s important that the skills and quality in UK manufacturing gets the recognition it deserves. So I really challenge you all to look at it very hard and put the application in. It’s a great investment that you can make for your company.”
GE Aviation Wales was crowned The Manufacturer of the Year 2013 after beating over 150 entrants, winning the People & Skills and overall Manufacturer of the Year awards. You are invited to attend this unique one-day event best practice site tour, regarded by judges as ‘the unsung hero of British manufacturing.’
To register a place, please contact Benn Walsh on 020 7202 7485 or email [email protected]
Nick Hussey, chairman of SayOne Media (publisher of The Manufacturer), said: “Manufacturing in the UK is buoyant, determined and as our recent Annual Manufacturing Report confirms increasingly confident. The Manufacturer of the Year awards represents the biggest and the best way to test your organisation against world class manufacturers, celebrate your success and show your teams, your suppliers and your customers that you are strong, vitally important and here to stay.”
For more information visit: www.themanufacturer.com/awards
