The Manufacturer M X Awards (TMMX Awards) are back for 2025, launching today (25 March), to once again celebrate the outstanding achievements of companies and individuals within UK manufacturing.
Organised by The Manufacturer in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), TMMX Awards are widely regarded as the gold standard in industry recognition and remain the only peer-reviewed and judged programme of their kind for UK manufacturing.
Commenting on the launch, Grace Gilling, Managing Director at The Manufacturer said: “Here we are again, kicking off another nine months of competition for the most driven UK manufacturing businesses—ready to showcase their achievements, compete against their peers, and continuously improve. I look forward to seeing both familiar and new names in the mix and encourage all businesses to take part and reap the benefits of the programme.”
Dr Clive Hickman OBE, 139th President, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, added: “The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is proud to support the TMMX awards, which continue to showcase and celebrate the very best of UK manufacturing, highlighting innovation, excellence, and resilience across the sector and the critical role that manufacturers play in driving technological advancement and economic
growth, particularly in the current economic climate. I encourage all those across the industry to put forward nominations this year and recognise the contributions made by individuals, teams and companies.”
Designed to encourage, benchmark and celebrate excellence, the awards offer value at every stage of the process, regardless of where a company is on its strategic journey. There are 11 categories to enter, with awards recognising achievements in leadership and strategy, use of data and technology, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and many more.
TMMX Awards are more than just a competition – it’s a business improvement programme. Participating offers manufacturers the opportunity to assess their operations, benchmark against industry leaders and receive expert insights that drive continuous improvement.
Judging time
The entry process helps businesses evaluate their strengths, identify areas for growth and shape future strategies. Those who make it to the second round of in-person judging, will receive a unique feedback report, unlike any other awards, providing invaluable expert advice that can enhance a business’s performance year after year.
The judging process for TMMX Awards is a rigorous two-stage evaluation. In the first round, companies submit their entries online, self-assessing against category-specific statements and providing written evidence.
The second round involves either a site visit or a judging day, depending on the category. Categories requiring site visits will host judges at their factories for an evidence tour. Other categories will follow a judging day format, where finalists deliver a presentation and participate in a Q&A session.
This validates a company’s entry and allows them to be quizzed in person, at their site by the judging panel.
Discussing how value the in-person judging was Phil Jones, Director of Operations, Leyland Trucks winner of the Achieving Customer Value award, 2024, said: “The feedback we’ve received in the past has always been excellent. This has provided us with guidelines and points of where other people may have been stronger, and where other industries do something slightly differently that we’ve not come across in our own internal benchmarking. It’s a really great opportunity to sit down, reflect on what you do, pitch yourself against the best, and learn from that experience.”
Benefits of participating
Each finalist receives valuable feedback and VIP access to The Manufacturer’s exclusive events, including the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit and Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit, as well as the Smart Manufacturing Week exhibition. As well as, gaining exposure through The Manufacturer magazine and online coverage, sharing their success stories with a wider audience.
Winners will be offered the chance to feature in the Best of British Showcase—an exclusive showcase of innovation, excellence, and export success. This platform provides exposure to 15,000+ visitors at Smart Manufacturing Week, the industry’s largest advanced manufacturing festival.
Additionally, winners can establish themselves as thought leaders by participating in presentation slots or panel discussions at these events. There is also the opportunity to join The Manufacturer and IMechE Manufacturing Industries Division advisory boards, expanding their influence and professional network within the sector.
The experience culminates in a prestigious gala dinner and awards ceremony, where they can celebrate and network with over 450 industry peers while positioning their business as a hub for top-tier talent.
Whether or not you take home a trophy, the process itself delivers lasting value, making participation a strategic investment in your business’s success.
Remembering TMMX 2024
Over the last year UK manufacturing has faced economic pressures, supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs, driving companies to enhance resilience through reshoring and digital tools.
Industry 4.0 technologies like AI, automation and digital twins have boosted efficiency, while sustainability efforts grow with net-zero commitments. Workforce challenges persist, prompting investment in skills development, upskilling and training. Meanwhile, additive manufacturing, robotics and AI-driven design are reshaping industries. Despite challenges, the sector remains resilient, leveraging innovation to stay competitive.
The Manufacturer proudly celebrates the companies and individuals who go above and beyond to drive UK manufacturing forward and face those challenges head on.
Read what last year’s winners had to say…
Martin Cuthbert, Managing Director, Webtec said: “Being recognised for such a prestigious award (International Trade) is testament to the hard work of the whole Webtec team who work tirelessly to support and grow our business in the UK and worldwide. The awards process was quite intense which gives great credibility to all those companies who won and thank you to the organisers of The Manufacturer MX Awards for such a successful and well-run event.”
Lucy Morris, Marketing Manager, Luxfer Gas Cylinders Europe, said: “At The Manufacturer MX Awards Luxfer Gas Cylinders was presented with the Product Innovation & Design Award. We’re incredibly proud to be acknowledged for our work by the judges, particularly in the Product Innovation & Design category. Innovation lies at the heart of everything we do at Luxfer, and this award celebrates our commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in hydrogen mobility and storage. “
What to do next?
Download the entry information pack to find out more about the categories and entry process, here.
While you are there, create an online account to view the categories criteria and to start planning for your entries.
Don’t forget to register your intent to enter before 30 April so that you don’t miss out on discounts and the latest awards information!
Add the key dates to your diary:
- 30 June: Entry deadline
- 15 – 19 September: Product Innovation & Design, People & Skills, and Operational Excellence
- 22 – 26 September: Leadership & Strategy, Smart Factory, and Sustainable Manufacturing
- 10 September: Judging Day: International Trade, Young Manufacturer of the Year, Supply Chain Excellence, Achieving Customer Value, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
- 11– 12 November: The Manufacturer Live and TMMX Award ceremony
Involve your team and begin crafting your entries, today!
Sponsorship opportunities
If you are passionate about supporting the sector, networking with incredible businesses and having your brand aligned with the leading manufacturing awards, find out more about sponsorship opportunities here.
For any specific questions or queries regarding the awards, reach out to the team via [email protected].
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