BUSINESS CATEGORIES 

Qualification of entry for business entries: The success story you are submitting must have been implemented and delivered in the past three years. You may only re-enter a previous story if you have made significant updates or changes. Please limit your entry story to one awards location; a business entering different achievement stories to several awards locations is acceptable and encouraged.

This award has been developed to recognise the most dynamic business growth based on an actively managed and consistently delivered growth strategy. This could include implementation of a new export strategy, business expansion or product diversification.

Examples include (but are not limited to): 

  • Demonstrated overseas market share growth and globalisation strategy 
  • Investment made to increase production digitalisation in order to support industry beating growth objectives
  • Overcame challenges to enter new markets or new industry segment 
  • Investment made in management/staff/apprentices training to upskill the workforce and increase productivity 
  • Developed new products/service which led to significant business secured from new customers • Increased distribution base or established new supply chains / increased resilience to support growth 

Important information

  • Please ensure you take the time to read and adhere to the terms and conditions of entry.
  • Ensure sections are completed in full and financials are included where required.
  • For assistance in navigating the online portal click here.
  • Please fill in the entry and contact information pages to the fullest – this information is used to contact you in relation to your entry and also used for the purpose of creating certificates and trophies and other awards related materials.
  • Financial information is requested for this category under Question 3. Please see below for further details.

Please click on the Entry Guidance to find out more information about this award.

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This award has been developed to recognise those that have done the most to promote diversity, develop talent and build skills amongst their employees. This could also include promoting engineering and manufacturing careers through activities within the community.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Promoted equality, diversity and inclusion through workplace initiatives 
  • Improved recruitment, retention and promotion for minority groups 
  • Implemented upskilling or retraining programmes to meet skills gaps and/or bring in new talent 
  • Implemented apprenticeship or a mentoring programme to recruit young talent 
  • Improved or increased digital skills in the workplace to support a digital manufacturing future 
  • Developed a programme to visit local primary and secondary schools to talk about business and career opportunities within the sector 
  • Collaborative community activity to drive/promote manufacturing 

Important information

  • Please ensure you take the time to read and adhere to the terms and conditions of entry.
  • Ensure sections are completed in full and financials are included where required.
  • For assistance in navigating the online portal click here.
  • Please fill in the entry and contact information pages to the fullest – this information is used to contact you in relation to your entry and also used for the purpose of creating certificates and trophies and other awards related materials.
  • • Financial information is optional for this category. Please see question 3 below for more details.

Please click on the Entry Guidance to find out more information about this award.

You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

This award has been developed to recognise those that have done the most to improve overall environmental performance and enhance sustainability, and gone above and beyond business as usual. This could have been achieved through efficiency savings in the use of raw materials, energy, water; the adoption of clean technologies; improved waste management and recycling; development of greener products; and/or more generally changing operational processes to increase environmental efficiency. It could be part of an initiative to commit to and/or plan for Net Zero by 2050 or earlier, or to contribute to the Government’s target to reduce electricity demand by 15%.

Examples include (but are not limited to): 

  • Set out a greenhouse gas emission footprint reduction target aligned with or bettering the Govt net zero 2050 target. 
  • Cut the company’s onsite greenhouse gas emission footprint through energy efficiency and/or use of renewables
  • Reduce your energy consumption through energy or resource efficiency
  • Addressed the environmental impact of waste and resource usePromoted environmental awareness internally and externally 
  • Redesigned supply chains or business models, or introducing new products that reduce whole lifecycle impacts 
  • Nature-based actions to enhance bio-diversity
  • Demonstrated engaging with their supply chain to reduce their supply chain emissions 
  • Demonstrated improvements in either environmental or social sustainability 

Important information

  • Please ensure you take the time to read and adhere to the terms and conditions of entry.
  • Ensure sections are completed in full and financials are included where required.
  • For assistance in navigating the online portal click here.
  • Please fill in the entry and contact information pages to the fullest – this information is used to contact you in relation to your entry and also used for the purpose of creating certificates and trophies and other awards related materials.
  • Financial information is optional for this category. Please see question 3 below for more details.

Please click on the Entry Guidance to find out more information about this award.

You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

This award has been developed to recognise progress in improving occupational health and safety of UK manufacturing workplaces. This could include projects designed to focus on your organisational culture by using models like the Bradley Curve ™ or IOSH’s Models of Safety ™, utilising new technologies like artificial intelligence to control workplace hazards or the development of senior leadership’s commitment to employee wellbeing.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Promoting a broader ownership of health, safety & wellbeing within your senior leadership team. 
  • Developing a process that ensures all of your key hazards are assessed & controlled. 
  • Implementing programmes aimed at investigating incidents & identifying root causes with the aim of eliminating repeat accidents.
  • Improving the competency level of employees through a focussed programme of certified training. 
  • Integrated a new EHS software system that had a positive impact on incident reporting, investigation & action management.  

Important information

  • Please ensure you take the time to read and adhere to the terms and conditions of entry.
  • Ensure sections are completed in full and financials are included where required.
  • For assistance in navigating the online portal click here.
  • Please fill in the entry and contact information pages to the fullest – this information is used to contact you in relation to your entry and also used for the purpose of creating certificates and trophies and other awards related materials.
  • Financial information is optional for this category. Please see question 3 below for more details.

Please click on the Entry Guidance to find out more information about this award.

You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

This award celebrates innovations executed through new products, processes, markets and business models. Such innovations will be governed by strategic intent and have driven greater productivity, efficiency and or business growth, within the last three years. 

Examples include (but are not limited to): 

  • Pioneering Product or Process Innovation: Recognition for the development of a novel product, process, or design that demonstrates potential to shape future markets.
  • Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: Acknowledgment for innovatively transforming manufacturing processes through strategic investment in digital technologies. 
  • Adoption of Emerging Technologies: Commendation for investment in cutting-edge technologies previously unexplored within the sector, showcasing forward-thinking initiatives.
  • Collaborative Partnerships for Industry Solutions: Celebrating successful collaborations within the supply chain or with universities to address current economic challenges, such as volatile supply chains, and effectively bring new manufactured solutions to market. 
  • Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: Recognition for implementing innovative methods that significantly improve efficiency and productivity within manufacturing operations. 
  • Innovative Business Model Evolution: Applauding the adoption of new business models that propel the company in a fresh direction, such as servitization or the introduction of circular economy principles, fostering sustainability and growth. 

Important information

  • Please ensure you take the time to read and adhere to the terms and conditions of entry.
  • Ensure sections are completed in full and financials are included where required.
  • For assistance in navigating the online portal click here.
  • Please fill in the entry and contact information pages to the fullest – this information is used to contact you in relation to your entry and also used for the purpose of creating certificates and trophies and other awards related materials.
  • Financial information is requested for this category under Question 3. Please see below for further details.

Please click on the Entry Guidance to find out more information about this award.

You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

This award has been developed to recognise manufacturing companies who can demonstrate a positive societal impact as a result of their practices and/or products. We are looking for inspiring stories from UK manufacturers who have supported or enhanced their local community, network, or environment beyond the workplace.

Examples include (but are not limited to): 

  • Promoted company-wide volunteer projects for employees to participate in 
  • Set-up fundraising activities to raise money for charity as part of a company-wide initiative
  • Implemented a health and wellbeing programme to support your employees, their families and the local community
  • Offered work placements or training for those at risk of unemployment 
  • Adapted your business and operating model to help community needs 
  • Developed a new, innovative product/service that demonstrates the value and contribution of manufacturing to society 

Important information

  • Please ensure you take the time to read and adhere to the terms and conditions of entry.
  • Ensure sections are completed in full and financials are included where required.
  • For assistance in navigating the online portal click here.
  • Please fill in the entry and contact information pages to the fullest – this information is used to contact you in relation to your entry and also used for the purpose of creating certificates and trophies and other awards related materials.

Please click on the Entry Guidance to find out more information about this award.

You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

This award has been developed to champion businesses with less than 250 employees who have blazed a trail within the manufacturing sector. They will have led by example and developed progressive best practice for others in the industry. They will have shown exceptional initiative, boldness and dynamism, as well as exemplary management practices. 

Examples include (but are not limited to): 

  • Exceptionally productive business spending/investment
  • Adoption of new technologies that increased productivity and capacity
  • Having deep ambition to scale in the future 
  • Where staff have grown with the SME through its journey 
  • Innovation and research supported and funded, even if total capital limited 
  • Diversification in product or service offering, showcasing the business’s agility as an SME to meet changing demand 
  • Demonstrated a commitment to supporting their local community  

Important information

  • Please ensure you take the time to read and adhere to the terms and conditions of entry.
  • Ensure sections are completed in full and financials are included where required.
  • For assistance in navigating the online portal click here.
  • Please fill in the entry and contact information pages to the fullest – this information is used to contact you in relation to your entry and also used for the purpose of creating certificates and trophies and other awards related materials.

Please click on the Entry Guidance to find out more information about this award.

You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.