A number of North East companies have struck gold at the regional heats of a major national manufacturing awards programme organised by Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation.

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

Universal Wolf, based in Blyth won the Business Strategy & Growth Award, sponsored by business advisory firm, RSM, with the judges commenting that they were especially impressed with the company’s clear vision and understanding of their market, as well as the approach taken to capital and marketing investment.

Commenting on this award Mike Thornton, partner and manufacturing lead in the North East for RSM, said: ‘Despite challenging trading conditions, resilience from North East manufacturers 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.’

A second Blyth based company, Tharsus, was also recognised with two of its Apprentices taking awards. Hamish Carroll was given the Rising Star Award whilst Brogan Dart was runner up in the Final Year Engineering Apprentice Category.

Another winner was North Tyneside based CMR UK which walked away with the Sustainability Award with its clear vision for a greener future including environmental impact reductions, an awareness programme for all employees and freight and travel reduction. CMR also recycles 99.7% of all waste on site.

Houghton International based in Newcastle was also runner-up in the Developing Future Talent Category while Astley UK in Gateshead was runner-up in the Health & Safety category.

Commenting Russell Kirby, Senior Director, Business Development EMEA, at Hulft the sponsor of the dinner 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 4th 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.”

All the winners will now go forward to the national finals to be judged in London in December.

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