Enginuity honoured with quadruple royal recognition

CEO, Ann Watson and trustee of the Board, Alexia Williams, have been awarded MBEs in his majesty’s birthday honours, for services relating to skilling the engineering and manufacturing sector. Deputy chair, Ian Ritchey, has been awarded an OBE, while last week, it was announced that Enginuity’s chair, Jim McDonald, had been appointed to the Order of the Thistle.

Watson, an alumnus of Teesside University and whose late father was a welder at British Steel, grew up in South Bank on Teesside. She joined Enginuity Group in 1998 and was appointed as CEO in 2015.

"Our work to close the skills gap, support the engineering and manufacturing sector, and ensure that young people can access rewarding and engaging career opportunities has never been more important," she said. "This recognition is not only a great personal honour, but also a reflection of the vital contribution our sector makes to the UK’s economy and future prosperity. I hope this triple recognition brings renewed confidence and momentum to everyone working across the engineering and manufacturing sector."

Enginuity, funded by EAL, the specialist awarding organisation, end-point assessment organisation for the engineering and manufacturing sector, is about to unveil the first Vocational Celebration Day. Launching for the first time on 6 August 2026, the day will bring together learners, employers, colleges and training providers to celebrate vocational careers and the opportunities they create.

Among many other things, the charity has:

• Established the Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SMEs: Powered by Enginuity, acting as the voice of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to government and policymakers.
• Created the Enginuity Skills Awards, now entering their 12th year, celebrating excellence in engineering and manufacturing talent.
• Funded scholarships at Teesside University to attract women in to engineering.
• Formed the Enginuity Alliance, which plays a pivotal role in supporting and representing the crucial SME cohort.
• Produces Steph on Skills: Powered by Enginuity – the skills-focused podcast presented by award-winning journalist and broadcaster Steph McGovern.

www.enginuity.org