Manufacturing celebrates its stars

The biggest winner on the night was Weir Minerals Europe, which scooped the Winner of Winners award, a title awarded to the most outstanding company amongst all the category winners.

The firm, a Todmorden-based manufacturer of wear resistant products, took gold in the Health and Safety Award for the manufacturer that has achieved the most impressive or innovative improvements in the health and safety culture of their workplace. Judges were impressed with their use of employee engagement through their risk assessment process which led to a reduction in muscular skeletal issues in a demanding work environment.

Judges were also won over by Jessica Stone, a first year apprentice at Airbus, who was crowned Outstanding Apprentice of the Year. She was named the winner after impressing judges with her work as an apprentice ambassador and the way she took herself outside her comfort zone to develop her skills.

Also on the podium was Rebecca Luck, a first year apprentice at Domino UK. Rebecca was crowned Outstanding Business Apprentice of the Year after impressing judges with her passionate presentations during the selection stage and her ambitious career plan.

Winners were selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics .

Other award winners announced on the night were:

Leadership: Edward Naylor, Naylor Industries 

Developing People: Liberty Pressing Solutions Coventry

Environmental Achievement: The Wrigley Company

Partnerships: Hargreaves Ductwork

Innovation: Millers Oils

For more information about the awards visit: www.eef.org.uk/awards/.