Entries open for Made in the North West Awards 2020
21 January 2020
The Made in the North West Awards, which showcase the best of the region’s manufacturing across ten categories, is open for 2020 entries until 21 February.
The award categories as are follows:
Automotive Award:
- Recognises the achievements of vehicle manufacturers and companies within the automotive supply chain
- 2019 winner: Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) in Liverpool, which produces the world’s only road-legal, single-seater supercar
Digital Engineering/Technology Award:
- For companies that have best used or developed software, technology or technical processes to solve problems or add value for customers
- 2019 winner: Cheshire-headquartered The Hut Group, which operates 166 localised websites across 46 languages and 42 currencies
Export Award:
- For outstanding exporters in terms of international presence, export growth and exports as a proportion of sales
- 2019 winner: Southport-based waste management specialist Inciner8, which sold into 172 countries in a record-breaking year
Food and Drink Award:
- Recognises the most impressive food and/or drink manufacturers, taking into account innovation, commercial success, business development and use of regional products
- 2019 winner: Manchester Gin, which started life in a dining room in 2016 and is now available in 6 countries
Manufacturer of the Year (under £25m):
- For manufacturers with a turnover of less than £25 million and/or employing fewer than 250 people, which have made an outstanding contribution to the sector
- 2019 winner: St Helens-based ATG Access, a manufacturer of innovative road blocker, bollards and vehicle barrier systems
Manufacturer of the Year (over £25):
- For manufacturers with a turnover of more than £25 million and/or employing more than 250 people
2019 winner: Trailer manufacturer Cartwright Group, which celebrated its 67th year in business
Manufacturing Apprenticeship/Training Scheme:
- Recognises firms with excellent apprenticeship or training schemes
2019 winner: Cartwright Group, which has taken on more than 200 apprentices since 2012
Manufacturing Innovation Award:
- For companies that have generated substantial impact from an innovative product or process designed and manufactured in the North West
- 2019 winner: Knutsford-based Packaging Automation Ltd, which produces innovative filling and tray sealing solutions
Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer Award:
- For companies that demonstrate the greatest commitment to forging a sustainable future
- 2019 winner: Baby milk formula manufacturer Kendal Nutricare, in recognition of its anti-palm oil policy and commitment to good farming practices
Apprentice of the Year
- Recognises an individual apprentice in a manufacturing company of any sector and size
Simon Keegan, editor of North West Business Insider, said:
“Made in the North West is a celebration of manufacturing in our region and a great opportunity to reward the incredible work taking place. I would encourage manufacturers across the North West to get their entries in and make sure their work gets the recognition it deserves."