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South East manufacturers are being urged to put themselves forward for a prestigious regional business award that could ultimately lead to them being named Britain’s best manufacturer.

EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and Menzies LLP, have joined forces to find the best manufacturers in the South East – including the most outstanding apprentices. They have launched the 9th annual Future Manufacturing Awards, designed to find our local unsung manufacturing heroes.

The awards are free, easy to enter and give apprentices, manufacturers and supply chain businesses of all sizes from across the region the chance to shine.

There are nine award categories that local companies can go for. These include business growth, exporting, developing people, innovation, leadership, environmental achievement, health and safety and partnerships.

The awards also celebrate the brilliant work being done by manufacturing apprentices across the region. Companies are being urged to put forward their best and brightest apprentices and help to promote the wealth of high quality opportunities available to young people in industry today.

There is even more of a reason to enter this year as, for the first time, the awards will also recognise the achievements of apprentices working in other important roles in manufacturing, such as marketing, procurement and finance. A new Business Apprentice Award has been launched to showcase the significant contribution they make to their employers’ business activities.

All award entries will be judged regionally, with the regional winners then going on to compete for a national award. One manufacturer will go on to be crowned EEF’s ‘Winner of Winners’.

Jim Davison, South East Region Director at EEF, says: “A strong manufacturing sector is the lifeblood of the economy, providing much-needed jobs and prosperity in every region of the UK, including the South East. This takes dedication, dynamism and hard work. Despite these attributes, and many more, our region is full of unsung heroes who do not get the recognition they deserve. These awards are about shining a light on the achievements of British manufacturers and celebrating best practice and success.”

Caroline Milton, Head of Manufacturing at Menzies LLP, Says “UK manufacturing is a great British success story. A healthy sector is instrumental in driving economic growth and plays a critical role in rebalancing the economy. The Future Manufacturing awards recognise the importance of manufacturers and apprentices across Britain, reminding us of their contribution and the hard work, dedication and ambition going on in every part of this vibrant sector.”

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