Manufacturing awards celebrate region’s diverse and flourishing industrial talent

Innovation, teamwork, development and commercial achievement were celebrated alongside rising stars and future engineers.

Engineers, designers, fabricators, developers, creators, technicians, and artisans gathered at the Barnstaple Hotel on 10^th October for the 25^th North Devon Manufacturing Awards.

Hosted by North Devon Manufacturers Association, the annual event is a superb celebration with representation from a broad range of sectors, including; composites electronics, precision engineering, pharmaceuticals, furniture, textiles, precision instruments and beyond. This year’s headline sponsor was South Molton-based Eaton.

After a welcome drink, nominees, sponsors and guests took their seats in anticipation as celebrity toastmaster, David ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald, opened proceedings before handing over to NDMA Chairman, Tim Puttick.

Recognising young achievers with primary and secondary school STEM challenges.

Schools awards presentations commenced with the annual STEM challenge, sponsored and delivered by Krempel.

With 7 schools taking part, the project included more than 900 pupils who formed teams to build the longest bridge structure made from dried spaghetti and marshmallows to hold an egg.

Paul Mullen of Krempel presented the prizes to children from runner-up schools, Lynton Primary who managed the strongest structure, matched by pupils West Buckland  School. The winners were Southmead Primary School who had created the longest bridge, repeating their previous success in the challenge.

2024 welcomes the introduction of the North Devon Robotics Design Challenge for secondary schools, sponsored by NDMA. With a clean maritime theme, year 7 pupils were asked to develop a robot design with beneficial application in the marine environment. Chris Barnes, STEM ambassador from Krempel, presented the winning trophy to Queen Elizabeth School, Crediton.

Gala dinner and prizegiving

A captivating talk was provided by guest-speaker Helena Hills, CEO and co-founder of TrueStart Coffee – Certified B Corp, describing the journey of her disruptive startup business, from humble beginnings. This was followed by an emotive introduction to the evening’s charity, ChemoHero before moving on to the main event.

Kerry-Anne Mruk, Make UK Southwest Regional Director took to the stage to introduce the awards and announce the runners-up and winners in each category. Sponsors stepped up to present to the winning individuals, teams and companies:

• Apprentice of the year, sponsored by Engineering Trust Training Ltd
  • Runner up: Jensen Taylor, Accord
  • Winner: Rhys Floyde, Heathcoat Fabrics
• Business Transformation of the year, sponsored by Oxford Innovation Advice
  • Runner up: Accord
  • Winner: Krempel
• Environmental Project of the year, sponsored by Petroc
  • Runner up: Accord
  • Winner: Eaton
• Health & Safety initiative of the year, sponsored by Krempel
  • Runner up: Accord
  • Winner: Accord
• Innovation of the year, sponsored by Accord
  • Runner up: Heathcoat Fabrics
  • Winner: Kingsley Plastics
• International Trader of the year, sponsored by TDK
  • Runner up: Krempel
  • Winner: CMTG
• Product of the year, sponsored by Make UK
  • Runner up: Kingsley Plastics
  • Winner: Heathcoat Fabrics
• Team of the year, sponsored by TCi construction WORKS
  • Runner up: Krempel
  • Winner: Accord

Health and Safety Initiative of the year, sponsored by Krempel. Winner: Accord – received by Abi Johnson and Millie Isaac

Environmental Project of the Year sponsored by Petroc. Winner: Eaton, received by Michelle Turner, presented by Jackie Theakston-Thomas

Business Transformation of the Year received by Chris Marchant of Krempel, sponsored by Oxford Innovation Advice

Apprentice of the year 2024 Rhys Floyde of Heathcoat Fabrics

Team of the Year, sponsored by TCi construction WORKS. Received by Steve Coram and Christopher Fordham. Presented by Jim Capron

Product of the year, sponsored by Make UK. Winner: Heathcoat Fabrics. Received by John Stimpson and Harry Trelawney.

International Trader of the Year, sponsored by TDK. Winner: CMTG, received by Peter Morrish, Quinten John, Cameron Smart and Graham Karslake. Presented by Tim Puttick

Innovation of the year, sponsored by Accord. Winner: Kingsley Plastics, received by Mark Manley

Manufacturer of the Year

• Manufacturer of the Year 2024, sponsored by Eaton: CMTG

Announcing the highest award of the evening, Kerry-Anne explained that it recognises an “outstanding submission that described the improvement of an algorithm first developed 15 years ago, by working closely with the University of Bristol and Innovate UK over an 18 month project lifecycle to minimise aircraft vibration.”

The stunning winners’ trophies were designed and manufactured this year by Bideford-based SR Furniture.

Raising funds with charity raffle, thanks to local businesses

The evening culminated with a raffle in aid of ChemoHero, featuring prizes donated by local businesses, including locally produced hampers, Dartington glassware, golf rounds, riding lessons, and even a DryRobe®! Donations raised £1000, helping the charity to continue to deliver gift boxes and support for patients undergoing cancer treatment at North Devon District Hospital.

Closing the evening, Chairman Tim Puttick thanked entrants, guests and sponsors for supporting the awards. He remarked; “once again we have been given a glimpse of the magnificent capabilities we have within our region and we are reminded of the importance of working together to overcome the unique challenges we face” … “We must accept as businesses in the Southwest, that we are responsible for creating our own success. Sharing best practices, ideas and skills initiatives helps us to take advantage of opportunities locally, nationally and globally, harnessing our collective strength to provide a resilient and prosperous manufacturing economy.”