Recognised for: His commitment to Welsh manufacturing, building strong industry connections and leading on innovation and skills development.

Recognised for: Championing UK chemicals manufacturing, driving innovation and industrial competitiveness while supporting sustainable growth and giving a strong voice to manufacturing on national industry issues.

Recognised for: Advancing engineering innovation, supporting industry-academic collaboration and championing opportunities for women in STEM, while helping develop future engineering talent. 

Recognised for: Asking questions, always being curious and having a passion for learning and development. Alex leads by example and is a great example of someone who makes his membership of Make UK work.

Recognised for: Her values-led leadership at Faltec Europe, steering advanced robotics integration and building an award-winning workforce culture, while pioneering doctoral research into the leadership experiences of neurodiverse women.

Recognised for: Championing advanced manufacturing, innovation and operational excellence, while investing in apprenticeships, developing future talent and strengthening the UK's high-technology engineering capability.

Amanda McLaren (DL) is nominated for her exceptional, award-winning leadership at AW Hainsworth, successfully steering a profound cultural reset focused on people development, while accelerating business growth through modern digital and automation transformations.

Recognised for: Actively chairing SCRDSC, focusing on driving manufacturing innovation and change to modernise industry practices and spearheading technological advancements across the sector.

Recognised for: Inspiring Leadership and champion of change, productivity and culture.

Recognised for: Outstanding leadership in engineering and manufacturing, championing skills, productivity and industrial capability, while supporting innovation and the future success of the UK industry.

Andy Richardson is nominated for driving exceptional commercial growth and major capital investment into Special Melted Products in Sheffield, alongside founding a cutting-edge skills academy to secure regional engineering pipelines. 

Recognised for: Her leadership at Philtronics, championing in skills, development of future talent and community engagement.

A manufacturing leader who has transformed business performance through innovation, workforce development and values-led leadership, while championing UK industry and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

Recognised for: Being a transformative leader whose global business success, commitment to Northern suppliers, export advocacy, and dedication to mentoring make him an outstanding Northern Leader.

Ben Wilson is nominated for his empathetic leadership at MPM, driven by the core belief that people make the difference, whilst actively championing regional skills through the Leeds Manufacturing Festival and providing wider strategic industry support via Composites UK.

Recognised for: Transforming Teesside manufacturing through visionary leadership, skills development, mentorship, and supply chain advocacy, inspiring future generations, while championing engineering excellence and regional growth.

Recognised for: His leadership at Orvita, championing Welsh Manufacturing by supporting skills and innovation.

Recognised for: Championing UK manufacturing through decades of leadership, driving innovation and continuous improvement, while giving the sector a powerful voice across the South West and supporting its future competitiveness.

Recognised for: Being a champion of manufacturing, innovation and skills, combining industrial leadership with national influence to drive productivity, digitalisation, apprenticeships and economic growth across the North.

Recognised for: Championing advanced manufacturing, people development and continuous improvement, while supporting manufacturers and promoting the sector's contribution to economic growth. 

Recognised for: Championing engineering excellence, innovation and professional development, driving transformational change while strengthening technical skills, industry collaboration and the future competitiveness of UK manufacturing.

Recognised for: Championing the future of UK Manufacturing through ambitious growth, investment in automation, and a people-focussed approach that creates jobs, develops careers and strengthens British Industry.

Chris Rea (CBE, DL, BSc, CEng, FIMechE, HonFIMechE) is nominated for growing AESSEAL into a global engineering leader, winning prestigious sustainable development awards and passionately educating other business leaders to reach net-zero through his brilliant betterworld.solutions initiative.

Recognised for: Championing British manufacturing, skills and sustainability, while creating opportunities for future generations through education, apprenticeships and long-term commitment to local communities and economic prosperity.

Recognised for: Her leadership in engineering and logistics, driving innovation, productivity and business growth, while developing high-performing teams and supporting the future of UK manufacturing.

Recognised for: Embodying the power of UK manufacturing careers, progressing from apprentice to CEO while championing skills, innovation and sovereign capability and strengthening Leonardos' workforce and the UK's aerospace and defence future.

Recognised for: His unwavering dedication to Leeds manufacturing. Through the Leeds Manufacturing Festival, he champions sector opportunities for future talent, while his vital role as Economic Development Programme Lead at Leeds City Council expertly helps businesses overcome challenges and access support.

David Goldspink is recognised for his outstanding leadership and long-standing impact at Caterpillar. From apprentice to senior leader, he has made a significant contribution to innovation and manufacturing excellence.

Recognised for: Demonstrating unwavering commitment to Schneider’s long-term success in the UK, including pivotal roles in key recent investment projects and more recently as its Zone President.

Recognised for: Being a pioneering technology leader driving the expansion of UK semiconductor innovation and helping scale world-leading manufacturing capabilities, while advancing sustainable, next-generation electronics and digital technologies.

Recognised for: Championing the next generation of manufacturing talent through KUKA's outstanding apprenticeship programme, raising standards, developing engineers and helping create a skilled workforce ready for the future.

Recognised for: His dedication to supporting the manufacturing sector, for being a great leader and always supporting the regional activities. He shows commitment to the regional advisory boards and is generous with his time for others. 

Recognised for: Her leadership in manufacturing, championing sustainability, employee wellbeing and future skills, while inspiring the next generation through education, careers outreach and industry engagement.

Recognised for: Exceptional leadership at Analox, rising from the factory shop floor to Managing Director, driving continuous operational improvements and passionately championing emotional intelligence and women in manufacturing.

Recognised for: Championing manufacturing across Cornwall, bringing businesses together, strengthening industry-education links and inspiring the next generation through apprenticeships, skills and a powerful voice for regional manufacturing.

Recognised for: Driving the growth and transformation of a proudly independent UK manufacturer, championing world-class manufacturing, sustainability, innovation and international expansion, while creating a culture where people and performance thrive.

Recognised for: Being a passionate leader in the world of manufacturing, Gareth has grown a small business and become a great employer supporting apprentices and clearly developing new products for different markets. 

Recognised for: His leadership at Balmoral Tanks, driving investment, developing people and skills and demonstrating long-term commitment to manufacturing growth in Wales.

Recognised for: His leadership of Gavin Griffiths Group, investing locally, driving responsible industrial growth and commitment to social values and community engagement. 

Recognised for: His leadership at Caerbont Automotive, championing Welsh Engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship, while building specialist capability, creating opportunities and demonstrating ambition within advanced automotive manufacturing.

Recognised for: Making a lasting contribution to UK manufacturing through his Rolls-Royce career and championing apprentices.

Recognised for: Championing healthcare manufacturing, innovation and sustainability, while developing people, strengthening communities and improving patient outcomes through leadership, skills development and a commitment to employee ownership.

Recognised for: Championing the future of family-owned UK manufacturing, combining ambitious growth with investment in technology, people and wellbeing, while preserving the values and heritage of Birmingham Manufacturing.

Harriet Bean is nominated for her exceptional work as a process chemist at BASF, pioneering sustainable, hazard-reducing polymer processes while proudly amplifying the voices of women in STEM and engineering apprenticeships.

Recognised for: Strengthening future technology infrastructure by integrating SMEs, improving supply chain readiness and creating stronger collaboration across the defence ecosystem.

Hiroko Baker has supported the manufacturing sector and championed its people for many years. More recently, she has offered significant insight into the potential impact of the Employment Rights Act.

Recognised for: Being an active member and dedicated advocate, who regularly attends events and helping others understand how to fully utilise and benefit from our membership.

Recognised for: Her leadership at Evtec Automotive. Jane Billson has transformed opportunities for young people with disabilities, embedding inclusion, skills development and social mobility at the heart of UK manufacturing excellence.

Recognised for: Being one of the busiest people we know. Jane gets absolutely everywhere and has become the face we associate with Oxley Developments. Jayne is also a huge ambassador for training and for raising the profile of the Furness region where Oxley is based.

Recognised for: Being an active part of the community. Attending every event, Joe has become a staple feature in the Make UK Defence community in the Northwest and beyond, leading to success in developing relationships with prime contractors.

John Cook is nominated for his exceptional executive leadership within Groupe Atlantic, pioneering advanced AI and data integrations that secured major productivity dividends.

A champion of university-industry collaboration whose leadership in knowledge exchange, innovation and research commercialisation has strengthened partnerships, driven economic growth and delivered lasting societal impact.

Recognised for: Championing UK engineering throughout his Stannah career, combining technical expertise and inspirational leadership with a commitment to apprenticeships, developing people and strengthening the future of British manufacturing.

A longstanding member of our Defence Advisory Board, Jonathan is the Defence Senior Engagement Manager at the AMRC and has supported delivery of MUKD events in the NW & Yorkshire, in addition to providing a platform for MUKD to speak to others within their manufacturing network.

Recognised for: Championing British manufacturing and investing in people and technology, while promoting innovation, sustainability and long-term industrial success.

Recognised for: Being an extremely passionate and inquisitive leader. Always hugely motivated and willing to explore every avenue in evolving the business.

Recognised for: Championing British manufacturing through award-winning innovation, sustainability and engineering excellence, while supporting skills development and strengthening the future of UK industry.

Recognised for: His enthusiasm and team-focused ethic which shines through, Judson has successfully lead a management buyout of the business, whilst developing a new side to the business. 

Recognised for: Championing UK manufcaturing through inspirational leadership,developing future talent and championing women in engineering, while bringing manufacturers together to strengthen Plymouths thriving industrial community.

Recognised for: Helping shape the future of UK manufacturing through inspirational leadership, championing sustainability, innovation and people, while supporting Ibstock's transformation and long-term contribution to British manufacturing.

Recognised for: Being a thoughtful team player with a strong strategic outlook. Karl is always the first to explore opportunities to evolve the business and to give credit to his team.

Recognised for: Championing manufacturing, social mobility and workforce development, helping create skilled jobs, stronger communities and more inclusive routes into employment and success.

Recognised for: Demonstrating resilience, adaptability and sustained business success. Kerrie is a great advocate for women in manufacting. 

Recognised for: Championing local businesses, driving fair practices and growth opportunities, while actively connecting members with valuable networks to help them win new business.

Recognised for: Championing people, skills and inclusion in manufacturing, creating opportunities for diverse talent to thrive while helping build a stronger, more sustainable future workforce for UK industry.

Recognised for: For her outstanding leadership in manufacturing, championing women in industry, developing future talent and raising the profile of engineering and manufacturing careers.

Recognised for: Dedicating her career to expanding skills, apprenticeships and workforce development, leading transformative initiatives through Eastern Education Group and North Cambridgeshire Training Centre (NCTC) that connect learners with rewarding careers.

Recognised for: Being a passionate advocate for UK Manufacturing, championing electronics, skills and careers, while inspiring greater diversity and inclusion.

Recognised for: Championing UK Manufacturing through outstanding leadership and regional advocacy, bringing Plymouth's manufacturers together, strengthening skills and education links, and promoting the sector's vital contribution to the UK economy.

Recognised for: His leadership, technical expertise and commitment to developing people and capabilities that will help shape the future of UK manufacturing.

Recognised for: Championing people development, lean leadership, manufacturing excellence and helping create high-performing workplaces, while investing in skills, culture and the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Louise O'Brien is nominated for her visionary leadership at Greyhound Box, pioneering progressive workforce well-being and collaborating hands-on to host regional manufacturing peer networks focused on carbon management and sustainability.

Recognised for: Championing engineering, apprenticeships and community engagement, while supporting the development of future manufacturing talent.

Recognised for: Making a huge impact at ABB, demonstrating a passion for our sector, driving business success and positive change. Malgorzata is an inspiration for women working in manufacturing.

Mandy Ridyard is nominated for her transformative leadership at ASG Produmax, her highly influential role as West Yorkshire’s Chief Business Adviser and her deeply impactful national manufacturing policy advocacy on the National Manufacturing Commission.

Recognised for: Transforming the future of UK manufacturing by connecting education, industry and defence, creating innovative skills pathways that strengthen regional talent, sovereign capability and high-value manufacturing.

Recognised for: Supporting MUKD, despite Hutchinson Engineering being a relatively new member to Make UK Defence. However Mark has jumped in and supported other members with business leadership advice and is on the way to become a key figure in the defence ecosystem.

Recognised for: Championing UK manufacturing, skills development and industrial decarbonisation, while strengthening links between industry and education and helping create opportunities for future generations.

Matthew Barton is nominated for modernising Bensons Panels through advanced digital systems while dedicating significant personal time and energy to inspiring the next generation of engineering talent at the Leeds Manufacturing Festival.

Recognised for: Embracing change, overcoming challenges and continuing to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Matthew has embraced working with us and contributing to the Regional Advisory Board. 

Recognised for: Transforming manufacturing careers through outstanding apprenticeship leadership, inspiring generations of engineers, championing STEM and connecting industry with education to build the skilled workforce manufacturing needs.

Recognised for: His outstanding executive leadership at Filtronic, driving historic commercial growth and massive share price surges, while anchoring high-value electronics manufacturing and engineering jobs, and global technology expertise within the region.

Recognised for: His visionary leadership at Ford Aerospace, prioritising people as the cornerstone of business, while embracing advanced digital skillsets and artificial intelligence to manufacture critical components for high-tech global sectors.

Recognised for: His leadership at EBS Automation, championing engineering excellence, investing in apprenticeships and skills and developing Welsh manufacturing capability through innovation, training and long-term commitment.

Recognised for: Driving innovation, supporting manufacturing growth and championing engineering talent, while advancing new technologies and strengthening the UK's industrial competitiveness.

Recognised for: Strong leadership often through difficult circumstances. A driver of change and a big believer in bringing through youth in to the workplace.

Recognised for: Pioneering the adoption of robotics and intelligent automation, helping manufacturers transform performance, while creating opportunities for people to thrive in a digital future.

Recognised for: Transforming cosmetics manufacturing through pioneering product innovation, inventing the bath bomb and solid shampoo bar, while championing package-free, sustainable production and inspiring a global movement in ethical beauty.

Recognised for: His leadership at GOS, championing Welsh engineering capability, investing in skilled people and apprenticeships and driving innovation and manufacturing excellence in Wales. 

Recognised for: A lifetime commitment to manufacturing innovation, technical education and skills development and inspiring future engineers, while strengthening the UK's advanced manufacturing capability.

Recognised for: Driving the growth and evolution of UK manufacturing, combining innovation, investment and strong leadership to expand Bott's capabilities, while developing sustainable solutions for customers and communities.

Recognised for: His leadership at British Rototherm, driving Innovation, international growth and advanced manufacturing, while championing Welsh capability and creating opportunities for future generations.

Recognised for: Leading Apprenticeship program and driving excellence campaigns.

Recognised for: Being the rock that Graham Engineering builds its foundations upon. Pat is passionate, organised, eternally positive and a huge ambassador for the business.

Paul Stockhill is nominated for his outstanding precision engineering leadership at Agemaspark and his extensive dedication as Vice Chair of Doncaster UTC, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of UK manufacturing talent.

Recognised for: His passion for engineering, his drive to improve manufacturing and the positive impact he has made on his business and the wider industry.

Recognised for: Exceptional Health and Safety leadership, whose impact is felt across industry. With innovative thinking, Pete drives positive change and inspires the next generation of professionals.

Recognised for: His contribution to UK manufacturing, combining engineering expertise, business leadership and industry advocacy to strengthen competitiveness and support future growth.

Recognised for: His leadership at Vale Europe, championing industrial innovation, sustainability and circularity while protecting manufacturing capability, skilled employment and a proud Welsh industrial legacy.

Recognised for: Championing UK Manufacturing through innovation, investment ad resilience, leading MRT castings to scale rapidly, create skilled jobs and deliver critical components when they are needed most.

Recognised for: Shaping the future of UK manufacturing through engineering education, robotics and automation, connecting industry and academia, while inspiring generations of diverse engineers through WorldSkills and innovation.

Recognised for: Her exceptional commercial leadership at Seaward, passionately championing North East manufacturing and industrial strategy while actively driving sector-wide innovation and promoting green jobs across regional engineering networks.

Recognised for: Being a huge advocate for engineering and currently developing school-based projects to promote engineering as a career of choice to young students. Rachel is a major force for good in a family business.

Rachel Lewis is nominated for her superb engineering leadership at IQ Engineers, delivering critical infrastructure installations across the sector while helping guide national industry standards through her influential work with British Water.

An accomplished industrial leader recognised for driving business transformation, fostering high-performing teams and delivering sustainable growth through pragmatic leadership, operational excellence and unwavering commitment to UK manufacturing.

Recognised for: Being a great champion of manufacturing, always ready to support and demonstrate great knowledge and understanding. He is recognised widely across the North East as a true champion of manufacturing. 

Recognised for: Outstanding service to apprenticeships and manufacturing, combining business leadership with a lifelong commitment to developing talent, strengthening skills and supporting future generations of engineers.

Recognised for: His outstanding contribution to business leadership and governance, providing decades of strategic guidance, championing sustainable growth, and supporting economic prosperity.

Recognised for: Accelerating the future of UK manufacturing through advanced materials and industrial innovation and connecting research with industry to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability and sovereign capability across multiple sectors.

Richard Paxman OBE is nominated for his extraordinary leadership at Paxman Coolers, revolutionising global cancer care through pioneering scalp-cooling technology while driving profound charitable impact and patient advocacy worldwide.

Recognised for: Embodying the power of manufacturing careers, progressing from apprentice to Group Engineering Director, while championing innovation, developing future engineers and helping SERTEC lead the transition towards advanced EV manufacturing.

Robert Walker is nominated for his outstanding stakeholder leadership at Nissan, actively bridging the automotive sector with regional networks to drive massive workforce development and championing crucial external talent initiatives like the Local Skills Improvement Plan.

Recognised for: Championing British manufacturing through innovation, export growth and digital transformation, while advocating for skills, productivity and policies that strengthen the competitiveness of UK industry.

Recognised for: His leadership at Sony, championing innovation, advanced manufacturing and skills, whilst strengthening Wales' global reputation for technology, excellence and world-class manufacturing capability and talent.

Recognised for: Championing UK manufacturing through outstanding leadership and a commitment to developing home-grown talent, investing in skills, apprenticeships and people to build a stronger future for engineering.

Recognised for: Being a brilliant female voice of manufacturing and automation and representing women in defence, manufacturing and engineering.

Recognised for: Shaping the future of UK manufacturing through outstanding operational leadership, digitalisation and innovation, while championing-diversity and inspiring more women to build careers in manufacturing and engineering.

Recognised for: Her significant contribution to our Regional Advisory Board and her passion for developing talent and job creation. She is an outstanding leader and we are proud to work with her.

Recognised for: Transforming UK manufacturing through digitalisation, automation and operational excellence, building world-class teams and processes while championing innovation, sustainability and the future of smart manufacturing.

Recognised for: Championing engineering, skills and innovation and creating opportunities for young people, while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Recognised for: His leadership in electronics manufacturing, promoting innovation, collaboration and operational excellence while helping build a stronger future for UK engineering.

Recognised for: Championing British manufacturing through innovation and automation, helping Numatic evolve its production while investing in people, developing future talent and showcasing the strength of Somerset Manufacturing.

Recognised for: His commitment to manufacturing innovation and sustainability, driving continuous improvement and helping strengthen the competitiveness of UK industry through technical excellence and leadership.

Recognised for: Championing British manufacturing through the growth of Labcold, combining innovation, digital transformation and strong leadership to build a globally recognised manufacturer delivering technology critical to heathcare.

Recognised for: Decades of pioneering leadership and innovation in health and safety, inspiring generations of professionals and gaining widespread respect across the industry.

Recognised for: Championing the future of UK manufacturing through innovation, automation and people-focused leadership, transforming Hymid into an advanced manufacturing business, while always inspiring the next generation across the South West. 

Recognised for: Her leadership at Gower Chemicals, championing Welsh manufacturing, developing people and capability and driving continued innovation, resilience and sustainable growth within the chemical sector.

Recognised for: Transforming manufacturing careers, developing more than 100 engineering apprentices at Xtrac, while championing skills, STEM and apprenticeships to inspire and equip the next generation of engineers.

Recognised for: Revolutionising urban transport and transforming a niche folding-bike workshop into a global manufacturing powerhouse.