How do you tackle workplace safety in a challenging automotive manufacturing environment where more than two fifths of your workforce identify as disabled?

This was the challenge facing Evtec Automotive, and their response won them this year’s national Health, Safety & Wellbeing award and the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year title.

Evtec Automotive, based in Coventry, had to confront legacy systems, outdated reporting methods and employees who weren’t fully engaged with reporting near-misses.

They turned it around by embedding safety into every part of their processes, creating a safety-first culture supported by technology, inclusive training and a commitment from leadership.

Introducing QR-code technology made near-miss reporting easier for workers, and the company also brought in regular health and safety audits and trained eight mental health first aiders and seven safeguarding members.

Evtec Automotive saw near-miss reporting increase 267% as a result of the changes, with workplace accidents falling nearly 32%.

In awarding Evtec Automotive the Manufacturer of the Year title, our judges said: “Bold leadership and deep workforce engagement has transformed culture and systems, boosted reporting, reduced incidents, and strengthened staff retention.

“By creating a culture of psychological safety, they have set a powerful industry standard — proving that empowered people drive exceptional performance.”

Other winners this year embraced new technology including artificial intelligence and smartphone apps, while others offered opportunities to groups that were previously under-represented in manufacturing.

LISI Aerospace in Rugby, Warwickshire, manufactures titanium fasteners for the global aerospace industry, and won this year’s Make UK national Innovation Award for transforming its operations.

The company super-charged its performance by using AI-powered machines and its Machine Monitoring System - a digital tool built in-house that uses live data to share feedback for how to improve output in real time.

The innovations led to more business being brought to the UK from the US, and the systems are now being adopted in the US and France.

Our judges called LISI Aerospace’s partnership with the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre: “A transformative, technology-enabled and data-driven initiative exemplifying successful industry-university collaboration. This project stands as a benchmark for collaborative approaches that drive progress and deliver measurable outcomes in the evolving landscape of innovation.”

Reaching out to the community and providing opportunities in manufacturing won Acres Engineering of Derby the Make UK national Manufacturing Impact Award for 2025.

Acres Engineering has taken on apprentices not just from engineering colleges, but from schools, sixth forms, and alternative educational routes. This includes learners with limited qualifications, learning difficulties and challenging personal circumstances. The company won an Armed Forces Gold Award for its work supporting veterans and reservists.

Peter Ball, chair of the Manufacturing Impact Award judging panel, praised Acres Engineering’s passion. He said: “Their wealth of examples of how to go beyond manufacturing to engage and improve the community was impressive. Their work with children, adults and organisations in general shone through and the judges commented that they set the benchmark for us all to aspire to.”

Other manufacturers were recognised for improving their apprentice schemes, and for turning around their company’s performance.

Bowers & Jones of Bilston, West Midlands, designs and manufactures high-quality rolling mill components for the global steel sector.

The company was given the Make UK national Business Growth & Strategy award for turning around its fortunes after a management buyout in 2020.

To deliver on an ambitious target of doubling the size of the company by 2025, Bower & Jones invested more than £1 million in replacing obsolete equipment with new, state-of-the-art CNC machines.

Weathering the challenges of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine that eliminated their exports to Russia, they pivoted to successfully target the North American market.

Our judges said: “We were impressed by the leadership team’s passion and agility. This resulted in impressive financial results and customer diversification while maintaining a focus on its people and wellbeing, making them a worthy winner.”

Dyer Engineering of Durham, County Durham, won the Developing Talent Award after investing in its apprentice programme to address regional skills shortages and protect future manufacturing capability.

By mixing real project experience and digital tools like virtual welding simulators, they have successfully trained more than 30 apprentices, with a retention rate of 85%.

The awards also highlighted the breadth of talent entering the industry. Representing the automotive sector, this year’s Business Apprentice Rising Star is Sophie Reynolds of Bentley Motors, who demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the luxury car manufacturer alongside an exemplary work ethic.

In the Business category, Victoria Painting secured the top award for her outstanding work across a variety of projects. Meanwhile, Nathan Powell of Bott Ltd impressed the judges with his strong drive to improve production within the company, earning him the title of Engineering Apprentice Rising Star.

In the Final Year category, Jodie Manning of Airbus Operations took the top spot after devising an innovative, money-saving solution using customer feedback. Grace Ekhator of Safran Seats also inspired the judges, having overcome significant obstacles to pursue a degree apprenticeship as a mature student.

You can read the full list of winners on the gala winners page. 

If you’ve been inspired by this year’s winners, why not register your interest now for the 2026 awards?