The train that gets us to work. The medicines that save lives. The food on our shelves. The clean energy technologies powering the future. The devices in our hands.
Behind every one of them is a manufacturing story.
Yet too often those stories go unseen.
The reality of UK manufacturing is innovative, creative, skilled and inspiring. It's people solving complex problems. It's cutting-edge technology. It's craftsmanship, precision and ingenuity. It's businesses making things possible every single day.
But many of the images people see of manufacturing don't tell that story.
We want to change that.
We're inviting manufacturers, photographers and the public to help create what could become the largest collection of modern manufacturing photography ever assembled in the UK.
We're looking for the images that reveal the true brilliance of the sector. The moments hidden behind factory doors. The pride of creating something extraordinary. The people whose expertise keeps industry moving. The products and innovations that shape the world around us. The unexpected beauty found in manufacturing environments, processes and craft.
This is more than a photography competition.
It's an opportunity to challenge outdated perceptions, celebrate the people and businesses behind the products we rely on every day, and create a powerful visual record of modern manufacturing in Britain.
And there has never been a better time to get involved.
On 24 September, manufacturers across the UK will open their doors for National Manufacturing Day, welcoming communities, schools and future talent to see what modern manufacturing really looks like. From factory floors and production lines to laboratories, workshops and design studios, it's the perfect opportunity to capture the stories that deserve to be seen.
Whether you're a professional photographer, an enthusiastic amateur, an apprentice with a smartphone or a manufacturer proud of what happens within your business, we want your perspective.
Help us shine a light on the makers, innovators and problem-solvers behind modern life.
Help us tell the story of UK manufacturing.
Help us show the world what's possible.
Tips for entering
- Show us manufacturing through a fresh lens.
- We're looking for striking, original photographs that capture the people, innovation, technology and ambition behind modern UK manufacturing. Surprise us. Change perceptions and tell a story.
- Entries must depict manufacturing activity taking place in the UK. Eligible sectors include food and drink production, materials processing and brick making. Architecture and agriculture are not eligible.
- Please tell us what is shown in your image, where it was taken and, where relevant, who is featured.
- Anyone identifiable in a photograph must have given permission for the image to be taken and entered into the competition.
- The strongest entries will showcase the qualities that define UK manufacturing today: innovation, expertise, pride and achievement.
- Be selective and enter your best work. A few outstanding photographs will always have more impact than several similar images.
Categories
Manufacturing is the invisible force behind countless moments in our lives.
It's in the food we eat, the homes we live in, the technology we depend on and the innovations shaping our future. Yet too often, the manufacturing story goes untold.
Capture the products, processes, components and innovations that make modern life possible, revealing the industry that is hiding in plain sight all around us.
Because behind every moment, there's a manufacturing story.
Every product starts with people.
From engineers, technicians and production teams to apprentices, trainers, health and safety professionals, HR teams, designers, planners and the countless individuals working behind the scenes, this category celebrates the people whose skill, dedication and expertise make manufacturing possible.
We're looking for images that capture the human side of industry: collaboration, craftsmanship, leadership, learning, problem-solving and pride in a job well done.
Show us the people who create, support, improve and enable manufacturing every day.
Challenge perceptions of what manufacturing looks like.
Show us the advanced technology, innovation, automation, sustainability and cutting-edge facilities that are transforming modern industry and shaping the future.
Reveal the unexpected beauty of manufacturing. Capture the scale, colour, craftsmanship, precision and detail found in industrial environments, whether through sweeping landscapes or intimate close-ups.
How do I enter?
Anyone can enter, regardless of experience – all you need is a camera. Our simple entry form will be live here on 26 August and entries will close at 11:59pm on 24 October 2026.
If you need inspiration, we strongly encourage you to get involved in National Manufacturing Day, when the manufacturing industry will open its doors to the public, bringing opportunities to capture your entries.
If you’re not already involved in National Manufacturing Day, visit our dedicated page to find your nearest open day – and your next photo opportunity.
Full terms and conditions and our privacy policy are available on the Make UK website.
What is the prize?
Winners will share part of a £5,000 cash prize fund, and have their work displayed in a dedicated gallery space at Smart Manufacturing Week 2027.
Register your interest
Entries open on 26 August. If you’d like a reminder, please complete the below form and we’ll send you a follow-up.
Photography Competition Rules
Please click here to read the full rules for entering the Make UK Photography Competition 2026.
Photography Competition Privacy Notice
Please click here for details of how your data will be stored for the Make UK Photography Competition 2026.
National Manufacturing Day
On Thursday 24 September 2026, manufacturers across the UK will once again open their doors, inviting the public behind the scenes to see modern manufacturing in action as part of this UK-wide open house.