Rachel Eade, Automotive Sector Lead for the Government-run Business Growth Service, has been presented with the Institute of Sheet Metal Engineering’s Gold Medal for her services to the sector.
Ms Eade has helped more than 2,500 companies during her 19-year career; it is estimated that she has helped to create more than 5,500 new jobs with expanding manufacturers.
The Wolverhampton-based Institute praised Ms Eade for the way she has “consistently gone beyond the call of duty to help member firms overcome major challenges, grow and create jobs”.
There was a particular mention for her previous role at Accelerate, where she helped to develop the MG Rover Taskforce that helped many companies survive.
Ms Eade said: “This really came out of the blue, but it is an award that means a lot to me. There have been a lot of high-profile people previously named as Gold Medal recipients, so to follow in their footsteps is a great honour. The award underlines the importance of external advice, guidance and support for businesses.
“There have been a lot of industry ups and downs during my career, but the UK is once again at the forefront of manufacturing. My role at the Business Growth Service is to work with the automotive supply chain — providing coaching, mentoring, strategic business reviews, signposting to other external support opportunities, access to finance or brokering relationships with Tier One firms and car makers. I’ve also helped firms to leverage funding from schemes such as the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative and the Regional Growth Fund.”
ISME chairman Steve Morley said: “Rachel Eade has contributed immensely to our sector, and I’m delighted that we have been able to mark this by awarding her our prestigious Gold Medal. We look forward to the future and our members continuing to access specialist support that will help them overcome challenges and make the most of new opportunities.”