Mark Ridgway, managing director of the Wakefield-based capital equipment manufacturer Group Rhodes and immediate past president of the UK’s Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), has won the Manufacturing Champion Award.

Sponsored by Aldermore, this award celebrates the achievements of individuals who, through vision, dedication, hard work and tireless involvement, have made a significant contribution to UK manufacturing.

Mr Ridgway, who will now find out at a London awards gala dinner in April whether he has won the national title, said: “This regional award is testament to my team as much as to me. It recognises the importance of people in the manufacturing sector and the difference they can make, and I am absolutely delighted. It’s great to get this far, and I am looking forward to meeting the other regional finalists at the national awards in April.”

In addition to being a former president of the MTA, Mr Ridgway is a Council member of the Metalforming Machinery Makers’ Association. He is also actively involved in UKTI’s Aerospace Growth Partnership, having previously sat on the Advanced Engineering Sector Advisory Board, which covered the UK aerospace, automotive and engineering sectors.