EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, has launched the 2018 annual Future Manufacturing Awards, which are designed to find “Britain’s unsung manufacturing heroes and most outstanding apprentices”.

There are six business awards; these recognise health and safety, leadership, innovation, business growth and strategy, sustainability, and developing future talent.

The apprentice categories, for those working in engineering or business support roles, are designed to celebrate “the fantastic work being done by apprentices across the UK”.

Companies are being urged to put forward their best and brightest apprentices to help promote “the wealth of opportunities available to young people within UK manufacturing”.

The awards are free to enter, with entries judged regionally and the winners going on to compete for a national award.

EEF CEO Stephen Phipson said: “A strong manufacturing sector is the backbone of any healthy economy. Despite the fantastic success of so many manufacturers and apprentices, our sector remains full of unsung heroes who do not get the recognition they rightly deserve.

“These awards are about celebrating success and giving manufacturers who contribute so much their moment in the spotlight.”

The closing date for entries is 29 June. Entry details can be found at the Web site (www.eef.org.uk/awards).