Metal service centre annointed as ‘King’ at the CBM Awards

One of the UK’s leading metal services centres was named as the shining star of the metal industry ‘Oscars’ last night. William King, which specialises in high-tensile steel, aluminium, light gauge processing, electrical steels and niche metal coatings, beat off competition from more than 50 businesses to win the ‘Company of the Year’ at the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) Awards.

Held in front of more than 150 people at the ICC in Birmingham, the West Bromwich-based company impressed judges with its commitment to decarbonisation through investment on site solar electricity, making maximum use of its roofing envelope to power its activities through renewable green energy. This approach applies the principles of the ‘art of thrival’ championed by main award sponsor Crowe UK and led to its second title in the ‘Energy Efficiency of the Year’ category.

William King was joined on stage by Tecomet, who secured the HSE Initiative Award. The Sheffield-based manufacturer of medical devices, orthopaedics and aerospace components stood out for connecting with their people in a real and caring way — both at work and at home.

Geraldine Bolton, CEO of the CBM, said: “Through strong links to local support services and the delivery of an annual Safety Day, the firm has brought safety to life, reinforcing trust, care and responsibility across their workforce. The last 12 months have been full of challenges for our members and the metal sector in general, yet despite economic volatility, we have seen some fantastic growth stories and real tales of innovation and a commitment to sustainable manufacturing.”

She continued: “Energy is one of the biggest issues facing our businesses and our Company of the Year has tackled this head on through a clear plan, strong investment and making the most of solar power. William King is providing a blueprint for tackling rising energy costs and, importantly, doing it in a way that supports its expansion and maintains its profitability. Tonight was a fantastic celebration of the UK metalforming sector, bringing together companies from all over the country and representing manufacturers operating in more than 20 different markets.”

Double winner
Leading automotive Tier One supplier Sertec Group was the other double winner of the evening, firstly taking home the Employee Engagement Award for the way it strengthened retention rates, delivering over 2,200 upskilling courses and raising nearly £30,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Jack Neal, the firm’s young continuous improvement engineer, took the honours among the young professionals in the room. He was named ‘Apprentice of the Year’ by independent judge Enginuity for showing strong progress in learning and development, as well as clear technical contributions on a ‘gantry crane’ improvement project and ‘Through the Factory’ showcase.

Speaking at the awards, the CBM’s president Steve Morley praised the quality of the next generation of metalformers coming through: “It is great to see so much new talent coming through the ranks and being drawn to pursuing a career in this demanding but ultimately rewarding career.”

“Jack has already delivered massive tangible benefits to the Sertec Group and it was brilliant seeing the impact the other finalists have had with their respective employers. It makes you realise how important it is to fight for current metalforming manufacturers, so the apprentices now can turn into the leaders of the future.”

The CBM represents the interests of more than 200 UK manufacturers, employing 75,000 people involved in fasteners, forgings, pressings, cold rolled and sheet-metal products. Its Awards were kindly sponsored by Armstrong Bell, Compton Group, Crowe UK, Greenfields Energy Group and Sertec Group.