Composites UK has celebrated industry achievement by presenting the UK Composite Industry Awards 2013 at the annual awards dinner on 12 November at the Crowne Plaza, NEC Birmingham UK.

The prestigious black-tie dinner coincides with the Composites Engineering Show each year and is one of the premier networking events on the calendar. Over 150 industry players joined the showcase of UK achievement.

Extra mile

Of the eight awards presented in total on the night, four awards recognise outstanding support in employee development, training, health and safety and environmental initiative. The other four showcase innovation in manufacture, materials, design and environmental development.

Chris Little, Chairman of Composites UK said: “The UK Composites industry is at the forefront of technological development and exciting product application both at home and overseas. In an ever-increasingly competitive environment it is important to celebrate our successes. Our awards showcase individuals and companies who go the extra mile to develop the technology and skills needed to highlight the UK as major player in the sector”.

The winners of the 2013 achievement awards are as follows:

Health and Safety

Broadwater Mouldings has received an award for their work towards the SiMPLC initiative. SIMPLC is a pro-active health and safety improvement initiative specific to the UK plastics and composites sectors.

The initiative is led by the HSE and fully supported by Composites UK. SIMPLC seeks formal pledged support from individual member companies and requires them to document H&S action plans.

The award was presented to Geoff Marshall of Broadwater Mouldings by Dr Paul Darby, Health and Safety Director of Composites UK.

Employer of the year

MPM was recognised for the outstanding support of their workforce through training. In June 2012 the company introduced a training and development system for its employees.

The system provides a formal opportunity to review performance and development at all levels, using a common framework and balanced measures. They currently have seven of their 20 staff enrolled on apprenticeships with Yorkshire Productivity training provider.

The award was presented to Ben Wilson of MPM by Chris Little, Chairman of Composites UK.

Employee of the year

Dylan Wilson, Operations Leader, MPM, was announced an employee of the year. He joined MPM at the age of 15 to work as a laminator. He was promoted to Operations Leader in January 2012.

Dylan was voted ‘Most Helpful’ team member by his peers in 2012 and ‘Most Improved’ by his managing director.  Under Dylan’s leadership turnover has increased in the first six months of 2013 and scrap costs have been significantly reduced.

Apprentice of the year

Josh Pickersgill, Production Operator, MPM has received an award. Josh joined MPM as an apprentice and completed his NVA in July 2012. He then enrolled on the Business Improvement Techniques Apprenticeship at level 3 in order to develop him for a leadership role within the business.

He has played a significant role in increasing the efficiency of the business areas in which he works.

The award was presented to Josh Pickersgill of MPM by Tom Preece of The Composites Skills Alliance.

www.compositesuk.co.uk