The quest to find Britain’s best manufacturers is back. EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and Aldermore have joined forces again to launch the 7th annual Future Manufacturing Awards, designed to find Britain’s unsung manufacturing heroes.

The awards are free, easy to enter and give manufacturers and supply chain businesses of all sizes from across the UK the chance to shine.

There are eight different award categories, allowing best-in-class manufacturers to showcase their achievements in a range of areas. These include strategic growth, exporting, designing and launching a successful new product to market, investment in skills and training, reducing environmental impact, health and safety, operational excellence and developing partnerships with education.

Entries are judged regionally, with regional winners then going on to compete for a national award. One manufacturer will go on to be crowned EEF/Aldermore’s ‘Winner of Winners’.

The awards also celebrate the contribution being made by Britain’s army of dedicated manufacturing apprentices. Companies are being urged to nominate their most outstanding apprentices and to help raise awareness of the wealth of opportunities available to young people in industry today.

Terry Scuoler, CEO of EEF, says: “Manufacturers are the lifeblood of the national economy and local communities too, providing much-needed jobs and prosperity in every region of the UK. But, despite being dynamic, versatile and extremely hard-working, our sector is full of unsung heroes who do not get the recognition they deserve. These awards are about shining a light on their achievements and celebrating best practice and success.”

Mark Stephens, Group Commercial Director at Aldermore, says: “British manufacturing is a success story. In recent years it has been instrumental in driving economic growth and will go on to play a critical role in securing a strong, rebalanced economy. These awards recognise the talent and importance of manufacturers and their apprentices, reminding us of their contribution and the hard work, dedication and ambition going on in every part of this vibrant sector.”

Entries to the awards should be made before the 31st July, 2015. To enter or to find out more visit: http://www.eef.org.uk/awards.