March 2015 – Cotswold Life Online (EMI Awards)
Huge turnout for launch of Cotswold Life Engineering, Manufacturing and Innovation Awards
10:02 13 March 2015
Over 150 people representing businesses from across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Wiltshire came to the launch held at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, of the Cotswold Life Engineering, Manufacturing and Innovation Awards.
Nicky Godding, Cotswold Life’s business editor, said: “Over the last four years we’ve continually championed this sector in our magazine, because thousands of local people work in the industry and there are too few regional awards programmes dedicated to celebrating the huge contribution they make to the region, and to the UK economy.”
The Cotswolds is rich in aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical and renewable energy companies, but many other sectors are also represented and while there are many prestigious national industry awards ceremonies, fewer exist in the regions where they can really help in raising local awareness, from where companies draw a large proportion of their workforce. A higher profile helps local recruitment, an on-going issue for many companies in the sector. An awards programme can also introduce manufacturing and engineering companies to each other, building a useful local supply chain instead of having to source product from China or elsewhere, when quality companies are producing the same thing locally.
“Cotswold manufacturing and engineering companies are not always the best at promoting themselves on their doorstep,” added Nicky. “They don’t sell locally, so why engage here? However, flying the flag for your business locally can boost recruitment in the local community and build a network of support businesses, bringing down costs. We are looking forward to a really fantastic Awards programme and to meeting some exciting new businesses.” The Cotswold Life Engineering, Manufacturing and Innovation awards are open to any business, large or small, in the areas where Cotswold Life is sold: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Wiltshire. The awards welcome entries from manufacturing, engineering and design companies, prototype and assembly companies in any industry sector along with inventors. Nominations are now open and close at midnight on May 25. The Awards will be announced at a special dinner at Cheltenham Town Hall on September 17.