There are two rounds to the judging process.

First Round

In the first round, entries are submitted via our online portal. For each category there are 10 statements which companies self-assess against and provide written evidence for. The judges independently assess these submissions, and their scoring whittles down the entries to select the finalists.

Second Round

Site Visits

As part of the second round of the judging process, categories with a site visit format will provide an evidence tour for judges to view evidence of their entry in action. The judging team will travel to each of the category finalist's factories in September, and your site will receive an am or pm slot on one of the dates listed.

It is a considerable scheduling and logistical challenge planning the judging slots, and you need to ensure that you are available across all of the dates scheduled for your category until your time and date is confirmed.

Categories with site visits:

• Leadership & Strategy
  
• Operational Excellence
  
• People & Skills
• Product Innovation & Design People & Skills
• Smart Factory
• Sustainable Manufacturing

Judging Day

As part of the second round of the judging process, categories with a judging day format will make a presentation following by a Q&A with the judging panel in a 45-minute time slot.

These categories are:

• Achieving Customer Value
• Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion
• International Trade
• Supply Chain Excellence
• Young Manufacturer of the Year

Additional Awards

In addition to the categories available to enter, three additional awards will be presented on the evening.

Manufacturing in Action is open to businesses that the editorial team have visited within the last 12 months, and the winner is assessed as demonstrating an efficient, modern, profitable business, which can show examples of product excellence, innovation, customer satisfaction, investment in people, training, effective management and efforts to become more sustainable in both processes and products.

Finally, The Manufacturer of the Year and Runner Up, overall winner award, is selected by the judging panel from the individual category winners.

1. Extensive media exposure for your company or young manufacturer – local and national

2. The chance to benchmark your business against peers and competitors

3. Shine a light on your best young employees through the Young Manufacturer of the Year category

4. Free business feedback from top experts

5. Gain recognition as ‘award winning’

6. Positive impact on staff throughout the business – boosting morale and team spirit

7. An opportunity to thank staff and celebrate their hard work , determination and commitment

8. Highlight to customers and clients that they are associated with the best in class

9. Gain industry recognition for successful training programmes

10. Celebrate your efforts with your colleagues and peers at the awards ceremony in November