More than 200 representatives, from chairman, CEOs, heads of research and development, engineering production and marketing right across to new apprentices, attended the launch party of Cotswold Life’s major new regional manufacturing, engineering and innovation awards programme.

Great British Life: Laser cutting close upLaser cutting close up (Image: Archant)

The Cotswold Life Engineering, Manufacturing and Innovation (EMI) awards, which support a thriving industry across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, are now open for nominations in twelve categories from ‘best start-up company’, ‘sustainable manufacturing award’ to ‘technology innovation of the year’, ‘best research and development project’ and of course, ‘manufacturer of the year’. The full list of categories is listed here and on emiawards.cotswoldlife.co.uk:

• Manufacturer of the Year 2015

• CEO of the Year

• Employee of the Year

• Apprentice of the Year

• Award for Educational Partnership

• Best Research & Development Project

• Sustainable Manufacturing Award

• Technology Innovation of the Year Award

• Best Start-up Company

• 2015 Manufacturing Genius

• Exporter of the Year

• Smart Product Award

Entering couldn’t be simpler. There are five short questions for each category, which will guide the judges when the awards decisions are being made.

Nicky Godding, Cotswold Life’s business editor, said: “There is overwhelming support for these awards from the manufacturing industry across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, and including Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Over the last four years we’ve championed this sector in our magazine. Thousands of local people work in the industry and just as importantly in the supply chain too, and we are celebrating the huge contribution they make to the region, and to the UK economy.”

The Cotswolds is particularly rich in aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical and renewable energy companies, but many other sectors are also represented. “Cotswold manufacturing and engineering companies are not always the best at promoting what they do here,” added Nicky. “They don’t sell locally, so why engage here? However, flying the flag for your business locally can boost recruitment, support the surrounding 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.

EMI Dates:

Closing date for nominations: May 25

Tickets go on sale: June 17

Cotswold Life EMI Awards black tie gala dinner: September 17

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For more information visit: emiawards.cotswoldlife.co.uk

Tweet @cotsbusiness #CotswoldEMI

Or contact:

Nicky Godding Business Editor

Cotswold Life Business & Professional

Mob: 07966 510401

Tel 01285 653006

nicky@nickygodding.co.uk