Cotswold Life is delighted to announce that Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, Chairman and founder of WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group), will give the keynote speech at the Cotswold Life Engineering, Manufacturing & Innovation Awards, being held at Cheltenham Town Hall on September 17.

For more than 34 years Professor Lord Bhattacharyya has been at the heart of business and a powerful advocate for manufacturing. He has built WMG into one of the world’s leading research and education groups which has a current annual programme of over £180 million including industrial and in-kind support.

The Cotswold Life Engineering, Manufacturing & Innovation (EMI) Awards, which support a thriving industry across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, are now open for nominations in twelve categories including ‘Best start-up company’, ‘Sustainable Manufacturing Award’, ‘Technology Innovation of the Year’, ‘Best Research & Development Project’ and ‘Manufacturer of the Year 2015’. The full list of categories is listed here and on emiawards.cotswoldlife.co.uk

The Closing date for Awards entries is May 25.

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya has been instrumental in many large scale inward investments in the UK, most recently the Tata acquisition of Corus and Jaguar Land Rover. He is deeply involved in the British automotive industry and is working with Jaguar Land Rover on the development of new technologies and manufacturing processes.

Nicky Godding, Cotswold Life Business Editor, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Professor Lord Bhattacharyya has agreed to speak at these inaugural Awards. There is overwhelming support for these awards from across the region. 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, but flying the flag for your business locally can boost recruitment, support the surrounding community and build a network of support businesses. We are looking forward to a really fantastic Awards programme and to meeting some exciting new businesses.”

Entering the Cotswold Life Engineering, Manufacturing & Innovation Awards is simple. There are five short questions for each category, which will guide the judges when the awards judging process is being undertaken. The Cotswold Life Engineering, Manufacturing & Innovation Awards are open to any business, large or small, across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Wiltshire. The Awards welcome entries from manufacturing, engineering, design, 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

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

Tweet @cotsbusiness #CotswoldEMI

Or contact:

Nicky Godding Business Editor

Cotswold Life Business & Professional

Office: 01285 653006

Mobile: 07966 510401

Email: nicky@nickygodding.co.uk