Category Information
This award recognises an outstanding manufacturing or engineering business that has demonstrated excellence through innovation, operational performance and sustainable growth. Open to organisations of all sizes, from specialist niche manufacturers to high volume producers, this award celebrates businesses that are driving progress within one of Somerset’s most important sectors.
Focus is on manufacturers and engineering businesses that have embraced innovation, invested in continuous improvement and demonstrated a clear commitment to quality, productivity and long-term success. This award celebrates organisations that are strengthening the county’s economy through technical expertise, skilled employment and forward-thinking approaches to growth and development.
Judges are looking for:
- Evidence of innovation in products, services, processes or manufacturing techniques
- A commitment to research and development and the successful application of new ideas or technologies
- Examples of continuous improvement that have enhanced quality, productivity, efficiency or performance
- Evidence of strong business performance, growth and a clear strategy for future success
- Investment in skills, training and the development of employees
- Examples of resilience, adaptability and the ability to respond to changing market demands
- Evidence of high standards in quality, safety and operational excellence
- Demonstrable contributions to the manufacturing and engineering sector and the wider Somerset economy
- Examples of sustainable practices or initiatives that support long term business success and environmental responsibility
For any queries regarding your entry, please get in touch with the Chamber team at info@somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.
How do I enter?
All you need to do is complete the online entry form, making sure that you understand the criteria for the category/ies that you wish to enter.
- Choose your category
- Enter a statement of up to 800 words explaining why your business merits an award
- Highlight up to six key points selling your company to the judges
- Attach up to five pieces of evidence to support your application – attachments can be up to a maximum of 2MB each.
- Attach the company logo
Does my business qualify?
All businesses entering the awards must be based within the district council administrative boundaries of Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Mendip and Somerset West and Taunton. Business can also enter if they are based within the following North Somerset Council and Bath and North East Somerset postcodes:
BS21, 22, 23, 24, 40, 48 and 49
The business should have its head office within the defined eligible area set out above. If this is not the case, the entry MUST demonstrate that the enterprise has local autonomy over business planning, marketing, HR and budget within the eligible areas listed above.
If you are unsure if you qualify, please get in touch.
“The award has been phenomenal for my business, I have had so many messages from other Somerset business owners congratulating me on the award and arranging catch ups, it’s been brilliant for brand awareness in the local area.”
Award Judge
Austin Chick – Head of iAero Innovation Centre, Leonardo Helicopters
Austin is an experienced aerospace leader and senior manager with four decades of end-to-end industry and customer related experience. Starting as an apprentice at Westland Helicopters, he has developed a unique blend of technical knowledge, UK and international business acumen and strategic foresight into the aerospace sector. He currently runs the iAero Innovation centre, a collaboration between Leonardo Helicopters and Somerset Council that supports economic growth in the sector.
Sponsored By
Leonardo
Leonardo is a global leader in aerospace, defence and security, delivering advanced, interconnected technologies that ensure safety and continuity for people, systems and infrastructure. The company’s facility in Yeovil, the Home of British Helicopters, is the UK’s only helicopter manufacturer – employing 3,000+ aviation experts and offering highly-skilled career opportunities for young people across the region.
More than 3,300 helicopters have been built at the Somerset site with UK-made Leonardo helicopters currently in operation around the world. Over 50% of the UK Armed Forces’ frontline fleet started life in Yeovil including the Merlin and Wildcat.
Looking to the future, Leonardo works in partnership with Somerset Council through the iAero Innovation Centre to drive technological advancement in aerospace and high-value manufacturing, supporting the local-supply-chain and preparing the next generation of engineers though its STEM, upskilling and academic partnerships. Leonardo stands ready to deliver the AW149 for the country’s New Medium Helicopter requirement and is collaborating with the UK Ministry of Defence to define the future of Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air Systems and Air-Launched Effects.
Our 2027 Sponsors
