Leeds Manufacturing Festival Next Gen Awards 2026
Leeds Manufacturing Festival Next Gen Awards 2026 — Celebrating the People Shaping the Future of Manufacturing
Held at Leeds Beckett University‘s BlackBox Theatre, this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival Next Gen Awards brought together businesses, leaders, students, and supporters from across the region to recognise the people and organisations driving real change in manufacturing.
The awards have become a key moment in the regional calendar, not just celebrating achievement, but shining a light on the culture, investment, and ambition that will shape the industry’s future. Thursday evening was a reminder of just how much talent exists across the Leeds city region, and how much work is being done to nurture the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
E3 Recruitment — Large Employer of the Year
E3 Recruitment were proud to sponsor the Large Employer of the Year Award, a category that sits close to our values as a business. It recognises employers who go beyond the basics; organisations that build genuine cultures of development, opportunity, and belonging where people can genuinely progress.
This year, that recognition went to AW Hainsworth. Chosen for their commitment to personalised development plans, a proactive mental health strategy, and clear leadership pathways, they stood out as an employer that doesn’t just talk about investing in people. They demonstrate it every day.
Callum Good, Principal Consultant at E3 Recruitment, presented the award on the night: “AW Hainsworth set the standard for what it looks like when an employer genuinely invests in its people. They’ve created an environment where development is the norm, not the exception. They are really deserving winners.”
Amanda McLaren, Managing Director at AW Hainsworth, on accepting the award: “Being part of the Annual Leeds Manufacturing Festival Event Programme is incredibly important to AW Hainsworth. In the Leeds City region, we remain motivated to be an ‘Employer of Choice’ for the next generation and being involved in the Alliance, ensures we have a pathway to connect with local Education providers and seek inspiration from the peers around us.
Being rewarded for our commitment to the next generation of AWH Employees, as part of the LMF, is very humbling to us all. The recognition reaffirms that our strategies to invest and support our people are both valued and respected by all those around us, but essentially, by our Employees. We are incredibly grateful to receive both individual and Company Awards.“
The Full List of Winners
The SME Employer of the Year Award went to Solupak, recognising a small to medium-sized manufacturer that goes above and beyond to support its people and develop future talent within the business.
The Manufacturing Leader Award was presented to Caroline Burrows from Sound Leisure, an acknowledgement of the vision, commitment, and day-to-day leadership that moves the industry forward. Alongside her, Elisa Henderson from RSE Control Systems was recognised as Mentor of the Year, highlighting the individuals who give their time and experience to help others find their footing in the industry.
Ben King from Kirkstall Precision was named Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Enginuity, while Nava Yousef from Ionix Advanced Technologies took home the Graduate of the Year award, recognising the exceptional early-career talent making the transition from higher education into manufacturing.
The Rising Star award went to James Jones from Leeds Welding Company, acknowledging the emerging talent already making a mark earlier in their career.
The evening closed with the Manufacturing Ambassadors category, which honoured both Kshamya Mittal and Dawn Helsby from Schneider Electric. Recognised for their significant contribution to promoting manufacturing across Leeds, both have embodied the spirit of the festival, championing the sector, inspiring collaboration, and helping raise its profile across the region.
A Sector Worth Celebrating
The Leeds Manufacturing Festival continues to demonstrate the depth of talent and commitment that exists across this region. The businesses and individuals recognised on Thursday evening aren’t just achieving. They’re setting a standard that others will follow.
E3 Recruitment are proud to stand alongside the festival and the people who make it what it is. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.
