As part of its commitment to improving the world through engineering, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers today announces that applications are now open for the Southern Engineering Excellence Awards 2016. Companies and individuals from across Somerset and Bath are invited to enter.
Building on the success of Institution’s inaugural awards in 2015, this year there are ten award categories for those operating across the engineering spectrum. The awards scheme will appeal to individuals, SMEs and multinationals alike, and it is open to all professionals with a mechanical engineering focus, without needing to be a member or formally associated with the Institution.
Jon Hilton, BSc (Hons) CEng FIMechE, President Elect of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “After the success of last year’s event, I look forward to seeing more companies take part in the Southern Engineering Excellence Awards in 2016. Through this showcase, many skilled and talented individuals, and in particular engineering SMEs in the region, get the recognition they deserve. The profile of engineers and the engineering profession more generally benefit greatly from this vital initiative and I encourage everyone working in our sector to join us in making this initiative the UK’s good business news story of the year.”
Applications open on 11 March and close 31 May. More information on how to apply can be found here. A black tie awards ceremony will be held at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday the 12 October. More than 500 engineers from across the South are expected to attend.
Wessex Region Chair of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Bob Walsh, said: “The South of England is full of hardworking, dynamic and innovative engineers and these awards will give them the chance to have their stories heard. Last year, initiatives such as carbon masts, innovative water saving solutions and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities were all highlighted, and we can’t wait to see what feats of engineering the 2016 awards have in store.”
Steve Austin, winner of the 2015 Engineer of the Year award and SC Group’s Engineering Director, added: “It was a great honour to be named Engineer of the Year in 2015. Award schemes such as these give a real boost to the companies and individuals highlighted and play an important role in promoting the relevance of engineering in our daily lives and encouraging young people to select it as a career.”
Nominees do not need to have any existing allegiance to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers or have members working within the company.
Photo: 2015 Engineering Excellence Awards winners – Magma Structures