Winners Announced at Made in Lincolnshire Celebration

The Made in Lincolnshire celebration event recognised the variety of goods and services produced in Lincolnshire that demonstrate pioneering thinking. The event was organised by Streets Chartered Accountants, Business Lincolnshire and NatWest Bank and was hosted by Melvyn Prior, Presenter at BBC Radio Lincolnshire. The event also served to highlight the county’s well earned reputation for innovation and manufacturing.

Made in Lincolnshire consisted of six categories in which businesses/products were nominated. The winners in each category were:

• Made in Lincolnshire Sold Locally – Bottomley Distillers Ltd
• Made in Lincolnshire Sold Nationwide – Beaphar UK
• Made in Lincolnshire Sold Overseas – Red Rhino Mini Crushers UK Ltd
• Made in Lincolnshire for Many Generations – Grantham Engineering Ltd
• Made in Lincolnshire World Class – Autocraft Solutions Group Ltd
• Made in Lincolnshire – Food & Drink – Hawkens Gingerbread

James Pinchbeck, Marketing Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, said: “We are especially pleased with the quality and diversity of entries in our second Made in Lincolnshire Awards. The UK is enjoying something of resurgence in manufacturing and this seems to be reflected within the sector locally. Both entrants and winners highlight that Greater Lincolnshire is becoming a diverse manufacturing base with innovative products and growing demand overseas.

"Whilst more traditional engineering continues to form part of the sector, we are today as likely to see manufacturing interests focus around hi tech products, premium brands and food stuffs, even power generation. Equally many of our manufacturers can boast not just overseas demand but also have great pride in producing world class products. 

“Whilst the sector does face challenges around investment, skills shortages and pressures on cost, public and private sector support is helping to realise opportunities for growth. We can truly be proud of the role manufacturing plays in Greater Lincolnshire in our economic prosperity.”

Garry Wilkinson, Manufacturing Sector Specialist at NatWest Bank, added “NatWest are delighted to co-sponsor the Made in Lincolnshire awards which are now in their fourth year showcasing and celebrating the many fantastic and diverse manufacturing businesses that we have in Lincolnshire. There were many excellent entries and the quality of the applications made the task of judging an extremely difficult one, as evidenced by the quality of the finalists in each category, and the winners are well deserving of their success.

"NatWest remain passionate about offering specialist support to the manufacturing sector, which despite the various headwinds, is a significant part of the UK economy and as demonstrated by these awards, an area that is strong throughout Lincolnshire. I hope that these awards continue to help to raise awareness to a greater audience of the manufacturing capabilities available within this county.”

Samantha Harrison, Head of Business Lincolnshire, commented: “The Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub is proud to be part of the Made in Lincolnshire Awards. Manufacturing plays a major role in the economy of Greater Lincolnshire, contributing over £4.2 billion every year – that’s 20% of the region's total economic value. It employs approximately 67,000 people, accounting for 16% of local jobs – double the UK average of 8%. It has also shown strong growth in Greater Lincolnshire over last few years.

“Lincolnshire businesses make world-class products, and that's a message we want to spread far and wide. These awards are a chance to shout about some of the great work taking place right on our doorstep, showcasing the best of the best. This will help raise awareness of all the county has to offer, bringing new opportunities for all involved.”

The Judging panel included representation from the three host organisations, Make UK, Midlands Engine, NAMRC and Lincolnshire County Council.