Improvements in efficiency, organisation, health and safety, productivity and ultimately profitability has seen the team at Fairgrieve Compression Moulding win recognition at a prestigious national awards event.
General Manager Barry Davidson and office manager Dawn Stavers attended the 2023 Engineering & Manufacturing Awards, a glittering ceremony at The Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, alongside business owner Daniel Beaumont.
We had been shortlisted in the category of Manufacturing Productivity Improvement, an award recognising the huge importance of improving standards to help UK manufacturing continue to compete on the global stage.
The category also celebrating businesses which had made ‘a demonstrable improvement to their productivity in recent times.
Fairgrieves were one of the few businesses across all shortlisted on the night to be ‘Highly Commended’ in their category.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been recognised in this way by the judges, who were clearly impressed by the success we have had at the business over the past 18 months in particular,” said Mr Davidson.
“Make no mistake about it, this was an event which attracted the very best, and some of the biggest and most successful names in UK engineering and manufacturing, so even to be in the room as finalists was a major achievement in itself.
“I’m really proud of what we have achieved as a team at Fairgrieves. Our team have great experience and knowledge of the compression moulding industry, but it is their passion for the business, and commitment to it, which really stands out.
“As a 110-year old company I know there will have been a lot of other businesses in the room at the award hoping they are still going strong after so long, especially given the competitive and often challenging world of UK manufacturing.”
Jon Excell, Editor & Publisher of The Engineer, media partners for the awards, said: “This year’s competition has shone a spotlight on the incredible contribution made by manufacturers large and small and showcased both the innovative measures that engineers across industry are taking to grow their businesses in challenging times, as well as the role played by engineers in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.
“Our shortlist – which was bristling with inspiring tales of best practice and innovation – provided myself and the rest of the judging panel with plenty of reasons to feel very positive about the future of UK industry. Congratulations to all finalists and winners.”
North East regional business awards next up
Having returned home to the North East, it won’t be long before Barry and his team are again dusting off the dinner suits and dresses to attend the North East Business Awards.
The business has already been named the 2023 Small Business of the Year for the Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside region, and is now a finalist for the whole North East.
“It’s an honour to be attending these events and spreading the word about our history and our work,” he said.
“It’s a great lift for everybody in the business. You need pride within a business to make it a success, and we certainly have that across our team.”
The overall North East winners will be announced at the Grand Final awards dinner, in the Grand Marquee at Hardwick Hall on Tuesday, September 26.