The North Devon Manufacturing Awards, once again showed off the spectacular productivity and innovation in our region
Gathered at The Pier House, Westward Ho! for the 26th annual NDMA awards, members of Northern Devon’s manufacturing community enjoyed a welcome from the evening’s host, Laura James of The Voice Radio, who handed over to Chairman Tim Puttick for his opening words.
Acknowledging yet another year of superb standards of submissions, Tim went on to describe the association’s achievements and events over the past year, introduced some exciting, upcoming features and thanked the evening’s sponsors.
The first awards of the evening were announced for the winners of the Primary School Stem Challenge, sponsored by Krempel. This year, 289 pupils from 7 schools took part, aiming to build the tallest and strongest structures from spaghetti and marsh-mallows to hold an uncooked egg. Runners-up, Lynton C of E Primary achieved the highest number of eggs, whilst Southmead School once again took first prize for the tallest tower.
The evening proceeded with a sumptuous two-course meal, while guests enjoyed excited conversation before being treated to a captivating from celebrity speaker, ocean adventurer, and seaweed innovator, Olly Hicks.
Inspired by tales of success, courage in the face of adversity, and the regenerative marine farming taking place just outside the venue in Bideford Bay, it was time to announce who would be taking home a coveted, locally crafted NDMA trophy in 2025.
The results:
In an unprecedented display of dominance, Systems Engineering & Assessment (SEA) claimed four trophies, including the top award of the night – Manufacturer of the Year, presented by headline sponsor, Eaton.
Drawing the evening to a close, guests enthusiastically engaged in a raffle to support this year’s chosen charity; The Wave Project, raising over £1000!
The Wave Project provides surf therapy in Westward Ho! and Croyde, aiming to improve children’s mental health and wellbeing through their award-winning programme. Surf Therapy is an evidence-based programme that enables children and young people to build confidence and overcome anxiety barriers through surfing.
A huge thank you to all of the evening’s sponsors, without whom none of this would be possible. Thanks also to the team at The Pier House, our wonderful host, Laura, and guest speaker, Olly. Lastly, but most importantly, thank you to everyone who took part and joined us for another superb event. See you all next year!
