North Devon’s manufacturing talent recognised in spectacular celebration
The 27th Annual North Devon Manufacturing Awards took place at The Pier House on Thursday 15th October
Hosted by The Voice Radio’s Laura James, the evening began with welcome drinks – sponsored by Systems Engineering & Assessment (SEA) – ahead of formalities. Chairman Tim Puttick addressed guests before announcing the first awards of the evening; the NDMA Schools STEM Awards presentation, sponsored by Krempel.
The NDMA Primary Schools STEM challenge features a technical, bridge engineering exercise using spaghetti and marsh-mallows to suport a cargo of raw eggs between two fixed points.
2026 runner up with the structure supporting the highest number of eggs: Lynton CofE Primary School
2026 winner with the longest bridge span: Kingsley School
Following the presentations, Principal and CEO of Exeter & North Devon College, John Laramy CBE DL spoke to the audience on behalf of Headline Sponsor, North Devon College. He stressed the value of apprenticeships through his own story, and encouraged manufacturers to collaborate more closely with the college to ensure the development of important skills and careers for the future prosperity of Northern Devon’s industry.
After a sumptuous 2-course dinner, the evening continued with a thought-provoking and fascinating keynote speech from Stephen Roberts, Chief Executive of North Devon Hospice. Drawing parallels between the precise and critical operations behind end-of-life care, and the world of manufacturing, he emphasised how important our time really is to us, before handing back to Laura James and Tim Puttick to present the 2026 North Devon Manufacturing Awards.
The Awards Ceremony
Runners up and winners were announced in each category. Winners were presented with a hand-made trophy by the category sponsor. This year’s trophies were once again made by Bideford-based SR Furniture.
Taking the top spot as Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by North Devon College was Torrington-based CMTG
Full results as follows:
| Award | Runner-up | Winner | Sponsored by |
| Innovation of the Year | Krempel | Eaton Aerospace | TDK-Lambda |
| Product of the Year | Eaton Aerospace | TDK-Lambda | Krempel |
| Environmental Project of the Year | Eaton Aerospace | Accord UK | Coastal Recycling |
| Apprentice of the Year | CMTG – Josh Parr | TDK-Lambda – Callum Ozelton-Rudd | Engineering Training Trust |
| Business Transformation of the Year | Krempel | Smart Manufacturing | Oxford Innovation Advice |
| Outstanding Individual of the Year | Accord – Will Jay | Systems Engineering & Assessment – Liam Smith | Acorn by Synergie |
| Health & Safety Initiative of the Year | Accord UK | TDK-Lambda | TCi (GB) |
| Team of the Year | Krempel | TDK-Lambda | Cooper Golding |
| International Trader of the Year | Helitune | Systems Engineering & Assessment | Eaton Aerospace |
| Manufacturer of the Year | CMTG | North Devon College |
Thank you to our award sponsors for supporting the event
Raffle & closing remarks
The evening ended with a raffle, raising funds for North Devon Hospice, which raised more than £1200. Many thanks to the businesses and individuals who generously donated raffle prizes.
Tim Puttick thanked sponsors, guests and committee members for supporting the evening, after remarking on the superb quality of entries and another excellent display of the world-class manufacturing that takes place in the region.
Seth Conway Media was present to record a video of the event, which will be available shortly.
