The North East has long been one of Britain’s most productive industrial regions, with strengths spanning engineering, advanced manufacturing, chemicals, energy and defence.
The regional honourees include leaders from companies such as Cicor, Faltec, Filtronic, Seaward, Wilton Engineering.
Among those recognised is Matthew Pemrick, Managing Director of Cicor, Hartlepool, along with Bill Scott OBE, of Middlesbrough-based Wilton Engineering, Rachel Chambers, a Director at Seaward, located in Peterlee, and Michael Tyerman, CFO of nearby Filtronic.
The initiative was launched on National Manufacturing Day, in partnership with Barclays, to mark Make UK’s 130th anniversary by recognising 130 people across England and Wales whose leadership, expertise, innovation and commitment are helping to shape the future of UK manufacturing.
Their stories come at a time when the sector continues to face difficult trading conditions, but manufacturers remain resilient and optimistic about the future. Barclays’ latest Business Prosperity Index found that 94% of manufacturers are confident about the future prosperity of their business over the next 12 months.
However, this confidence must be matched by action to tackle the skills gaps that could hold back businesses’ ability to invest, innovate and grow. Make UK research shows that 99% of manufacturers believe access to skills will shape their future growth plans, while half say skills shortages are their biggest barrier to growth.
Dawn Huntrod, Region Director – North of England at Make UK, said:
“National Manufacturing Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, ingenuity and ambition that runs through manufacturing communities across the North East. This region has long been central to Britain’s industrial success, and the people recognised through the 130 Honours show exactly why. Their leadership, skill and commitment are helping businesses innovate, grow and inspire the next generation to see manufacturing as an exciting, rewarding career.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP added: “Today is a chance to celebrate the people who make the things that make Britain great. A stronger manufacturing base means more good jobs in every part of the country, which is why our Industrial Strategy is backing our world-class manufacturers. I’d absolutely encourage young people, parents and teachers to visit a local manufacturer and see for themselves the rewarding opportunities available up and down the country.”
Tom Horton, National Head of Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics, Barclays, said:
“We are proud to partner with Make UK to support the 130 Honours initiative and to join them in celebrating some of the industry’s great leaders on National Manufacturing Day. Manufacturing is at the heart of the UK economy, powered by skilled people, innovative businesses and resilient supply chains that keep the country moving. Recognising the sector’s contribution is both important and well deserved.”
The full list of North East 130 Honourees are:
- Dean Sleigh, Executive Director, Calgon Carbon Corporation (Billingham, Teesside)
- Matthew Pemrick, Managing Director, Cicor (Hartlepool)
- Richard Bradley, CEO, SST Group (Stanley, County Durham)
- Alice Ambrose-Thurman, Managing Director, Faltec (Sunderland)
- Michael Tyerman, CFO, Filtronic (Sedgefield, County Durham)
- Mike Egglestone, General Manager, Ford Aerospace (South Shields)
- Gareth Thomas, CEO, Icon Plastics (Stockton-on-Tees)
- Rachel Chambers, Director, Commercial for Northern & Western Europe and Poland, Seaward (Peterlee, County Durham)
- Emma Harbottle, Managing Director, Analox (Stokesley)
- Sharon Lane, Managing Director, Tees Components (Saltburn-by-the-Sea)
- Kerrie Murray, CFO, Three60energy (Billingham, Teesside)
- Bill Scott OBE DL, CEO, Wilton Engineering (Middlesbrough)
- Ian Vickers, Business Development Manager, Dormor Machine & Engineering Company (Middlesbrough)
Author: Hartlepool Life
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