Connecting the South’s engineering and manufacturing community

Written by Maia Rowe-Sampson (Sector Engagement Lead)

It’s been a busy and inspiring few weeks across the South’s engineering and manufacturing landscape as award season gets into full swing. I’ve recently had the pleasure of attending both the Cornwall Manufacturing Group Awards and the Make UK South Awards, two key events that celebrate excellence, innovation, and collaboration across the sector.

Beyond recognising achievements, these gatherings highlight what makes our industry so special — its sense of community. Bringing together businesses of all sizes, they provide vital opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration at a time when many SMEs continue to navigate challenges linked to taxation and salary changes. Open conversations and shared experiences remain crucial to ensuring that businesses can adapt and thrive together.

Over the past few months, I’ve been out and about connecting with organisations across the region — particularly helping SMEs understand how they can play a more active role in supporting further education (FE) colleges. Many colleges are eager to partner with local employers to provide industry placements for T Level students and apprenticeships, with a particular need across the South East as students begin seeking placements from the end of January.

Another area of focus has been our Girls Can Engineer initiative, which continues to gain momentum. It’s been fantastic to see how employers are engaging with this work to inspire more young women to consider careers in engineering and manufacturing — a crucial step in building a more inclusive and sustainable talent pipeline.
Attending so many fantastic award events has only added to my excitement for the upcoming Enginuity Skills Awards, where nominations are now open. These awards are another brilliant opportunity to celebrate the individuals and organisations driving skills, innovation, and diversity across UK industry.

It’s clear that while challenges remain, the South’s engineering and manufacturing community is stronger when it comes together — and that collaboration will continue to be at the heart of progress in the months ahead.