Enginuity shines a spotlight on future talent at Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards

Some of the brightest stars in West Yorkshire’s manufacturing and engineering sectors were honoured last week at the 2025 Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards. The sold-out event, hosted at Leeds Beckett University, drew industry leaders together to recognise individuals and companies making a real impact on the region’s manufacturing future. 

The awards, now in their fourth year, have become a headline feature of the festival, spotlighting emerging talent and the employers investing in skills development at a time when recruitment remains a key challenge for the sector. 

Enginuity proudly sponsored the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award, which celebrates a young person who joined a company as an apprentice and excelled, or an existing employee who has gone on to become an apprentice to advance their career.  

The Apprentice of the Year title was awarded to Eesa Mahmood, a fabricator and welder apprentice at Waites Mechanical Services. Eesa was recognised for his inspiring dedication, eagerness to learn, and standout work ethic.  

Enginuity’s judges, Elinor Wallace, Technical Solutions and Research Manager, and Fiona McGarry, Sector Engagement Manager, commented: “We were impressed with Eesa’s commitment to his apprenticeship and to learning and developing new skills that complement his apprentice learning journey. He is a great role model to fellow apprentices, and his attitude shines through. His experience really shows how impactful apprenticeships can be for young people, and the organisations they work with. Congratulations Eesa!” 

The event also saw Isabelle Pearce of DS Smith and Kiera Barrass of Leeds Welding Company named joint winners of the Rising Stars award, sponsored by Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber. Isabelle has led sustainability initiatives across DS Smith’s UK operations, while Kiera, her company’s first female welder, was praised for her resilience and personal pride in her work. 

Matthew Lambert, senior sustainability engineer at textile firm AW Hainsworth, received the Future Manufacturing Leader award. With nine years at the business, Matthew has become a driving force behind major sustainability projects. 

MPM, a glass-reinforced plastics manufacturer, won Employer of the Year, with judges applauding managing director Ben Wilson and his team for creating a workplace where people thrive. MPM’s Nick Robinson was also named the first-ever Manufacturing Leader, recognised for his innovation and mentorship. 

Finally, Cameron Pinder, a World Skills UK gold medallist from Kirkstall Precision Engineering, and Mitch Scott, former head of engineering at Leeds City College, received Special Manufacturing Ambassador awards for their outstanding contributions to skills and education in the region.  

The Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards continue to highlight the critical role of skills, innovation, and inclusive leadership in shaping the future of UK manufacturing. With Enginuity and other industry partners backing the next generation, the sector is well-positioned to grow stronger and more sustainable in the years ahead. 

Congratulations to all the winners! 

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