Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards Hit Record Entries for 2026

Leeds Manufacturing Festival awards attract 45 nominations from 19 companies ahead of ceremony at Leeds Beckett University, as organisers highlight manufacturing careers amid rising youth unemployment

The Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards have received a record 45 nominations from 19 companies this year, up from 38 entries from 18 businesses in 2025. The awards ceremony takes place at Leeds Beckett University on 4 June. Organisers say the increase reflects growing recognition of the role manufacturing plays in providing long-term career opportunities for young people, at a time when close to a million young people nationally are not in education, employment, or training. Two new categories — Graduate of the Year and Mentor of the Year — have been introduced alongside the existing Apprentice of the Year, Rising Star, Manufacturing Leader, SME and Large Employer of the Year, and Manufacturing Ambassador awards.

Why This Matters For Leeds

The record entries show a sector that is growing its workforce. These awards showcase the talent pipeline that manufacturing and engineering offer bringing fresh ideas and embracing technology. The festival also challenges perceptions of manufacturing that may deter young people from considering the sector.

What the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards Celebrate

The awards recognise individuals and companies across seven categories: Apprentice of the Year, Rising Star, Manufacturing Leader, Mentor of the Year (new), Graduate of the Year (new), SME Employer of the Year, and Large Employer of the Year. A Manufacturing Ambassador Award is also presented to sector champions who have inspired collaboration and raised the profile of manufacturing. Ben Wilson, managing director of MPM Group and festival spokesperson, said the quality and volume of entries reflects the strength of talent coming through into manufacturing and engineering across the region. He highlighted that employers are seeing apprentices and graduates bringing fresh ideas, embracing technology, and developing quickly into leadership roles.

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“There are still far too many young people who are struggling to find opportunities. With youth unemployment continuing to rise and close to a million young people nationally not in education, employment or training, there is an urgent need to show that in the manufacturing sector we can offer secure, rewarding and highly skilled careers.”

— Ben Wilson, Managing Director, MPM Group

Modern Manufacturing in Leeds

The festival aims to challenge perceptions that manufacturing is outdated or low-skilled. Wilson said the reality is very different: modern manufacturing is innovative, technology-driven, and full of opportunities to progress. The response to this year’s awards shows more young people are recognising that. The Leeds Manufacturing Festival is organised by Leeds Manufacturing Alliance and the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, with headline sponsors including Leeds Beckett University, Leeds City Council, Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber, and Leeds City College’s School of Engineering. The awards sit within a wider festival programme designed to improve perceptions of manufacturing careers among young people and showcase the range of opportunities available across the sector in Leeds.