New 130 Honours initiative celebrates the people behind the products, technologies and ideas shaping modern manufacturing

More than 130 manufacturers across the UK are throwing open their doors today (24 September), giving communities, schools and future talent a first-hand look at modern manufacturing.

From Cornwall to Edinburgh and South Wales to East Anglia, companies of all sizes and across a diverse range of sectors are taking part in National Manufacturing Day, highlighting the technology, skills and careers driving the sector forward.

The nationwide event is designed to challenge outdated perceptions of manufacturing, bring businesses closer to their local communities and inspire more people to consider careers in the sector, from engineering and production to digital technology, research and design.

It comes as manufacturing returns to the centre of the economic debate. New Make UK polling shows 56% of manufacturers feel positive about the Government’s focus on reindustrialisation, compared with just 14% who feel negative.

However, manufacturers continue to face a significant skills challenge. Make UK research shows 99% believe access to skills will shape their future growth plans, while half say skills shortages are their biggest barrier to growth.

There are around 47,000 manufacturing vacancies, according to the Office for National Statistics, while 65% of manufacturers are planning major investment in digitalisation and AI, making attracting and developing the next generation of talent increasingly important.

This year, Make UK is also launching its new 130 Honours initiative, in partnership with Barclays, to mark 130 years of Make UK and celebrate the people helping to shape the future of British manufacturing.

The 130 Honours will recognise 130 people in manufacturing, with representation across England and Wales. The initiative celebrates the breadth of talent driving the industry forward, recognising not only those leading household-name businesses but also engineers, technical specialists, innovators and others powering businesses every day and developing the skills, technologies and ideas that will shape the future.

Honourees include people from companies such as Numatic International, LUSH and Siemens, alongside individuals doing pioneering work in specialist fields, from revolutionising cancer care through healthtech innovation to developing more sustainable industrial processes and championing women in STEM and engineering.

Their stories come at a time when manufacturers continue to demonstrate confidence in the future despite ongoing challenges. Barclays’ latest Business Prosperity Index found that 94% of manufacturers are confident about the future prosperity of their business over the next 12 months.

As the sector seeks to attract new talent, National Manufacturing Day provides an opportunity to showcase the breadth of careers and opportunities available in modern manufacturing, inspiring young people, communities and future employees to consider a career in the industry.

A full list of the 130 Honourees is available here.

Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, said:

“National Manufacturing Day is about showing people what modern manufacturing really looks like and helping them see themselves as part of its future. Today’s sector is a world of advanced engineering, technology, science, design and research, offering a far broader range of careers than many people realise.

“But the skills challenge facing manufacturers is significant. With around 47,000 vacancies and half of manufacturers saying skills shortages are their biggest barrier to growth, we need to strengthen the pipeline and attract more people into the industry. That means creating the right conditions to develop talent but also changing perceptions of what a career in modern manufacturing can offer.”

“Our new 130 Honours initiative, in partnership with Barclays, is a fitting way to mark National Manufacturing Day and 130 years of Make UK by recognising the people powering our industry. It celebrates the engineers, specialists, innovators and emerging talent whose skills and ideas are shaping the future of UK manufacturing.”

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds said:

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the businesses, innovators and skilled workers that are driving growth across Britain. Modern manufacturing is creating highly skilled jobs, helping develop new technologies and giving people the chance to build rewarding careers in industries with a bright future.

“By backing British jobs, British skills and British businesses, this Government is helping manufacturers invest, grow and build the talent pipeline they need to succeed - because more growth in more places means more jobs and better futures in every postcode.”

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP said:

“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 Minister for Employment, Andrew Western, said:

“It’s fantastic to see more than 130 manufacturers opening their doors to give young people a first-hand look at the wide array of careers on offer in modern manufacturing.

“With around 47,000 vacancies in the sector, days like this are a brilliant way to connect young people with the opportunities available and provide businesses with the staff they need to succeed.

“That's why we're setting the next generation up for success, with our Sector-based Work Academy Programmes helping people gain the skills and experience they need to move straight into manufacturing jobs, alongside the biggest youth employment reforms in a generation, backed by £2.5 billion to create nearly one million opportunities to earn or learn.”