Celebrating the Next Generation at the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Next Gen Awards

16th June 2025

Celebrating the Next Generation at the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Next Gen Awards

Last week, we had the pleasure of attending the Leeds Manufacturing Festival’s Next Gen Awards, and it was a brilliant evening all round. Held to recognise and celebrate the bright young talent shaping the future of manufacturing, the awards served as a reminder of just how much potential is coming through the ranks right here in Leeds and across Yorkshire.

At AW Hainsworth, we’re incredibly proud to have had four fantastic team members nominated:

  • Amy, Quality Technician – Rising Star
  • Katie, Trainee Colour Application Technician at Atkinson Dyeing – Rising Star. Katie won runner up in her category – congratulations Katie.
  • Matt, Senior Process and Sustainability Engineer – Future Manufacturing Leader. Matt won his category – congratulations Matt.
  • Nicole, Engineering Apprentice – Apprentice of the Year
  • AW Hainsworth was also nominated in the Employer of the Year category

These nominations are a huge credit to each individual – their work ethic, commitment, and passion for the industry stand out every single day, and it’s a joy to see them recognised by the wider manufacturing community.

Matt – Winner

Matt won the Future Manufacturing Leader Award.

Becky Gardner, SME Engagement Manager at Leeds Beckett University, which sponsored the category, said: “From leading on sustainability to delivering real change at Hainsworth, Matthew’s passion and impact are clear and he is an inspiring example of the future of manufacturing.”

Katie – 2nd Place

Katie placed second in the Rising Star category.

She received commendation for overcoming personal challenges to become a respected team leader at Atkinson Dyeing.

AW Hainsworth – 2nd Place

We came second in the Employer of the Year category. Photographed is our Production Director Rob Taylor.

Amanda McLaren

Managing Director

“We’re so proud of Amy, Katie, Matt and Nicole. Each of them brings something special to the business, and to see their talents acknowledged on such a respected stage is a proud moment for all of us. It’s also a strong sign of the future – not just for AW Hainsworth, but for manufacturing across our region.”

The Next Gen Awards are a key part of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival, a brilliant initiative that brings together businesses, educators and young people to shine a light on the career opportunities available in modern manufacturing. It’s all about breaking old perceptions, showing the innovation that’s happening here in Leeds, and encouraging the next generation to see just how exciting this industry can be.

As Employer Sponsors of the Festival, we believe strongly in supporting this kind of platform. For us, it’s not just about showcasing our own team, it’s about contributing to a stronger, more vibrant manufacturing ecosystem. When local talent is nurtured and celebrated, we all benefit. The future of manufacturing depends on the energy and creativity of young people, and events like these help build real momentum.

We were especially heartened to see so many talented young women nominated across the categories this year. Manufacturing has come a long way, but there’s still more to do in terms of diversity and representation. Seeing the next generation of female engineers, leaders, and innovators being recognised gives us a real sense of optimism.

The standard across all categories was incredibly high. Every nominee brought their own story of perseverance, problem-solving, and ambition. That level of quality is a testament to the kind of talent coming up in our industry, and it gives us huge confidence in what lies ahead – not just for AW Hainsworth, but for the entire Yorkshire manufacturing sector.

To Amy, Katie, Nicole and Matt – congratulations once again. You’ve made all of us proud, and we can’t wait to see what you do next.