Borough continues to make a point

Oldham’s manufacturers can continue to lead the way by entering the EEF Manufacturing Future Awards.

In last year’s national final, The Climate Change Opportunity Award was won by Diodes Zetex Semiconductors. By developing a range of innovative electrical components, the Chadderton business has positioned itself at the heart of a push towards low-watt LED lighting and increased its turnover by £1.6million in one year.

Diodes European quality manager Kirsten Motyl said: “By developing these types of products, Diodes Zetex is able to play a role in the reduction of global warming by working towards providing more energy efficient solutions to real world problems.”

Businesses of all sizes are invited to share their success stories and demonstrate how manufacturing and engineering companies are at the forefront of rebuilding the UK economy. In partnership with headline sponsor Infor — a leading business software company — the regional and national awards recognise outstanding business performance in innovation, enterprise and environmental responsibility.

They also celebrate the achievements of apprentices, rewarding the rising stars of UK manufacturing.

The awards will be judged in six regions across the UK throughout September and regional winners will be announced at celebration events sponsored by Santander Corporate Banking in November.

Regional winners in each category will then compete for the national awards at a ceremony in London in January 2012. The Awards are free to enter. Visit www.eef.org.uk/awards .