News 08 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Annual Buyers’ Guide 2026 The 2025 AEMT Awards returned to Coventry on 20 November, bringing together companies and specialists from across the electromechanical sector. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton for the eighth year of the programme, the event attracted a near record number of entries across its eight categories and reflected the scale and diversity of work taking place within service, repair and engineering disciplines. The programme highlighted the expertise embedded within repair, service and maintenance operations. Funds were also raised for the Red Cross through a lively Wheel of Fortune, producing £2320.00 for the charity, with the winner carrying off a bottle of bubbly, £100 and an England shirt signed by Keegan. Hidrostal secured Product of the Year for its SuperBetsy IPS mobile pumping system, recognised for autonomy, efficiency and reliability in demanding field conditions. Project of the Year went to Rewinds & J. Windsor & Sons for manufacturing new axles for a 129year-old steam locomotive, a scheme that combined heritage preservation with apprentice development. IPS Newcastle claimed Service Centre of the Year for its comprehensive repair capability, strong safety culture and apprenticeship commitments. Supplier of the Year was awarded to TEC Electric Motors, now the UK’s largest supplier of low-voltage motors, noted for its round-theclock support and wide technical range. Sulzer was acknowledged for its work in shaping technical training through a framework aligned with recognised standards. The Rising Star Award went to Dominic Harvey of Sulzer Services, praised for his contribution to major projects and his enthusiasm for outreach. Innomotics secured the Diversity in Engineering Award for initiatives designed to embed inclusion throughout the organisation. Sustainable Organisation of the Year went to WEG, whose global programme of efficient technologies and community projects continues to set a strong environmental benchmark. Reflecting on the evening, Thomas Marks, Director General at the AEMT, said: “In this our 80th Anniversary year, the awards evening proved to be another remarkable success and once again provided an excellent forum through which to celebrate the excellent work being undertaken by the electromechanical service and repair sector.” He added: “I very much look forward to building on that success for the 2026 awards programme, and to providing another superb platform for promoting business and professional excellence.” AEMT announces 2025 Award winners New Policy Centre launches to champion SME voices in UK manufacturing and engineering A new independent Policy Centre has been established to give the UK’s vast network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing and engineering a unified, influential voice in the corridors of power. More than 325,000 SMEs, in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, often supply chain businesses, are the backbone of the UK economy, driving innovation, job creation, and growth. Yet their experiences and insights have too often been overlooked in national policy discussions. The Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SME’s, Powered by Enginuity, the former Sector Skills Council,has been created to change that acting as a convener of industry leaders, sector bodies, policymakers, and government, ensuring that the realities facing British SMEs are not just heard, but drive meaningful change at the very highest level. The Centre’s mission is to engage SMEs directly, to unify and amplify their voices as an independent arbiter that brings together industry, industry bodies, policy organisations and government to collaborate on the skills and policy priorities that drive growth and support a thriving and resilient supply chain. The Policy Centre will work as a constructive ally and critical friend to the UK Government, supporting efforts to future-proof British manufacturing and engineering. By advocating for policies and skills development that reflect the real-world needs of SMEs, the Centre says it aims to help create a thriving, resilient industrial base that underpins the UK’s growth ambitions. Through advocacy, campaigns, and direct engagement, SMEs will have new opportunities to influence decision-makers and see their input translated into tangible outcomes. The Centre will also provide clear guidance to help businesses navigate policy changes and contribute to evidence-led dialogue. Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity commented: “By gathering robust data, conducting research, and fostering honest dialogue, the Policy Centre will provide evidence-based recommendations to shape policies that strengthen SMEs and reinforce the UK supply chain. We are here to do what’s right for SME’s and the supply chain-giving them a platform and the influence they deserve. “Our approach is collaborative and impact driven. We believe that by bringing together industry, sector networks, membership organisations, and large employers, we can align priorities, amplify influence, and tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges together.” Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South, commented: “Congratulations to Enginuity for setting up the Policy Centre – it’s a big step forward, and I’m proud to be part of that journey with you. “I’m so pleased to see the Policy Centre is being launched to give SME’s a voice in how we develop the skills agenda and opportunities within our industry. Quite often SME’s don’t have that seat at the top table, the Policy Centre is going to provide that route to engage with government and make sure that the policies and outcomes delivered meet the broad SME needs.”
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