GWP narrowly miss out at Insider awards dinner 2014

GWP Group were narrowly defeated in the prestigious “Made In the South West” awards, held by Insider publications.

In excess of 200 of the region’s top manufacturing companies gathered at the Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre for the awards dinner, which was hosted by BBC journalist and presenter Declan Curry.

Although there was obvious disappointment at missing out on the prize, the evening provided a great opportunity to network with like-minded companies across the region, as well as listening to talks from Ben Taylor, assistant chief executive, Renishaw and Lee Hopley, chief economist at EEF.

Nominated in the Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year category, the Made In The South West Awards – organized and held by the Insider Magazine publication – recognise businesses that represent the very best of south west manufacturing.

As a market-leading designer and manufacturer of 100% recyclable corrugated packaging, as well as specialist protective packaging products, GWP Groups entry was focused on the commitment to the design and manufacture of industrial packaging solutions across the entire spectrum of packaging products.

Being one of 9 partners in joint ownership of CorrBoard -the newly opened corrugated board manufacturing company that uses the most environmentally efficient corrugator in the World – was also highlighted.

David Pedley, CEO at GWP, commented;

I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been shortlisted. We believe that intelligently designed packaging that minimises the use of raw materials, plus includes the use of responsibly sourced and recyclable materials, is vital for the future of the planet and makes sound business sense too.

He added;

As one of the first ever packaging companies to gain the ISO14000 environmental qualification, sustainable manufacturing processes and the production of sustainable packaging products has always been a cornerstone to our business. We operate in an extremely competitive market whereby price alone is too often the sole factor that wins the day, so it is great that our ethos of responsible and intelligent manufacturing has been recognised.

Held on 6 November at the Bristol Marriott Hotel, City Centre, Insider’s Made in the South West awards dinner offered a cross-section of manufacturers the opportunity to network together, make new contacts and gain valuable insight into how other manufacturers in the region are winning new orders or addressing the challenges unique to the industry.

The event was heavily promoted within the South West, across the UK and via digital channels to those with an interest in the region and specific manufacturing sectors from across the world.

With all the signs pointing to strong growth from the manufacturing sector in the months to come, there’s never been a better time to fly the flag for South West manufacturers.

Cheddar producer Wyke Farms were the winners of the top prize – “Manufacturing Company of the Year”.

The business was among eight winners across a range of categories on a glittering night that sought to recognise the very best in the South West’s manufacturing excellence.

On the result, David Pedley commented;

Whilst we are obviously disappointed to have missed out, I’m absolutely delighted that we made it on to the shortlist. We believe that intelligently designed packaging that minimises the use of raw materials, plus includes the use of responsibly sourced and recyclable materials, is vital for the future of the planet and makes sound business sense too. Congratulations to all of the winners on the night.

The categories on the night covered a wide range of areas within manufacturing, whilst also focusing on environmental issues and the concern over the growing skills gap and apprenticeships in the manufacturing sector.

The full list of categories is as follows:

Apprenticeship and Training Award
Manufacturing Innovation Award
Aerospace/Defence Award
Sustainable Manufacturer Award
Food & Drink Award
Advanced Manufacturer Award
Exporter of the Year
Manufacturing Company of the Year

Miri Thomas, Editor of South West Business Insider, said of the event;

Insider’s Made in the South West Awards recognise the achievement of the region’s brightest minds; its pioneers and its innovators. I am proud to see them (the winners) represent the South West on a national stage at the Made in the UK event in 2015.

Now in their third year, the Made in the South West Awards help to raise the profile of the best manufacturers across the region.

Winners of each category will also go on to compete in Insider’s Made in the UK event next year. They are a showcase for the region and its diverse manufacturing industries ranging from large, multinational aerospace and defence organisations, to niche food and drink brands.

GWP Group take pride in having a proven track record in helping the environment when designing and manufacturing packaging. This is something that is reflected in the ISO 14001 accredited environmental management systems.

GWP design and manufacture using recycled packaging materials and follow environmentally friendly processes.

Environmental initiatives and eco friendly design, such as 100% recyclable cushion packaging, Corrispring, Eco Bins and the reduction in use of raw materials has also become an integral part of the service offered to customers.

Even small improvements in packaging can result in immediate and significant benefits to its’ users. By enabling all customers to reduce both the overall level and amount of materials used in their packaging, it also allows for greater cost savings not only in the packaging itself but also its transportation and disposal.

Read more about the Insider Awards here, or GWP’s environmental accreditations, by clicking here.