The West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) has opened nominations for its annual Aerospace Ambassador Awards, with a new category specifically for small- and medium-sized engineering companies.

The Awards celebrate individuals and companies who have made an outstanding contribution to the aerospace and defence industry within the South West. WEAF is now looking for the stars of this year’s industry.

The awards are free to enter and are open to everyone working in the industry. The six award categories are: Best Engineer – for an engineer who has shown initiative and ingenuity to improve an aircraft design or manufacturing and production process, in work on; systems, mechanical, electronic, electrical, or hydro-pneumatic or on new materials; Best Young Aerospace Entrant – for the best apprentice or newly graduated who has demonstrated significant early promise within their first two years at their company; SME Star Employee – new for 2018, recognising that individuals working for smaller companies in the aerospace supply chain often implement new initiatives or productivity enhancements which transform the efficiency of their company; The ‘Ed Strongman’ Lifetime Achievement Award – for a venerable contributor to the industry, perhaps still in work or retired, who can look back on a career in aerospace marked by a number of great achievements; Best Aerospace ‘Extra Mile’ (Customer Service Award) – to recognise the individuals who have worked late into the night and at weekends, or given up family holidays, in order to ensure that a key programme remains on track, or that a valued customer remains satisfied against the odds through selfless dedication; Best Aerospace Media Award (Short film) – for a film of 2 to 10 minutes in length on aerospace, which educates, entertains, amazes and makes the industry feel proud.

The winners will be selected by an independent panel of recognised experts from across the region’s aerospace and defence industry.

Simon Young, chief executive of WEAF, said: “We are now looking for the stars of the aerospace and defence industry. If you know someone, especially from an SME, then please nominate them for an award, so that their work can be celebrated by their peers. It could be for a superb contribution in engineering, or a radical improvement in a business process. If you know of someone who has made a real difference, we want the world to know too!”

The headline sponsors for the Awards are Artemis Optical, Osborne Clarke and SKF Aerospace. Individual award categories are being supported by AACE, Airbus, Bridgwater & Taunton College, Castlemead Insurance, Trowers and Hamlins LLP, and Aro PR and Marketing.

www.weaf.co.uk/events/weaf-aerospace-ambassador-awards-2018-nominations-now-open