Metal stars recognised at the Confederation of British Metalforming Awards

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Leading stars of the metal industry were recognised Confederation of British Metalforming Awards last week (Aril 3, 2025), with a Gloucestershire-based manufacturer of vehicle structures for the automotive sector securing the main award.

(L-R) Darren Wilding (G-TEM), Vicky Reynolds (Steel & Alloy Gonvarri Industries), Rowan Crozier (Brandauer), James Pugh and Colin Bennett (both Sertec Group)
(L-R) Darren Wilding (G-TEM), Vicky Reynolds (Steel & Alloy Gonvarri Industries), Rowan Crozier (Brandauer), James Pugh and Colin Bennett (both Sertec Group) - The Confederation of British Metalforming

G-TEM, which works with many of the major car makers, was named as the Confederation of British Metalforming’s ‘Company of the Year’ at its gala dinner held at The Council House in Birmingham.

Judges praised the business for its significant growth, clear commitment to upskilling, innovation and for playing a critical role in retaining high level auto work within the UK.

Over 200 industry leaders also saw Sertec Group claim the HSE Initiative of the Year for ‘it’s all about the people’ campaign that has reduced accidents on site by 43 per cent, whilst metal pressing specialist Brandauer took home the Energy Efficiency award for its factory re-organisation that has seen it cut its carbon footprint, boost productivity by 26 per cent and achieve savings of £300,000.

This year saw the introduction of the Employee Engagement Award, with Steel & Alloy Gonvarri Industries winning the inaugural accolade. The steel and aluminium processing specialist demonstrated an understanding of employment issues and barriers, implementing a collective approach for improvement and delivering a ‘growth’ culture that works for both the company and the workforce.

Geraldine Bolton, CEO of the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), commented: “Our sector never ceases to amaze me… the resilience to fight back and achieve world class manufacturing in the face of so many challenges and a fragmented government approach to industry is something else.

“This year has taken it to another level. Our winners, which come from all parts of the metals supply chain, have demonstrated innovation, a strong approach to skills, investment in new technology and a clear route map for achieving sustainable production.”

The next generation of metal experts are always highlighted at the CBM Awards, with James Pugh taking home the Apprentice of the Year Award for 2025. Working as a Process Improvement Engineer at Sertec Group, he has made a wide variety of incredible contributions to the business, as well as redefining best practices within his sector.

This has included adopting smart manufacturing technologies, introducing new processes and implementing technical improvements that have reduced customer complaints by more than half. 

“Our apprentices are the future of our sector, but we need to keep fighting to ensure we have an industry for them to excel in," said President of the CBM Steve Morley, in his keynote speech prior to the awards.

“There are so many bright minds and passionate manufacturing individuals coming through the ranks like James - now is the time to fight for their future and ensure the metals sector continues to play a critical role in daily life and UK GDP.”

The Confederation of British Metalforming represents the interests of more than 200 UK manufacturers of fasteners, forgings, pressings, cold rolled and sheet-metal products.

This year's Awards were sponsored by Crowe UK, Greenfields Energy Group, In-Comm Training, JLR and Enginuity.