NAA Business Awards, Thursday 18 September, Crewe Hall, Cheshire
The Northern Automotive Alliance Business Awards provide automotive companies with the recognition for their achievements. Becoming a shortlisted award applicant, will provide your organisation with the opportunity to be recognised at this high-profile event, as a leading player in the automotive industry.
Your organisation will benefit from being highlighted on the evening in front of key individuals from the region’s automotive community and leaders of the automotive community from across the UK and in subsequent nationwide PR about the event and the awards.
This year the Annual Dinner will take place on Thursday 18 September at Crewe Hall, Cheshire.
We are thrilled to have The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) as a sponsor this year, sponsoring a new award category, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Another new sponsor this year is Mercury Hampton, who are sponsoring the People & Skills Award.
Lastly, AMANN Threads UK is sponsoring another new category, Digital Transformation.
You can read all about the award categories below and full details and criteria can be found on our website.
2025 Award Categories:
Design & Innovation Award – Sponsored by The Abbey Group
This award is open to ALL companies and is for technical design & innovation, in relation to either a product or a process. The award application should detail demonstrable, quantified benefits, both from a technical & financial perspective. Credit will be given for positive environmental impact, proven results, unique and innovative solutions.
**New for 2025**
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award –
Sponsored by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
This award is open to ALL companies.
This award will acknowledge and celebrate your organisation’s investment in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) in the automotive sector. This category will recognise a business that invests in the development of its workforce through initiatives, policies and programs, as well as the challenges faced. Judges will be looking for applicants who are able to demonstrate that they are a leading light in this area by showing clear evidence of the measurable impact it has had on its employees, customers and/or the local community alike.
**New for 2025**
Digital Transformation Award – Sponsored by AMANN Threads UK
This award will acknowledge businesses that are driving forward digital transformation. This award will recognise a business that has successfully implemented digital technologies and solutions to drive business growth, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience.
Judges will be looking for applicants who are able to demonstrate a clear digital transformation strategy, successful implementation of digital technologies, positive impact on business performance, workforce readiness, and contribution to the automotive sector/wider advanced engineering and manufacturing sector, and/or the environment.
Apprentice/Trainee of the Year – Sponsored by Blackpool & The Fylde College
This award is open to ALL companies
This award will recognise exceptional individuals in apprentice/trainee roles, specifically those undergoing a structured and systematic development programme.
This award category is open to all apprentice/trainees at all companies operating within the Automotive/Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing sectors and includes:
- Suppliers and Manufacturers of Vehicle Components, Production Machinery and Ancillary Equipment;
- Original Equipment Manufacturers
Manufacturing Excellence Award – Sponsored by JLR
This award will go to the SME manufacturing company who in the opinion of the judges:
- Demonstrates the use of effective lean methodologies and techniques that focus on improvements in: quality, cost, productivity, physical waste reduction and non-value adding activities, customer service and safety.
- They will also be looking for evidence of an engaged workforce and development of a lasting culture of continuous improvement.
People & Skills Award – Sponsored by Mercury Hampton
This award will acknowledge and celebrate investment in skills by an SME employing less than 250 people in the engineering and advanced manufacturing sector. This category will recognise a business that invests in the training and development of its workforce. Judges will be looking for applicants able to demonstrate that they are a leading light in this area by showing clear evidence of how investment in skills can bring benefits to people and businesses alike.
Environmental & Sustainability Award – Sponsored by CEVA Logistics
This award is open to ALL companies
This award will acknowledge and celebrate Environmental & Sustainability initiatives and achievements by businesses operating in the engineering and advanced manufacturing sector. This category will recognise a business that is committed to an Environmental & Sustainability strategy. Judges will be looking for applicants able to demonstrate that they are a leading light in this area by showing clear evidence of how a focus on Environmental & Sustainability matters can bring benefits to people and businesses alike.
Company of the Year Award – Sponsored by Bentley Motors
The winners from each of the above categories will be judged and scored – no application required.
The company with the highest score will win Company of the Year.
Closing Date
Entries must be received (via e-mail to Zoe) by midnight, Friday 18 July 2025.
To apply for the above awards, please contact Zoe for application forms
