Sheffield Forgemasters' duo named as most influential in UK manufacturing

Sheffield Forgemasters' Chief Executive Graham Honeyman (pictured) and company Chairman Tony Pedder have been named in the Top 100 most influential individuals in UK manufacturing.

The list was revealed to shortlisted candidates and the wider manufacturing community by TV presenter and engineer Kate Bellingham at an exclusive event at KPMG’s Birmingham office to celebrate the launch of the report by industry media source The Manufacturer.

Dr Honeyman and Mr Pedder sit alongside esteemed company including inspirational leaders from blue chip companies including Rolls Royce, Ford and Jaguar Land Rover and also household names including Emma Bridgewater and James Dyson.

Graham said: "Sheffield Forgemasters continues to fly the flag for UK manufacturing maintaining a firm commitment to making its products here in the UK and using the greatest expertise from skilled people with loyalty and commitment.

"I am honoured to be named amongst some of the major players in the industry in the UK.

"The resilience, determination and ingenuity of the UK's manufacturing community should be applauded."

Tony added: "My whole working life has been in manufacturing, including the last year being Master Cutler. This has given me a great platform to promote the need for our governments to give more attention to creating a more internationally competitive climate for UK manufacturers, to reverse the decades-long decline in manufacturing's share of UK GDP.

"I believe this message is now being heard by our politicians and there are positive signs, nowhere more so than in Sheffield. It is an honour to be part of this and recognised as such."

Sheffield was represented highly in the list with other high profile names including Hugh Facey from Gripple, Chris Rea from Aesseal, Ed Stubbs from Loadhog and Mark Webber from Tinsley Bridge also featuring.

The event, part of TM’s Week of Excellence, brought together academia, Government and industry to mark the first ever The Manufacturer Top 100, sponsored by Lloyds.

The project aimed to dispel myths surrounding manufacturing and create a platform to champion and publicly identify dynamic leaders and innovators in the sector.

Shortlisted individuals were nominated by the general public, The Manufacturer readers, the wider industrial community and the public, for their contributions in changing the face of industry; finding new markets; making marked investment in people, processes and customers; as well as those young, bright sparks that are making an impact disproportionate to their years.