Thursday, October 23, 2025

Keighley company named SME of the Year at regional manufacturing awards

NSF Controls, based in Keighley, has struck gold at a major regional Manufacturing Awards ceremony.

The awards, organised by Make UK, the organisation which represents the manufacturing industry across the UK, were held to recognise the achievements of companies from across the North East and Yorkshire & Humber. The winners will now go on to the National Finals which will be held in London in January 2026.

NSF was presented with the award in recognition of the significant transformation of its business model over the last few years, going from a company almost out of business to having prestigious and wide ranging customers ranging from NASA to a Yorkshire company that makes Juke Boxes.

Manufacturing solenoids and switches for the defence, nuclear and aerospace company, NSF has effected a transformation not just in its business model and customer base but primarily through the investment in its workforce which meant that by 2024 the company was growing by 10% a year.

Sarah Smith-Birch, CEO of NSF Controls, said: “This fantastic award validates the hard work and belief in NSF from our entire team. Thank you to Make UK for this recognition which is an immense boost in these often challenging times.”

Dawn Huntrod, region director for Make UK in the North, said: “These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working within engineering and manufacturing. The sector remains at the heart of creating wealth in Yorkshire and as we grow our economy there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”

The following Apprentices from the Yorkshire Region also received winners’ awards: Maya McGowan-Wood – Business Apprentice, Rising Star, Schneider Electric, based in Leeds, Olivia Kane – Engineering Apprentice, Rising Star, Amazon, based in Doncaster, Nathaniel Kerton – Apprentice Endeavour, Olympus Technologies, based in Huddersfield.

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