Forgemasters chief named exec of year

Prof Graham Honeyman took the top boss honour at the awards, sponsored by PwC in association with HSBC Private Bank, set up to highlight the UK’s privately owned businesses.

The awards at the Guildhall in London saw a further strengthening of the presence of manufacturers among the nominations and winners, reflecting the sector’s growing importance to the country.

Prof Honeyman said: “Most of what we have achieved has been through motivating a workforce to deliver at the highest level and continued investment so that we can make the most advanced, biggest and best products for our chosen sectors.

“I am delighted to receive this award in such esteemed company. I hope this can act as an incentive for other UK manufacturers to aim high and position the country at the apex of the manufacturing world.”

The event, now in its third year, received a record 700 nominations.

Charlie Hoffman, managing director at HSBC Private Bank (UK), who headed the judging panel, said: “We were not looking for the largest, we were looking for the best – we wanted to see companies that had solid cash flows, a strong market position, growth in products or services, and excelled during 2012.”

Other winners included Ella’s Kitchen, Hotel Chocolat and Jamie’s Italian.