EEF has launched its 2011 Manufacturing Future Awards, intended to recognise outstanding business performance in three areas: innovation; enterprise; and environmental responsibility. The awards, which are broken down into regional and national levels, will also celebrate the achievements of apprentices.

“Now in its third year, the EEF Awards prove that even in the toughest economic conditions, UK manufacturers are breaking down barriers, reinventing the rules and reaching out for new opportunities,” says EEF chief executive, Terry Scuoler. “This year’s awards will underline the dynamic manufacturing industry we can all be proud of.”

The awards will be judged in six regions across the UK in September, with the winners announced in November. The regional winners in each category will then compete for the national awards to be made at a ceremony in London in January 2012.

The Awards are free to enter and are open to all UK manufacturers. The closing date for entries is July 31.