Bowers & Jones has won a national manufacturing award, with the Bilston-based manufacturer of roll tooling equipment for the metal forming industry securing further recognition for its growth and strategy.
Bowers & Jones secured its fourth business award in a year by being crowned Business Growth & Strategy winner at the Make UK National Manufacturing Awards, announced at a glittering Gala Dinner at London’s world-famous Madame Tussauds on Thursday night.
Bowers & Jones, who won the King’s Award for exports last year, picked up the national prize having won UK manufacturing group Make UK’s regional award in November.
The judges’ citation said: “This company has demonstrated a clear, quantifiable strategy, fully embraced by the organisation. The judges were impressed by the leadership team’s passion and agility which has resulted in impressive financial results and customer diversification whilst maintaining a focus on its people and wellbeing, a worthy winner of this award.”
Bowers & Jones Manufacturing Award Win
The Business Growth & Strategy award recognised the company’s expansion into export markets and strategic vision following its acquisition by directors Jane Sommerville and Nicola Owen in 2020.
Open to manufacturers demonstrating exceptional growth and clear strategic direction, the award recognises businesses that have successfully navigated significant challenges.
Since the 2020 buyout, Bowers & Jones has more than doubled its turnover and expanded its workforce. The company has also grown its international customer base, with the majority of sales now coming from export markets.
Under the leadership of Jane Somerville, Nicola Owen and operations director James Owen, the company has navigated global challenges such as the rise in tariffs and the Covid-19 pandemic plus a relocation to their current site on Vulcan Road, Bilston, expanding into new markets and applications.
Managing director Jane Sommerville said: “We are thrilled to win this prestigious award from Make UK, which showcases to a national audience the dedication and expertise of our talented workforce, who have driven our remarkable expansion trajectory.
“Advancing from a regional victory to claiming the national prize is an incredible milestone for Bowers & Jones as a Black Country-based business. This win further proves that through effective planning, skilled personnel, and unwavering determination, companies can flourish even during turbulent periods.”
A Year of Award-Winning Growth
Founded in 1955, Bowers & Jones specialises in the design, manufacture and refurbishment of roll tooling and rolling mill products.
The two Make UK award prizes follow wins at last year’s Express & Star Business Awards, where they were named Small Business of the Year, and Insider Media’s Made in the Midlands Awards, where they secured the Export Business of the Year title.
The company was awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, recognising their outstanding export growth and contribution to global trade. In 2024 Bowers & Jones won the manufacturing and engineering prize at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, along with two highly commended placings.
