CBA: Best Manufacturer

Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025

Best Manufacturer (50+ employees)

Entry Criteria

The ‘Best Manufacturer’ category introduced in 2024, focuses on recognising excellence in the manufacturing sector.

Adjudication criteria to include where relevant:

Product Quality & Innovation: Demonstrated high standards of product quality/Use of innovative manufacturing processes or technologies/Evidence of continuous improvement or R&D initiatives.
Operational Excellence: Efficiency in production methods/Strong supply chain management/ Lean manufacturing practices or waste reduction strategies
Customer Satisfaction: Consistent delivery of products that meet or exceed customer expectations/Quality control and after-sales service/Testimonials or customer feedback
Business Growth & Performance: Growth in sales, market share, or production output
Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility: Implementation of sustainable or eco-friendly manufacturing practices/Compliance with environmental regulations/ Reduction in carbon footprint or energy use
Workplace Culture & Staff Development: Training, upskilling, and safety for workers/staff
Community & Industry Engagement: Participation in local or industry initiatives/Contributions to the community (e.g., sponsorship, outreach programs collaboration
Compliance & Accreditation: Holding relevant certifications (e.g., ISO standards)/ Adherence to health and safety regulations

The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into before or after judging.

Once a company is announced as finalist, it cannot withdraw from the competition.

Guidelines for Submission & Deadline

You should aim to type no more than 2500 words in total. You may attach up to three pieces of supplementary evidence, such as photographs to your submission.

Entry is free.

Application to be received on or before September 12, 2025

CBE Awards '25 Best Manufacturer

Step 1 of 3

Section 1. Contact Details
Contact Name*
First Last
Job Title*
Phone No.*
Email*
Company Details
Full Business Name*
Business Address*
Website
Industry Sector*
Year established*

Section 2. Product Quality & Innovation (max 150 words)
• Briefly describe your main products and their quality standards. • Highlight any unique features or innovations. • Explain your approach to R&D or continuous product improvement • Include examples or evidence (e.g., patents, awards, testing results)*
Example Answer Prompt: "We manufacture [product] using precision-engineered methods that meet [quality standards]. Our latest innovation, [product/feature], reduces [problem] by [percentage/statistics]."
Section 3. Operational Excellence (max 150 words)
• Explain your production methods and how they ensure efficiency. • Describe your supply chain and inventory management systems. • Share any lean or automated processes implemented.*
Example Answer Prompt: "We’ve optimised our production with [tool/method], which reduced downtime by [x]%. Our ERP system enables real-time tracking from raw materials to finished goods."
Section 4. Customer Satisfaction (max 150 words)
• Provide customer testimonials or survey results. • Explain your quality control and customer service approach. • Share metrics like repeat business rates, delivery timeframes, etc.*
Example Answer Prompt: "Customer satisfaction is tracked through post-purchase surveys with an average rating of [x]/5. We’ve maintained a 97% on-time delivery rate for the past 12 months."
Section 5. Business Growth & Performance (max 150 words)
• Summarize recent growth in revenue, team size, or market share. • Share milestones (e.g., facility expansion, exports, new product lines). • Include brief financial performance insights (optional/confidentiality respected).*
Example Answer Prompt: "In the past year, we’ve grown by [x]% and added [number] new roles. We’ve expanded into [region/market] and increased production by [x]%."
Section 6. Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility (max 150 words)
• Outline eco-friendly manufacturing processes or energy use reductions. • Highlight use of recycled or sustainable materials. • Note any environmental certifications (e.g., ISO 14001).*
Example Answer Prompt: "We reduced our energy usage by 20% with solar panels and transitioned to biodegradable packaging, eliminating 3 tonnes of plastic waste annually."
Section 7. Workplace Culture & Staff Development (max 150 words)
• Describe training and development programs. • Highlight safety measures and employee wellness initiatives. • Mention diversity and inclusion practices.*
Example Answer Prompt: "All staff receive quarterly upskilling sessions, and we offer a 12-month apprenticeship program. We've had zero lost-time injuries in 18 months."
Section 8. Community & Industry Engagement (max 150 words)
• Provide examples of local sponsorships, partnerships, or donations. • Highlight support for schools, charities, or industry events. • Mention media recognition or involvement in associations.*
Example Answer Prompt: "We sponsor [local event/sports team] and provide factory tours for local high school STEM students. Our CEO sits on the regional manufacturing board."
Section 9. Compliance & Accreditation (max 150 words)
• List current industry accreditations (e.g., ISO, HACCP). • Confirm compliance with workplace and environmental regulations. • Highlight any recent audits or certifications.*
Example Answer Prompt: "We are certified under ISO 9001 and ISO 45001, with a flawless safety audit in the past year."
Supporting Documents: Upload Files or Images (Optional but Encouraged)
• Photos of manufacturing operations or products • Charts/infographics showing growth or impact • Testimonials, client feedback, or case studies • Copies of certifications or media features
File / Image 1
File / Image 2
File / Image 3
Please include links to supporting evidence, i.e. images/video or screen shots