RPL strikes gold at Make UK’s Regional Manufacturing Awards

Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) has struck ‘Gold’ at a prestigious regional manufacturing awards ceremony.

The awards, organised by Make UK, the UK’s manufacturing industry organisation, were held to recognise the achievements of companies from across the Midlands, with the winners now going on to the National Finals, which will be held in London in January.

The Midlands Awards were sponsored by Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG).

RPL was presented with the Make UK Midlands ‘Manufacturing Matters’ Award. The award was given in recognition of its extensive and relentless efforts to focus on the wellbeing of its staff, work in the community and efforts to promote sustainability.

This has included its innovative, people-driven ‘think, act, save’ campaign, which has included guidance to employees on how to reduce their domestic energy bills at a time of increased cost pressures, generating and implementing ideas for cost savings within the business, hosting festive thrift shops, as well as a separate ‘miles for smiles’ initiative.

The latter has encouraged employees to take part in sponsored exercise, in order to convert mileage and make donations to the local community, including schools and local food banks (within Telford and Stirling).

At the awards ceremony at the University of Warwick on Wednesday 30 October, RPL was praised by the judges who said: “This award has been developed to recognise a company and/or collaboration that demonstrates exceptional adaptability and resilience, to impact their business and demonstrate a wider positive societal impact.”

Chris Corkan, Region Director for Make UK in the Midlands, 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 the Midlands and, as we grow our economy, there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”

Reflecting on the accolade, Claire James, RPL’s General Manager (HR) commented: “It is only through the continued contribution and passion of our people that we are able to showcase and achieve such recognition as this.

“Thanks to everyone who has contributed to these activities; they are fantastic achievements which continue to support our Irresistible Organisation journey.”

RPL will go on to compete in the national finals against other companies around the UK in January 2025.

About Make UK

Make UK, The Manufacturers’ Organisation, is the representative voice of UK manufacturing, with offices in London, Brussels, every English region and Wales.

Collectively we represent 20,000 companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinationals, across engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector. We directly represent over 5,000 businesses who are members of Make UK. Everything we do – from providing essential business support and training to championing manufacturing industry in the UK and the EU – is designed to help British manufacturers compete, innovate and grow.

From HR and employment law, health and safety to environmental and productivity improvement, our advice, expertise and influence enables businesses to remain safe, compliant and future-focused.