2025 Awards

The patented LGC Scrubber from FEG removes both oil mist and odour from industrial cooking and frying applications. FEG self-funded the product development after trying to solve a problem for a client frying coated fish products - particularly tricky as it involves the removal of oil mists, sticky particulate and burnt crumb and requires scrubber compounds in vapour phase. There is not a single technology other than a thermal oxidiser that can deliver this, and many projects/solutions fail to deliver the desired results. The product also acts as a fire barrier, accepted by insurance companies, and reduces cleaning and maintenance costs, with its built-in CIP program able to link with the clients’ fryer CIP system. In addition, it separates collected oil from the liquor which clients sells for recycling, providing a revenue stream and improved sustainability by avoiding discharging to drain/waste treatment.

In 2023 RHF Fans made a significant investment in renewable energy by installing a 257.72kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system, consisting of 600 solar panels. Since its installation, the solar system has produced a total of 180,600kWh of energy. This achievement represents a substantial step towards reducing its environmental impact and promoting a cleaner, greener future. RHF is now on track to help its customers lower operational costs by investing in an ambitious program to develop the industry's most energy-efficient centrifugal fans. On top of this - RHF’s Smoothflow™ technology involves contouring their fans inlet cone and impeller shroud to create a smoother air path. This design reduces turbulence, lowers noise, and decreases the power required for a given airflow and has been implemented across the entire product range. The Smoothflow™ technology has proved to lower the absorbed power of the fan, reducing energy consumption and saving money. This is helping customers and end users to reduce energy consumption and helping the supply chain with their sustainability goals.

Having recently joined APS UK, Katie Burrells’s background is in technical support. She comes to APS as an experienced Technical and Project Engineer, with her previous work involving designing and implementing dust and fume extraction systems that prioritise both safety and environmental sustainability. In her new role at APS Katie is involved in managing the planning and execution of the Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) solutions APS provide. Her self-motivation and enthusiasm are boundless as well as infectious and have already been noted by the APS team; as has her ability to navigate often convoluted regulatory demands while maintaining efficiency and precision resulting in a safer working environment for all operatives and highly satisfied clients. She has developed customised solutions for clients, addressing their specific needs and challenges, enhancing operational efficiency and safety whilst prioritising environmental sustainability in all projects - contributing to the reduction of industrial emissions and promoting cleaner production processes.

Woodcock & Wilson’s recent export growth has seen international sales soaring sevenfold. It puts its success down to its mission to understand and address the specific challenges of each market. By identifying pain points, the business is able to provide solutions that prioritise safety, quality, reliability, and technical support. The most remarkable growth has come from the Middle Eastern market where it’s seen an 5900% increase - achieved by working closely with end users and design partners to tailor fan solutions to endure the region's extreme environmental conditions while ensuring extended operational life. The company has also seen impressive growth in the North American and Australian markets as well as growth in Malaysia, China and India.

In 2024 Promtek hired two apprentices into its Projects team and one into the Service team, as well as offering two students from a local school the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a 3-month work placement, ensuring that young professionals are well-equipped for the future. Last year, Promtek was among the first companies to achieve the ‘Make UK Engineering Apprenticeships: Employer Kitemark’ through the ‘Next Gen Makers Engineering Apprenticeships: Best Practice Programme’. This recognition places Promtek alongside industry giants such as Festo, Marshall Aerospace, and Thyssenkrupp Materials, acknowledging the business as one of the best employers for engineering apprenticeships in the UK. Promtek achieved ‘Gold Accreditation’ with the ‘Next Gen Makers Excellent Employer Scheme’, with an assessment score of 99/100, further affirming its commitment to excellence. Additionally, Promtek is currently recruiting a new member in its service team through a forces employment charity, which reflects its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and supporting individuals from varied backgrounds.

For this business, safety is the cornerstone of its identity and Woodcock and Wilson’s enhances its approach to safety by: • Championing Safety Beyond Compliance • Proactively Adopting Advanced Standards • Independent Certification and Auditing • Creating a Cultural Shift Toward Safety Excellence While current legislation allows for self-regulation for mechanical Ex equipment, it recognises that this can leave gaps, potentially exposing operators and environments to unnecessary risks. This is why it ensures ‘Third-Party Certification of its Ex Equipment’, ensuring that its approach is independently verified by an external certification body. The business also undertakes ‘Continuous Training & Awareness’ with the team trained to understand the nuances of Ex compliance and safety standards, and the company’s directors being on technical committees at IECEx, ATEX, and CEN. They are also ‘Regularly Audited & Inspected’ by a third party to confirm that safety standards are maintained.

On Cameron’s first day at Ebro he arrived in a 1970’s MG sports car - which he had bought and maintained himself! After completing his A-Levels, Cameron joined Ebro Valves in July 2022 as an Engineering Apprentice, studying with Loughborough Technical college. During the second year of his Apprenticeship Ebro had secured a £151,000 / 172 valve project order for Endress and Hauser and Cameron played a key role in the project delivery team. During Endress and Hauser’s visit they brought along their own test equipment. During the final testing a mechanical fitting problem was identified and a solution was found by Cameron who worked with the guidance of Endress and Hauser to resolve the situation. Glyn Croft – Project Engineer Manager from Endress and Hauser commentated: “He’s a real find – you need to keep him!” As part of Cameron’s continuing apprenticeship, he will soon move to a new position within the Pre-Sales Department as a ‘Trainee Technical Valve Engineer’. Cameron will follow his current path with a HNC Engineering course to take him to the next level. Cameron’s success has spurred Ebro on to recruit another apprentice and Cameron will be their mentor.

Promtek has achieved significant business growth in the last year, with a 20% revenue increase and global expansion through strategic partnerships, including recognition as a ‘Global System Integrator Giant’. It has also strengthened its commitment to best practices, securing ISO 9001 and 45001 certifications, and the 14064 Carbon Reduction accreditation, reinforcing a focus on quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Investment in cutting-edge technology has led to groundbreaking product developments, such as the launch of Condor Microman, that enhances batch traceability, reduces manual errors, and supports digital transformation. It also introduced a cloud-based subscription model, allowing customers to access solutions through flexible, scalable, and cost-effective payment options. The business was awarded ‘Next Gen Makers Gold Accreditation for Engineering Apprentice Excellence’, highlighting its efforts to nurturing the next generation of engineers. Promtek was also Runner-up for SME of the Year 2024 at the MAKE UK Awards and a finalist at the 2025 Food Manufacture Excellence Awards for its work in collaboration and partnership.

Ian joined Shepherd Engineering Services (SES) as an electrical apprentice, before transferring to its sister company Portasilo when his apprenticeship was completed. Portasilo was a leading UK Bulk Material Handling specialist and Ian started his career there in the drawing office as an electrical design engineer. After many years designing control systems for bulk material handling projects, Ian moved into project management as a Contract Manager. He has always been very ‘hands on’ meaning his transfer to the operations side of the Portasilo business was a natural progression in his career. Here, Ian worked initially as the Works Manager and finally as Operations Director before he ‘retired’. In 2014 Ian took over as the General Secretary of SHAPA. Ian’s approach to the association was much like his approach to Portasilo – very hands on. He became a go to source of information for all of the SHAPA members and its committees - and a huge support to the Chair’s and the Council. Ian spent most of 2024 operating a phased handover with the new General Secretary Louise Smallwood – this has proved invaluable in making the transition seamless. In fact – even though he’s supposed to have retired and we’re now well into 2025 there isn’t a week that goes by where Louise is dropping him a Whatsapp or email and he’s very much providing guidance, advice and helping to steer Louise in the right direction for all things related to the association. Michael Bradely, Chair of SHAPA, the members of the Council and Louise would like pass on their heartfelt gratitude for all he has done for the association in the last eleven years - and all he continues to do behind the scenes.