By Jason Pitt, CEO – Made in Group
There’s a quiet strength that powers this nation.
It’s not just the loud voices in Parliament or the polished faces on the evening news. It’s the factory manager who shows up early to fix a broken machine before the day begins. It’s the young apprentice learning to weld, dreaming not of fame, but of building something that lasts. It’s the supply chain strategist rerouting logistics to keep Britain moving, without applause or fanfare.
These are the people we built the GREAT100 Awards for.
In December, at the heart of Westminster, we will honour the unsung heroes of British industry at the inaugural GREAT100 Awards. It will be a pivotal moment, not just for the Made in Group, which includes Made in the Midlands, Made in Yorkshire and Made in the South West, but for all of us who believe in a resilient, sustainable, and proud industrial future for Britain.
This isn’t just another awards night.
Let me be clear: this is not a pay-to-play vanity list or a dinner where recognition goes to whoever booked the most tables. That’s not us. That’s never been us.
The GREAT100 is about authenticity, grit, and real impact. It’s our way of saying thank you to those who carry the weight of our economy in silence. The operators. The educators. The strategists. The innovators. The builders. The believers.
We’re recognising those who aren’t always in the headlines, but should be. Those backing Britain every single day.
A moment worth more than a medal
This is more than just another event. It’s a cognitive moment, a chance to create a movement of pride, unity and progress. We begin the day at our annual Parliamentary Reception, hosted by Lord Whitby, where we’ve long connected members with policymakers. But this year, we’re doing something new.
We’ll continue the evening at the aptly named Century Club, an exclusive gathering to raise a glass to the extraordinary 100. It’s all the glamour of a blue-chip gala, but with the grit and realness of British industry baked in.
Because we don’t need glitz to feel proud. We need meaning. We need momentum. We need to show that what we make still matters.
Who are the GREAT100?
We’ve carefully curated four categories that reflect what’s truly moving this country forward:
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Industry Advocates – Leaders and loudspeakers who are raising the profile of British manufacturing and engineering where it matters most.
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Made Futures – Mentors, educators and early-career champions laying the groundwork for the next generation.
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Resilience Drivers – Supply chain minds, operations leaders and agile thinkers keeping us strong in uncertain times.
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Sustainability Champions – The green pioneers cutting waste, carbon and complacency—future-proofing our sector.
These aren’t stories of ego. They’re stories of contribution. Of community. Of courage.
A different kind of patriotism
We’ve always said that Backing Britain is more than a slogan, it’s a responsibility. In a time where division is easy and optimism is rare, this is our stand. A movement of inclusive patriotism, practical optimism, and deep respect for those who make things.
We’re not political, but we are social. We believe that industry has the power to bind us. To inspire us. To remind us that this country still has a backbone.
And to those who doubt whether anything great can still come out of Britain, these awards are our answer.
So what can you do?
If someone in your world deserves to be seen, nominate them. If someone made your business better, trained your team, fought for your region, or sparked a change, recognise them.
Let’s shine a light on those who’ve spent their careers lifting others up.
Nominations close October 30th.
The GREAT100 will be unveiled on December 4th, right after our reception in Parliament. It will be an evening to remember. And I truly hope you’ll join us.
Because as long as there are people willing to show up, build, and care, we’ll keep going.
Let’s make this moment great.
Let’s celebrate the GREAT100.