BASF named Manufacturer of the Year at MAKE UK 2023 National Awards  

• BASF in the UK recognised at national industry awards ceremony
• BASF UK STEM Ambassador network wins Manufacturing Matters award
• BASF Bradford site apprentice Harriet Bean named runner up in the Engineering Apprentice Rising Star category 

Following regional awards success, BASF claimed the 2023 Manufacturer of the Year award as well as winner in the societal outreach category - Manufacturing Matters. BASF’s Harriet Bean was named runner up in the Engineering Apprentice Rising Star category. In the spectacular surroundings of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, the three awards were gratefully received.

Manufacturer of the Year was a particularly special award and the team were touched that their passion for innovation, collaboration and inspiring others in their local communities was highlighted.

Manufacturing Matters, an award developed to recognise a company or collaboration that demonstrates exceptional adaptability and resilience to impact their business and improve lives and society, was proudly accepted by the BASF team. The judges recognised the meaningful and impactful work in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field carried out by BASF STEM Ambassadors, part of the nationwide STEM Ambassadors network. Helen Clayton, BASF STEM Ambassador coordinator was thrilled at the recognition. “BASF’s societal engagement policy aims to encourage young people to see the breadth of STEM careers and see themselves as scientists – across our sites we engage with our local community and spread that message amongst local schools. I want to thank all those employees who have given up hours of their time to support science lessons, careers sessions, host school trips to site and who are really making a difference for children.”

At BASF’s UK headquarter offices in Stockport, BASF STEM Ambassadors are a team of volunteers who dedicate their efforts to support STEM education and engagement across three local primary schools. Activities are organised for all three schools but each year one school is the focus of engagement. The schools are St Matthew’s Primary School, Lark Hill Primary School and Dial Park Primary School. Over the last few years, the team have worked to deliver a STEM week with numerous activities and experiments, they have set up a gardening club, launched book competitions and held careers events for the students. The schools have been embraced by BASF with colleagues volunteering their time or fundraising for various school activities.

Runner up Engineering Apprentice Rising Star, Harriet Bean was delighted to be part of the celebrations. “It was unexpected but I was ecstatic when I got the email saying I had initially got through to the Regional Finals, and even more so when I moved forward for the Nationals. London is a completely different world to me and sitting in the crypt of St. Paul’s surrounded by tens of other apprentices was very surreal. I came out of the event proud to be part of BASF and proud of how far I've been able to progress with the company’s support.”

Thomas Birk, Vice President, UK & Ireland acknowledged the effort of the whole team. Thomas said, “I accept this award on behalf of the whole team and thank them for the great team effort and spirit they show every day. Our colleagues get engaged with so many different initiatives and are passionate about what they do, this award is a fitting recognition of all they have achieved.”