MTC Operations Director shortlisted for top award

The operations director of the pioneering Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry has been shortlisted for a top national award which recognises women in industry.

Leigh Carnes has been shortlisted for the 2013 First Women of Manufacturing Award organised by Real Business and supported by the Lloyds Banking Group and the CBI.

The accolade recognises her contribution to the rapid development of the £40 million centre which is already hitting its 2018 targets. She is also recognised for taking forward the MTC’s expansion plans and her dedication to helping drive the growth of UK manufacturing GDP.

Before joining the MTC, Leigh Carnes was part of the senior management team at Tata’s product development centre. She worked at the Tata Motors European Technical Centre and also gained extensive international experience working for Tata in India, championing the role of female engineers in the Tata organisation.

Manufacturing Technology Centre chief executive Clive Hickman said Leigh had been instrumental in the spectacular growth of the MTC and was passionate about the role of manufacturing in the UK.

“In the financial year just ended, the MTC’s revenues totalled more than £16 million and generated profits which were twice as high as projected. We have exceeded targets in our 2018 and 2020 business plans. In addition, we have been able to recruit more than 160 employees in the last two years, while at the same time establishing a graduate recruitment and development programme and an apprenticeship programme. Leigh has been integral to the development of all this capability which would not have been possible without her drive, determination and commitment,” he said.

He added, “Our growth in membership to the current level of 52 members, our fast-developing apprenticeship and graduate schemes owe a great deal to Leigh, who is passionate about the need to raise awareness of engineering and manufacturing as a desirable career for youngsters to consider, and one which can make a real difference

“Leigh is committed to UK manufacturing and is dedicated to helping drive the growth in UK manufacturing GDP to be greater than 20 per cent by 2020.”

The awards will be presented at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square in June at an event hosted by broadcaster Clare Balding.

In addition to the Lloyds Banking Group and the CBI, other supporters of the awards include Accenture, Centrica, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, ICAEW and Jaguar Land Rover.