BLACK Country manufacturers and apprentices are invited to put themselves forward for prestigious regional business awards.

Six business awards are up for grabs - recognising health and safety, leadership, innovation, business growth and strategy, sustainability and developing future talent - in the 10th annual Future Manufacturing Awards.

Launched by the manufacturer’s organisation EEF – the awards aim to honour unsung manufacturing heroes and outstanding apprentices.

Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of EEF, said: “A strong manufacturing sector is the backbone of any healthy economy, spreading wealth and secure employment to every region of Britain.

“This takes dedication, dynamism and hard work from companies, coupled with a supply of determined and talented apprentices.

“Despite the fantastic success of so many manufacturers and apprentices, our sector remains full of unsung heroes who do not get the recognition they rightly deserve. These awards are about celebrating success and giving manufacturers who contribute so much their moment in the spotlight.”

The awards are free to enter and are open to apprentices, manufacturers and supply chain businesses of all sizes across the UK.

To enter or for more details go to http://www.eef.org.uk/awards.

The closing date for entries is June 29.