Care & Independence the safe patient moving and handling specialists are bursting with pride at the recent success of one of their employees being recognised in 2023 Manufacturer Top 100 award. 

The Manufacturer Awards was established ten years ago and seeks to identify the UK’s most “dynamic leaders and innovators” and recognises individual and personal contributions made to the industry. 

Leyland Clowsley, who joined Care & Independence in 2021 as a Manufacturing Engineer, is responsible for overseeing new product development, testing, and quality control processes. During his employment at Care & Independence Leyland has been instrumental in establishing a product development management system having enhanced and simplified methods whilst improving procedures and orderliness.

“From the outset, we were impressed by Leyland’s enthusiasm and commitment to excellence,” relayed Managing Director Ian Jones.  “Leyland embodies our company values of working for the greater good and in going above and beyond.  We couldn’t be prouder of him on this wonderful achievement which is thoroughly deserved,” Ian finished.

Nominated by his mentor of three years from the Institute of Engineers & Technology (where Leyland is also currently pursuing Charted Engineering status), Leyland has been recognised under the categories of Innovator for “constantly seeking to improve products, processes and/or team-working in service of the customer and the business”, as an instrumental ‘UnSung Hero’ whom enables successes across the business for colleagues and in a third category of Young Pioneer, which, according the award criteria, recognises “trail blazers” making “an impact disproportionate to their years.” 

Speaking of his nominations, Leyland said he was humbled by the accolade afforded to him.  “When I first heard about my nominations I felt flattered to be considered eligible enough for consideration.  The aspect of a new daily problem to solve excites me. Each day presents a new challenge that must be cracked; whether it be manufacturing problems with legacy products or introducing a new system.”

From the hundreds of initial nominees, an 18-strong judging panel comprising Heads of Departments, Directors and various ‘Chiefs of’’ from leading industry giants such as Rolls Royce and The Royal Aeronautical Society together with academic representation from Cranfield University, the list is whittled down and refined to just 100. 

The awards were appropriately held during Engineering & Manufacturing Week at the NEC on 7^th June, being attended by circa 400 guests, including Leyland and his fellow Top 100.

“When it was confirmed that I had made the Top 100, I was exhilarated!  I feel very honoured given the esteemed company in which I now find myself associated.  It hasn’t quite sunk in yet!” Leyland revealed.  The award itself now takes pride of place in Leyland’s display case at home and we are assured that despite the Prosecco-led celebrations, Leyland’s mind is firmly back on the job in hand; “Playing an ever-growing part and innovating within the sector really inspires me.  I can’t wait to see what challenges tomorrow brings.”

Huge congratulations to Leyland from all at Care & Independence.