'We are thrilled to win this prestigious award,' Black Country manufacturer says of national success
A Bilston-based manufacturer of roll tooling equipment for the metal forming industry has won further recognition by scooping a national award.
Bowers & Jones secured its fourth business award in a year by being crowned Business Growth & Strategy winner at the Make UK National Manufacturing Awards at London’s world-famous Madame Tussauds on Thursday night.
Bowers & Jones, who won the King’s Award for exports last year, picked up the national prize having won UK manufacturing group Make UK’s regional award in November.
The judges’ citation said: “This company has demonstrated a clear, quantifiable strategy, fully embraced by the organisation. The judges were impressed by the leadership team’s passion and agility which has resulted in impressive financial results and customer diversification whilst maintaining a focus on its people and wellbeing, a worthy winner of this award.”
The Business Growth & Strategy award recognised the company's expansion into export markets and strategic vision since the business was acquired by directors Jane Sommerville, and Nicola Owen in 2020.
The award is open to manufacturers who have demonstrated exceptional growth, clear strategic direction and successful navigation of business challenges.
Since the 2020 buyout, Bowers & Jones has more than doubled its turnover, expanded its workforce and grown its international customer base worldwide, with the majority of sales now coming from export markets.
Under the leadership of Jane Somerville, Nicola Owen and operations director James Owen, the company has navigated global challenges such as the rise in tariffs and the Covid-19 pandemic plus a relocation to their current site on Vulcan Road, Bilston, expanding into new markets and applications.
Managing director Jane Sommerville said: "We are thrilled to win this prestigious award from Make UK, which showcases to a national audience the dedication and expertise of our talented workforce, who have driven our remarkable expansion trajectory.
“Advancing from a regional victory to claiming the national prize is an incredible milestone for Bowers & Jones as a Black Country-based business. This win further proves that through effective planning, skilled personnel, and unwavering determination, companies can flourish even during turbulent periods."
Founded in 1955, Bowers & Jones specialises in the design, manufacture and refurbishment of roll tooling and rolling mill products.
The two Make UK award prizes follow wins at last year’s Express & Star Business Awards, where they were named Small Business of the Year, and Insider Media's Made in the Midlands Awards, where they secured the Export Business of the Year title.
The company was awarded the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade - recognising their outstanding export growth and contribution to global trade - in May 2025. This followed success In 2024 when Bowers & Jones won the manufacturing and engineering prize at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, along with two highly commended placings.
