A MANUFACTURING support specialist, who has assisted many companies across Worcestershire, has picked up a top award from the Institute of Sheet Metal Engineering.

Rachel Eade, automotive sector lead for the Business Growth Service, has been awarded ISME’s gold medal for her services to the sector.

Bosses from companies like Morgan Motor Company at Malvern and engineers AE Oscroft & Sons of Redditch, have praised the manufacturing expert for the way she has gone beyond the call of duty to assist them.

Mrs Eade said: "This really came out of the blue, but is an award that means a lot to me. There been a lot of high profile people previously named as gold medal recipients so to follow in their footsteps is a great honour and underlines the importance of external advice, guidance and support can have on businesses. I’ve worked with a lot of firms who are involved in sheet metal and it’s probably fair to say it is a part of manufacturing that has had to evolve more than most over the last decade. The good news is that it has done just that and a good number of manufacturers are now in a period of sustained growth.”

It is estimated that in her 19-year career, Mrs Eade has helped safeguard 11,000 jobs and created more than 5500 new positions with expanding manufacturers.

IISME chairman Steve Morley added: "Rachel Eade has contributed immensely to our sector and I’m delighted that we have been able to mark this by awarding her our prestigious gold medal. We look forward to the future and our members continuing to access specialist support that will help them overcome challenges and make the most of new opportunities.”