A young worker at Bath-based precision engineering firm RPI UK has been named as a rising star of the West of England’s aerospace industry.
Liam Towills, pictured, topped the Best Young Aerospace Entrant category at Wednesday’s Aerospace Ambassador Awards, which are now in their second year.
The hotly contested category was one of six in the awards – with the winner judged as the best apprentice or newly graduated who had demonstrated significant early promise in their first two years at their company.
The awards are organised by the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF), the membership trade organisation for aerospace and defence companies in the South West, to focus on the cream of the industry and shine a spotlight on their outstanding achievements.
Liam said: “I am pleased, honoured and humbled to accept this award. It comes at a crucial time in my career and I am very grateful. RPI UK has given me the opportunity to develop professionally to a level that has only been possible thanks to the continuous mentoring and support I received from the managers, supervisors, and peers that has made my experience a memorable one.”
RPI UK, based on Brassmill Lane, describes itself as a “leader in rotational innovation”. As well as designing and manufacturing products for aerospace firms it also works with clients in the gas, academic and scientific research sectors.
The awards, which were backed by headline sponsors Safran and SKF Aerospace, were presented under the wings of Concorde at the Aerospace Bristol museum at Filton.
WEAF business development manager Adrian Harding said: “Congratulations to all the winners of the second Aerospace Ambassador Awards – the brightest and best in the South West’s aerospace and defence sectors.
“And a well done to all the individuals who were shortlisted – the judges had an extremely difficult job, such was the quality of nominations. The South West is a nest of innovation in engineering and manufacturing, and the individuals who have won these awards demonstrate this perfectly.”
Individual award sponsors were Airbus, Castlemead Insurance, Bridgwater & Taunton College, Trowers and Hamlins and Aro PR and Marketing.
The South West is the largest aerospace cluster in the UK and has one of the largest concentrations of aerospace and defence capabilities in Europe, contributing £7bn a year to the economy.
