The doors are officially open: Entries are now being accepted for the Automate UK Awards, the prestigious annual recognition event celebrating excellence in automation, robotics and industrial vision, and the organisation has announced that legendary comedian Frank Skinner and soul singer Heather Small will perform at the presentation.
The Automate UK Awards bring together industry leaders, innovators and talented newcomers to salute the standout organisations, teams, and individuals who are driving meaningful change across the entire manufacturing spectrum.
Winners are traditionally announced at a gala dinner on the second evening of the UK’s biggest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event, the PPMA Show®, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 22-24 September, showcasing more than 350 exhibitors and 1,500 brands, and giving visitors access to an extensive programme of seminars and expertise.
Last year’s awards dinner was a sold-out event, and with the organisation having secured first-class entertainment from Black Country comedian Frank Skinner and M People vocalist turned solo soul star Heather Small, 2026’s event looks set to follow suit.
Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer for Automate UK, said: “We are proud to be the force behind the biggest UK expo within the manufacturing and automation calendar, and the Automate UK Awards are the highlight of the event. Not only is it an opportunity to celebrate the industry with our peers but it’s a chance to recognise the outstanding performances, contributions and innovations within it.
“While we’re committed to delivering another memorable evening of first-class food and top-notch entertainment - and we really are delighted to have secured such stellar performers this year - the real stars of the night are the candidates who are shortlisted for each category.
“Winning, and even being shortlisted for, an Automate UK Award carries real weight, with past recipients having used their recognition to attract investment, secure new partnerships, and cement their reputation as industry leaders,” he said.
“The judging process is always incredibly difficult due to the outstanding calibre of submissions. We like to think that we identify the key touch points across the sector and put them under scrutiny to celebrate the best of the best in an already excellent field.
“Judges look beyond the technology itself, rewarding measurable impact on the future of the sector and the difference an innovation makes to end users. This is an opportunity for individuals and businesses across the field to place their achievements under the spotlight for the recognition they deserve,” added Scott.
The award categories this year are: Innovative Processing System, Innovative Packaging Machinery, Innovative Robotics Solution, Innovative Vision Solution, Outstanding Customer Service, Apprentice of the Year, Apprenticeship Champion of the Year, Partnership of the Year, Environmental Initiative of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The deadline for entry submissions is 5pm on Friday August 7. For details on how to submit entries, and to find out more about each category and the judging criteria, visit https://www.ppmashow.co.uk/automate-uk-awards-entry-2026.