RS Connect awards recognise top industry players

The awards followed a trade show event with industry networking, as well as advice sharing and delivery of keynote speeches covering topics like maintenance best practice and technology innovation. 

More than 75 industrial product manufacturers were on hand to share information on the latest product and technology developments.

The five awards presented by RS were:
• First Choice Supplier Award – 2023 Winner: Schneider Electric
• Dynamic Supplier Award – 2023 Winner: Helly Hansen
• Technical Support Award – 2023 Winner: FESTO
• Make Amazing Happen – Sales Collaboration Award – 2023 Winner: Rocol
• Most Innovative Supplier Award – 2023 Winner: Norbar

Emma Botfield, Managing Director for RS in the UK and Ireland, said: “I’d like to congratulate all our RS Connect supplier award winners, who each deserve recognition for playing their collaborative part in helping our customers access the best solutions, products, and support for their varied and often complex requirements. 

“I'd also like to congratulate all the runners-up, who have demonstrated excellence in working with us over the last 12 months. Well done and thank you all."

Another event highlight was the attendance of Team BRIT, the first all-disabled racing team aiming to change motorsport to make it truly accessible for all – of which RS is a sponsor. 

Team BRIT brought along their championship-winning BMW 240 to facilitate a ‘Pit Stop Challenge’ where delegates competed for who could set the fastest time. The car featured the hand controls developed using components from RS. 

They are the world’s most advanced controls for disabled drivers, enabling them to race on equal terms with able-bodied competitors. 
 
Team BRIT’s Commercial Director, Mike Scudamore, presented a keynote speech on innovation and engineering in motorsport, while Yewande Akinola, industry-renowned chartered engineer and innovator, also delivered a speaker session. 
 
Botfield concluded: “This is the second RS Connect event to which we’ve welcomed customers and we’ve received great feedback from them on how useful the event is in enhancing their knowledge of the latest technologies and solutions that enable them to keep running their business efficiently. 

“This event is really gaining momentum, improving year-on-year, and we look forward to building on its success next year.”