AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MHEA AWARDS
WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT THE MHEA AWARDS CELEBRATING THE SUCCESSES AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS WORKING WITHIN THE BULK MATERIALS HANDLING INDUSTRY
The awards are free to enter and are open to companies or individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the bulk materials handling industry during 2025 / 2026.
From ports, power and mining to steel and cement, and everything in between we want to hear from you.
Application is easy. Simply complete the awards entry pack which can be downloaded at the bottom of this page and submit.
We look forward to recognising the talent and creativity within our industry and the world class capabilities it shows continuously.
The Materials Handling Engineers Association works to support the interest of companies supplying and using bulk handling materials worldwide.
The Association is proud to support the technical and commercial interests and offers businesses, suppliers and users of bulk handling materials the opportunity to tap into a unique technical marketing knowledge base and share good practice.
Your support and activities make a real difference, and these awards celebrate and recognise your achievements.
AWARD CATEGORIES
YOUNG ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
This award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate a young person’s exceptional progress, professional development and contribution to their workplace during their employment within the bulk materials handling industry.
Award Criteria
- Commitment to personal and professional development.
- Positive contribution to projects, teams or business performance.
- Initiative and problem-solving capability.
- Evidence of impact achieved within their role during the qualifying period.
INNOVATION AWARD
An award for the introduction of new technology or an improved solution in the bulk materials handling industry.
Award Criteria
- Development or implementation of an innovative product, process, service or technology.
- Clear evidence of originality and industry advancement.
- Improvements in efficiency, productivity, safety, reliability or performance.
- Positive environmental or sustainability impact where applicable.
- Successful application and commercial viability of the innovation.
- Potential for future growth, adoption or wider industry impact.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
This award recognises the outstanding efforts of individuals, teams, or organisations who have significantly contributed towards sustainable development within the bulk materials handling industry.
Award Criteria
- Commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability.
- Development or implementation of sustainable processes, technologies or practices.
- Innovation in sustainable engineering or operational practices.
- Evidence of long-term sustainability benefits and measurable outcomes.
EXPORTER OF THE YEAR
This award is open to companies who manufacture in the UK and are achieving international sales growth or increased revenue from overseas operations.
Award Criteria
- Strong growth in export sales, international turnover or overseas market presence.
- Successful development of new international markets or customers.
- Innovation, competitiveness and adaptability within global markets.
- Evidence of sustainable international business growth
ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
This award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate an engineer’s exceptional qualities and contribution to their workplace within the bulk materials handling industry. To enter, applicants must have worked within bulk handling during the last 12 months.
Award Criteria
- Significant contribution to projects, business performance or operational success.
- Innovation, problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Commitment to professional standards, health and safety and sustainability.
- Positive impact on colleagues, customers or the wider industry.
- Evidence of achievement and contribution during the qualifying period.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
An award recognising an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to their company within the bulk materials handling industry. This award celebrates those whose dedication, commitment and support play a vital role in the success of the business, including individuals working in behind-the-scenes roles that help the company operate smoothly and efficiently.
Award Criteria
- Outstanding achievement, dedication or long-term contribution.
- Exceptional service or support.
- Positive impact on people, projects, operations or the wider business.
- Contribution to company success through reliability and collaboration
- Contributions that go beyond normal expectations or responsibilities.
- Evidence of lasting influence, recognition or business value.
PROJECT OF THE YEAR
An award acknowledging a project which has achieved significant success through effective management, sustainability and delivery approaches. Awards are considered for projects demonstrating excellence, regardless of size, within the bulk materials handling industry.
Award Criteria
- Successful delivery of project objectives and client expectations.
- Excellence in project management, planning and execution.
- Innovation in design, engineering, or delivery methods.
- Strong collaboration between teams, stakeholders and suppliers.
- Effective management of health, safety and risk.
- Sustainability considerations and environmental performance.
- Measurable project outcomes, operational improvements or business benefits.
- Ability to overcome technical or operational challenges successfully.
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
An award recognising exemplary service, performance, sustainability and customer commitment by a supplier in the bulk materials handling industry.
Award Criteria
- Consistently high levels of customer service and support.
- Reliability, quality and performance of products or services supplied.
- Strong customer relationships and responsiveness.
- Commitment to sustainability, ethical practices and continuous improvement.
- Innovation or added value delivered to customers or projects.
- Contribution to operational efficiency, safety or project success.
- Evidence of business growth or industry recognition.
HAROLD WRIGHT LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Harold Wright Award will be awarded to the individual or company who the judges consider having made an outstanding contribution to the Bulk Materials Handling Industry
HOW TO ENTER
Entry is open to any company or individual who has made a contribution to the bulk materials handling industry.
To enter the awards, please complete the entry form and submit.
AWARDS CEREMONY
Winners will be announced at our Gala Awards Dinner on Tuesday 13th October 2026.
The Awards Dinner will be held at Chesford Grange, Warwickshire. It promises to be a fantastic event, bringing together a host of organisations and colleagues within bulk materials handling. We hope you can join us. To book a place or a table to entertain your colleagues or clients, please contact the Secretariat on 01257 412635 or complete the booking form.
