Celebrating Excellence: A Night of Recognition for the UK Aluminium Industry

The UK aluminium community came together in style on Thursday 13 November for the Aluminium Federation’s (ALFED) Annual Business Briefing and Dinner 2025, held at Carden Park, Cheshire. What unfolded was not only a celebration of achievement but a statement of how far the sector has come and how united it remains in building a more sustainable, skilled, and innovative future.

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The day began with ALFED’s Business Briefing, where members and partners explored the year’s defining theme - The Element of Growth: Trade, Talent and Transformation. The discussions captured the mood of an industry that is forward-looking and collaborative, tackling everything from global trade pressures to CBAM implementation and the future of industrial skills.

As the sun set over the Cheshire countryside, more than 270 guests gathered for an evening that combined reflection and celebration in equal measure. Hosted by Mark Bailey, and featuring an engaging fireside chat with Frank Bruno MBE, the Annual Dinner culminated in the ALFED Awards 2025 - the Federation’s annual celebration of excellence across the UK aluminium industry.

Recognising the Best in British Aluminium

Now in their second year, the ALFED Awards were created to shine a light on the individuals and organisations driving the sector forward, from apprentices demonstrating exceptional promise, to businesses creating genuine social impact, and leaders whose careers have shaped the modern aluminium landscape.

The Rising Star Apprentice of the Year Award was presented to Yongzhi Luo of Primetals Technologies, whose passion for engineering and innovation has already seen him lead international projects and contribute to prototype development within his first few years in industry.

Runners-up included Alicia Stevens (Bridgnorth Aluminium), Joseph Collins (Hydro Wrexham), Jennie Wheeldon (Amari Metals), and Francis Briggs (ALTEK) - each representing the strength of talent now coming through the UK aluminium pipeline.

The Community Engagement Award was awarded to Arconic Manufacturing (GB) Ltd (Kitts Green) for its long-standing commitment to supporting the East Birmingham community through investment in education, environment and social equity initiatives. The company’s work has delivered measurable, positive impact for local schools, charities and youth organisations - a reflection of Arconic’s ethos of responsible manufacturing. Novelis, Bridgnorth Aluminium and Air Products were recognised as runners-up for their own significant community engagement programmes.

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The night’s most prestigious honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award, went to Wayne Clifton of Hydro. With a career spanning almost four decades, Wayne has risen from furnace operator to Vice President of Recycling Europe, helping to lead Hydro’s transition to low-carbon aluminium production and advancing recycling technology across the continent. Runners-up Kyle Smith (Innoval Technology) and Jenny Webb (Smiths Metal Centres) were also commended for their exceptional contributions to the industry.

A Shared Sense of Purpose

Reflecting on the evening, Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED, said: “The ALFED Awards are more than just trophies - they’re a reflection of who we are as a community. They showcase innovation, leadership and integrity, and celebrate the people who make our industry so special. Each winner and finalist demonstrates the strength, creativity and collaboration that define the UK aluminium sector.”

Sophie Allen, Membership Executive at ALFED, added: “What we saw at Carden Park was a true celebration of people and purpose. Our members are leading from the front - supporting local communities, developing new skills, and driving sustainability. The Awards are an opportunity to stop and recognise that, and to inspire others to do the same.”

As guests celebrated late into the evening, with live music, conversation and more than a few selfies with guest of honour Frank Bruno, one message resonated above all: the future of aluminium in Britain is bright, collaborative and built on people who care deeply about their craft and their community.

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