Entries are now open for the Best of British Casting Awards 2026 – the annual celebration recognising excellence across the UK cast metals industry.
The awards showcase companies, people and projects demonstrating outstanding achievement in UK casting, from technical innovation and investment through to exceptional cast components and long-term business development.
The winners will be announced at the Best of British Casting Awards Dinner on Thursday 19 November 2026 at Drayton Manor Resort, Tamworth – one of the key dates in the UK casting industry calendar, bringing together foundries, suppliers, customers and industry partners from across the sector.
Read on for more about the categories and how to make sure your company’s work and achievements get the recognition they deserve.
WHY ENTER?
The Best of British Casting Awards recognise companies operating at the very highest levels of the industry.
Previous winners and shortlisted finalists have found the recognition valuable commercially and technically, while also helping to raise their profile within the industry and boost staff engagement and morale.
Whether your business has invested in new technology, developed an innovative solution, secured major new work, improved sustainability or produced an exceptional casting or component, the awards provide an opportunity to showcase achievement to the wider industry.
AWARD CATEGORIES
The Best of British Casting Awards are presented in three categories. The Innovation award is aimed at suppliers, foundries or the two working together on projects so that, alongside our Component of the Year and Company Achievement awards, we now have awards to recognise excellence in all parts of our industry.
Company Achievement
Recognising foundries that have taken their business forward during the past 12–18 months through investment, expansion, training, process improvement, innovation or market development.
Large or small, the winner of the Company Achievement Award will demonstrate the changes it has made over the recent past to develop long term sustainable improvement in business performance. This might include changes in direction, focusing on specific areas of the business or seeking out new markets over the last twelve months. It is recognised however, that the planning and implementation of your strategy is likely to have occurred prior to this.
The company will show how it has identified opportunities and developed a long-term plan for success. When assessing the nominations for this award, the judging panel will be seeking evidence to support the success of the business and in particular, developments in technology, process, staff development or service that has brought new business to the UK.
Casting / Component of the Year
Recognising outstanding UK cast components that break new ground technically, commercially or operationally.
It might be a component that is bigger or smaller than previously thought possible; or that has enhanced properties or better performance characteristics. Alternatively, it might replace a number of pressings, or fabrications in a single unit reducing cost for the customer and utilising the benefits of a casting to reduce cost/weight/machining or time out of a process. Our panel will be particularly looking for components which increase the market for UK cast components by changing the way customers view the possibilities of the casting process.
Innovation
Recognising companies, partnerships, educational institutions or research bodies that have helped move the UK cast metals industry forward through innovation.
This might be through the introduction of a new material, process, service, or piece of equipment, which demonstrates a step forward in an area of the industry however specific. It might be in terms of improving the competitiveness, profitability, technical capability, safety or environmental aspects of our industry.
This makes it quite a broad award where, for example a new molten metal protection fabric might be up against a new metal alloy developed in partnership between a University and foundry where both can show how innovation is improving the cast metals industry.
HOW TO ENTER
Companies may enter one or multiple award categories.
Entries should include the completed entry form together with supporting information relevant to the submission. As a guide, applications are expected to be approximately 6–8 pages in total including supporting material.
An independent judging panel will review all entries and select the winners and shortlisted finalists.
Entry form – Company Achievement >>
Entry form – Casting / Component of the Year >>
Please note: the final date for entries is Friday 25 September 2026, but members are encouraged to begin preparing and submitting entries as early as possible.
AWARDS DINNER
The Best of British Casting Awards Dinner and presentation ceremony will take place on:
Thursday 19 November 2026
Drayton Manor Resort
Tamworth, Staffordshire
Further details regarding tickets and attendance will be announced from July, with members encouraged to book early to secure their ticket and accommodation.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
There is still an opportunity to sponsor the Best of British Casting Awards 2026.
Sponsorship offers an excellent opportunity to demonstrate support for the UK casting industry while raising your company profile with owners, directors and senior managers from across the foundry sector.
The sponsorship package costs £650 +VAT and includes:
- Company banner displayed at the drinks reception
- Sponsor logo on the dinner menu
- Sponsor logos displayed throughout the event
- Sponsor acknowledgements during the evening
For further information, or to register your interest and receive a sponsorship booking form, please contact Angela Mason at admin@cmfed.co.uk
MORE INFORMATION
To be recognised by your colleagues as being among the “Best of British Casting” is a significant industry accolade.
For further information about the awards or the dinner, please contact the CMF team on admin@cmfed.co.uk or call 0121 809 3500.
