A MANUFACTURER in Bury has earned plaudits for its approach to bringing on the next generation of talent.

Lord Street based Exyte Hargreaves, an expert ventilation firm, was nominated in a number of categories at the Make UK regional awards.

And eventually the company walked away with the prize for Developing Future Talent at the Hotel Football event in Old Trafford.

Judges remarked how Exyte had "increased apprenticeship applications and retention rates with a clear, progressive strategy of activities with schools and colleges".

"This has allowed students to understand the opportunities available. Overall, a fantastic programme yielding great results," they added.

Russell Kirby, senior director of awards sponsor Hulft, said: "(Manufacturing) is facing significant change, as a result of what is being referred to as the fourth industrial revolution, and it is important that businesses are given the right opportunities to properly position themselves for the future."

Each of the category winners will now go forward to the national finals in London next month.

The north-west success is not the first time Exyte has been recognised for its contribution to training and development work.

Earlier this year the firm was also recognised at the regional heats for the Building Engineering Service Awards.

Melissa Lee, a trainee fabricator welder and graduate of their Engineering Young Talent programme, was named heating and ventilation apprentice of the year there.

The same event saw James Hoare, a human resources business partner, secure a Staff Driven Improvement Initiative prize for a mental health awareness and first aid programme he had devised.