‘Champion Of British Engineering’ receives Decade of Business Excellence Award

Sir David McMurtry, Renishaw’s Chairman and Chief Executive, received The Daily Telegraph Award for a Decade of Excellence in Business at the 2013 UK National Business Awards, held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

Sir David, who was described in the citation as ‘a champion of British engineering and innovation’, was the unanimous choice of the Advisory Board for this prestigious award which recognises the business personality who best represents achievement and longevity, and is synonymous with their business sector in the UK. Previous winners include Lord Wolfson, CEO, Next and Terry Leahy, CEO, Tesco, and Sir David is the first head of an engineering business to be honoured.

Tim Jotischky, Head of Business at Telegraph Media Group says each of the nominees were impressive champions of their respective industries, but the Board was unanimous in its choice of winner. Sir David McMurtry is a highly acclaimed engineer, designer and innovator, and an inspirational role model for young engineers. He exemplifies all that is best about British engineering and innovation and during 40 years at the helm of Renishaw has also proved himself a very astute businessman. We are delighted that the award will bring wider recognition to an outstanding British business and, in particular, Sir David’s role in training a new generation of engineers”.

Sir James Dyson, inventor and founder of Dyson Ltd says I think he’s a wonderful example of someone who’s taken a new technology idea and turned it into a business. In the measurement field they are very well known. He’s also proved that engineers can build and run businesses, which some people claim we can’t.”

John Pethica, Physical Secretary and Vice-President of the Royal Society said: “He (Sir David) is one of the greats of his area. He represents all the best values – exceptional technical quality and scientific leadership. You could say he’s the Steve Jobs of his industry.”

In a change from convention, Sir David was presented with his award by Lucy Ackland, a project manager at Renishaw, who joined the company as an apprentice at the age of 16 and last year graduated with a first-class honours degree in engineering. Speaking immediately after receiving his award in front of 1,200 attendees Sir David says, “This award puts UK high-tech manufacturing in focus as a wealth creating activity, of which we need an awful lot more.”