The Process in Detail

1. Self-assessment audit

Complete one or more categories of our eight-section audit and return to us. Your responses enable us to generate a benchmarking report. Find out how your business is doing in modules that range from financial management to innovation to sustainable manufacturing. You can complete as many or as few modules as you wish.

The Audit, developed in conjunction with experts at the WMG, is intended to be searching. The true value of Manufacturing Excellence is in the rigour of the process, and you will be required to answer focussed questions on many aspects of your business. For those who would like help to complete the modules, we can assign you a mentor to help guide you through the process, making sure you get the most out of the experience.

Applications for the 2012 programme are now open, please request your SAA now. Applications will close on 1 June 2012.

2. Assessment boards and benchmark report

After receiving your completed self-assessment audit, a team of expert assessors will evaluate your answers. As part of the process, each company is provided with a code and all identifying features are removed so that the evaluation is conducted entirely anonymously. We will then send you your personal benchmark report that compares your business against industry best practice in the modules you have entered. We will also make recommendations and practical suggestions for further development.

This year's assessment boards will take place during the week beginning 18 June 2012.

3. Assessor visits

The best companies in each module will be visited by a team of skilled assessors to verify the answers provided in the self assessment audit. Previous participants have compared this to a free consultancy session.

All our assessors are senior engineers, industry experts and business people, able to provide advice and suggestions for your business. Although the format of the day may vary, an essential part is the company tour followed by questions and answers with the assessors.

Assessor visits will take place during September and October.

4. Final presentations

The final shortlisted companies will be invited to present to a distinguished judging panel at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers headquarters in London. As with the assessor visits, previous participants have found the experience a valuable exercise for their business. A typical presentation will last approximately 20 minutes with a further 20 allocated for questions from the judging panel.

Final judging is scheduled for 6 and 7 November.

5. Awards ceremony

All finalists will be invited to attend the Awards Ceremony, which in the past has been held at The Dorchester, London. The following day, a special supplement will be published in a national newspaper featuring stories of some of the winners. This is an invaluable PR opportunity for the newly-crowned best manufacturing businesses.

This year's MX Awards will be held on 27 November 2012 at The Dorchester, London

6. MX Club

As part of the Manufacturing Excellence programme, we invite all past MX Award finalists to join the MX Club. Through this we organise a number of events during the year for you to meet with others and share best-practice. For more information please visit the MX Club page.