Finance Director named in National Make UK 130 Honours

Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd (MSSL) Finance and Operations Director Emily Bliss has been named in the national Make UK 130 Honours, marking 130 years of the manufacturing organisation.

Announced to coincide with National Manufacturing Day, the honours list recognises 130 leaders nationwide whose achievements, leadership, and influence are shaping British industry. 

Emily is one of just 12 manufacturing leaders selected across the East Midlands, recognised for her leadership in manufacturing.

The recognition reflects Emily’s continuous contribution to quality manufacturing standards at MSSL. 

Over recent years, Emily has led initiatives advancing MSSL’s commitments to sustainable manufacturing and operational efficiency - resulting in receiving The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2025.

This includes driving MSSL’s digital transformation strategy, supported by Made Smarter funding, to integrate digital timesheets and modern manufacturing systems that improve workflow transparency and productivity.

The recognition also highlights Emily’s proactive response to the industry's skills shortage. 

Through business mentoring, including her mentorship role with Santander, and sustained outreach with local schools and colleges, Emily actively promotes engineering apprenticeships, technical education, and STEM pathways for the next generation.

Emily said: “It is a privilege to be recognised by Make UK in the honours list. It is a priority to ensure our industry remains attractive and accessible to all.

“If we want to safely power UK infrastructure, we must invest continuously in people, wellbeing, the next generation of engineers and sustainability.”

Managing Director Sean Smith added: “Emily’s national recognition reflects her dedication to our team and the wider industry.

"Her professionalism and commitment to the company, industry, environment and the next generation are unmatched, and we are extremely proud of Emily’s achievements and her recognition here and always.”

The Make UK 130 Honours highlights the role SME manufacturers play in safely powering critical UK infrastructure.