A local management apprentice with autism and ADHD struck gold at a prestigious regional manufacturing awards ceremony held in Birmingham.

Isabella Walsh, from Ibstock Brick, received recognition at the black-tie event organised by Make UK, the manufacturer's organisation, which represents industry across the UK.

She was given the Apprentice Endeavour Award and was described as having 'superpowers' by judges, after receiving praise for not letting anything get in the way of achieving her goals and facing the challenges which come alongside her Autism and ADHD head-on.

Isabella's work colleagues were said to have seen her overcome many barriers in education, career and in her personal life with grace, and praised her for never missing a deadline. 

Judges hailed her as a voice to inspire the next generation of talent, and she is said to inspire everyone she meets.

Isabella will now go on to compete in the national finals in London, against other companies and apprentices from around the UK in January.

The awards, held at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, recognised the achievements of companies and apprentices from across the Midlands and East of England,

Make UK, The Manufacturers' Organisation, is the representative voice of UK manufacturing, with offices in London, Brussels, every English region and Wales.

Collectively it represents 20,000 companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinationals, across engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector. 

It directly represent over 5,000 businesses who are members of Make UK which is ndesigned to help British manufacturers compete, innovate and grow.

From HR and employment law, health and safety to environmental and productivity improvement, its advice, expertise and influence enables businesses to remain safe, compliant and future-focused.