Agemaspark advances to national Make UK awards after future talent win

A Doncaster engineering company will compete at the national Manufacturing Awards after being recognised for its work to create career pathways into the industry.
Agemaspark won the Developing Future Talent Award at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2026 for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber region. The honour was presented during the regional manufacturing awards dinner in Newcastle.
The Kirk Sandall business, which employs 16 people, specialises in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing for the aerospace, nuclear, defence, medical and food manufacturing sectors.
Around 70–80% of its workforce has progressed through apprenticeship routes, while the company has also introduced degree apprenticeships to build advanced technical skills.
Joint Workshop Managers Paul Preskey and Sam Buxton both began as apprentices and later achieved Distinction grades in their Level 5 Leadership Apprenticeships. Paul also completed the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership.
Managing Director Paul Stockhill said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. Developing future talent has been a priority for Agemaspark for many years, so to receive recognition from Make UK for the work we are doing is a tremendous achievement for the whole team."
Agemaspark is a founding partner of Doncaster UTC, which it has supported for more than a decade. Paul helped secure the original bid for the college and is now its Vice Chair.
The company has hosted 32 work experience placements, delivered 45-day T Level industry placements and supported more than 100 Year 9 students through employer-led engineering projects. It has also taken part in over 10 careers and education events, while Paul has personally mentored 10 students.
Agemaspark has exhibited at Get Up To Speed with STEM for the past four years, presenting modern engineering and manufacturing opportunities to young people, parents and educators.
The Make UK recognition follows other successes in 2026. Agemaspark was named Engineering Manufacturer of the Year at the Insider Media Made in Yorkshire Awards and was runner-up in the Innovation category at the Medilink Business Healthcare Awards.
The company has also been shortlisted for Small Business of the Year at the Doncaster Chamber Business Awards, where Paul Preskey and Sam Buxton are both shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year.