Harwin chairman Damon de Laszlo is given Lifetime Award

Now in its 17th year, the annual ceremony recognises the contributions made by companies and individuals to the progression of the European electronics business.

A longstanding advocate for the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, Damon has championed the importance of providing effective routes for young people into technology-oriented careers. This culminated in his company founding the Harwin Academy, in association with Havant & South Downs College.

Damon said; ‘This is a very proud moment for me. Harwin as a company has evolved over the decades, moving from a humble engineering workshop to an ultra-modern computer-controlled manufacturing operation with highly-trained and forward-thinking staff.

‘I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all of the Harwin team for their help in steering the company through what has been a challenging economic environment and dealing with the numerous seismic shifts that we have seen in the industry.’

As part of his commitment to nurturing new generations of engineering, Damon has established a gateway course that combines classroom-based tuition with valuable hands-on practical experience at his Portsmouth based production centre.

Damon commented: ‘If manufacturers in the UK are to stay ahead, then we must take on the responsibility for training our own engineers of the future and encourage their endeavours.’