Heron Manufacture scoops six award wins

Having secured 16 shortlisting’s this year and winning six awards so far in 2025, awards season has been one to remember for Heron Manufacture Ltd (HML).

John McGurk was awarded Employee of the Year at the Mid Ulster Business Awards 2025 for his outstanding contribution to Heron Joinery. The company said John’s calm authority, fairness, and unmatched expertise, along with his commitment to shaping the next generation of Heron Joinery talent, made him a worthy winner.

Alongside John’s award, HML also claimed the Sustainability Award and Manufacturing Business of the Year, marking a proud achievement for the company.

At the British Woodworking Federation’s annual awards, a clear highlight for HML was John Mullan’s success in the Rising Star category.

The judges praised John as “a driven leader whose dedication, innovation, and community spirit have transformed both Heron Joinery and those he works with.” They recognised his “remarkable rise through the business over just seven years,” calling him “a true rising star.” This marks back to back wins for Heron in the BWF Rising Star Award, following Tautvydas Bumblys’ victory in 2024.

The BWF Awards also brought another significant win, with Aidan McClenaghan of Heron Manufacture recognised for the transformative impact he has made on HML’s health and safety culture.

Aidan’s win was said to reflect his measurable impact, people first approach, and tireless commitment to improving health and safety across the organisation.

From digitising hazard reporting and reducing workplace accidents by more than 50 percent, to embedding consistent safety systems across six divisions, his leadership has reportedly strengthened performance and driven meaningful cultural change.

Within Heron Fire Doors, Donal Fullerton received the Gold Medal for his outstanding achievement in the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers Diploma in Door Systems.

This award was said to be testament to Donal’s hard work and his commitment to improving technical knowledge and advancing his professional development within the industry.

HML also celebrated the success of Marc White, who reached the final three in the BWF Apprenticeship of the Year category. The company said his shortlisting reflected his dedication, hard work, and the promise he brings to the future of the company.

It has been a remarkable period of celebration for Heron Manufacture, with these award wins said to reinforce the company’s commitment to excellence. The company said at this rate, it may well need a larger trophy cabinet!

The recognition of being shortlisted in these prestigious awards meant a great deal to HML. Mark Kelly, Managing Director, shared his thoughts, saying: “I am extremely proud of the HML team and our award winners. Everyone plays a part at every stage. Our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement is what sets us apart.

“Guided by our lean methodology, we work together every day to do the best for each other and for our customers. This is what it means to work for HML and we are absolutely delighted to be celebrating these wins.”

For more information about HML, visit: Heron Manufacture – Building the future together.

Or for more information about Heron Joinery, visit: Homepage – Heron Joinery