Bentley stars in the UK's Best '30 under 30'

Charlotte Watling and Hannah Proffitt from Bentley Motors in Crewe have been announced as two of the thirty young rising stars of the manufacturing world by Business Minister Mark Prisk.

Make it in Great Britain is a campaign that will challenge outdated
perceptions and transform the image of modern manufacturing. The '30 under 30' are a selection of high-flying young people who have already carved careers in the manufacturing sector and are an example to all those aspiring to do the same. They come from all walks of manufacturing life and were selected by a panel of expert judges for demonstrating passion, enthusiasm and commitment to their careers in manufacturing.


Charlotte and Hannah are typical of this select group. Both joined Bentley as apprentices and have excelled in their respective careers as electrical and mechanical engineers. They play a key role in Bentley's product development, with Charlotte working in the Infotainment Team where she has full responsibility for media interfaces between the customer and the car, and Hannah working in the Chassis Engineering team where she is responsible for the delivery of front and rear suspension uprights.

"There's a huge range of different job opportunities in modern manufacturing, in design, in engineering and in production," said Mark Prisk.

"We need more talented, enthusiastic people to fill these roles, and we hope that the '30 under 30' will inspire the next generation to consider a career in manufacturing," he added.

Successful entrepreneur and Dragons' Den Star Deborah Meaden is backing the Make it in Great Britain campaign, and is particularly supportive of the 30 under 30.

"It's important to encourage young people to see the value of manufacturing careers. The 30 under 30 will be a valuable asset to the campaign by offering a fresh perspective on what it takes to start up a business or launch new ideas," she said. "I look forward to working alongside them to help inspire the next generation of youngsters about a future in manufacturing."

Bentley has a 900 strong R&D department at its site in Crewe, where all of its cars are designed, built and manufactured. The company is internationally renowned for its application of cutting edge technology alongside fine craftsmanship, and is committed to the development of young people through its apprenticeship and graduate programmes.

Charlotte and Hannah will now act as ambassadors for the Make it in Great Britain campaign, which aims to challenge outdated opinions and transform the image of modern manufacturing. They will have a special role in engaging with other young people, to ensure that the next generation is aware of the great jobs and careers in the industry.

"Bentley produces world famous cars which are exported around the world, but our success as company depends upon the skills of our staff. I am therefore delighted that not one, but two of our most promising young engineers have been recognised in this way," said Christine Gaskell MBE, Bentley's Member of the Board for Personnel.

"As a company we work hard to promote careers in engineering and manufacturing and bring young people into our industry. Hannah and Charlotte are fantastic ambassadors for both Bentley and the automotive manufacturing sector and I am confident they will raise the profile of our industry in their exciting new role."

Posted in: 30 under 30,Bentley,Bentley Motors,Charlotte Watling,Christine Gaskell MBE,Crewe,Great Britain,Hannah Proffitt,International,Luxury,Mark Prisk