2023 is turning out to be a highly successful year for Lincoln based entrance matting manufacturer Make An Entrance, whose Managing Director Stuart Burlton has been shortlisted for the sought after title of Institute of Directors, Director of the Year.

The IoD Awards are designed to find the stars of UK business and leadership. There are 3 regional awards: North, Midlands, and the East and South, with directors being recognised in 9 categories such as: Innovation, Young, Family, and Sustainability.

The story of the Make An Entrance journey is truly inspirational. Having started out as a simple e-commerce operation, today it has brought almost all production in-house to become a thriving UK manufacturing business and in doing so has prevented the traditional skill of hand-stitched doormat making from being lost.

The team’s hard work was recognised earlier this year when they scooped the Business Transformation Award in the 2023 Business Champions Awards. This further nomination in recognition of Stuart’s particular leadership skills as an accomplished Managing Director is the icing on the cake for the family firm.

The IoD said: "The calibre of entries has been consistently high this year, so it is a great achievement to be shortlisted. Congratulations!"

Stuart Burlton, Make An Entrance Co-Founder said: "I am delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist in these awards. It is wonderful for me and the team to be recognised for all the hard work that has gone on, to transform ourselves from a humble online company 5 years ago to a full-blown UK manufacturer today. Success is a complete team effort, and my shortlisting is just a reflection of that, and is proof that manufacturing in the UK can succeed!!!"

Winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at IoD Headquarters in Pall Mall, London on Friday 29th September 2023.