REDDITCH pressings firm Fowkes & Danks is to do battle with some of the Midlands' finest suppliers in the Sustainable Performance and Innovation category of an event organised by supply chain initiative Accelerate.

The event, which is designed to celebrate and encourage the development of excellence in component supply, has drawn interest from all corners of the industry, with the likes of Jaguar, Morgan Motor Company and GKN Driveline all putting forward a number of best practice companies.

"We've had a record-breaking start, with 52 nominations from the supply chain - more than 10 per cent up on the same number received last year," said programme manager Rachel Eade.

"With the first stage now finalised, the next step will involve the local nominees completing detailed entry forms, followed by a panel review to narrow down the competition and finally, a series of site visits to decide the winners.

"We are delighted that Redditch is represented, as it once again underlines the wealth of manufacturing skills and expertise possessed by the area."

Fowkes & Danks is based in Howard Road, Park Farm Industrial Estate.

Accelerate, which is managed on behalf of the regional Business Links by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, is continuing to roll-out a £90m investment package from Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund.