Projex Solutions was proud to attend the prestigious Yorkshire Regional IMechE Dinner 2025, held at Sheffield’s historic Cutlers’ Hall. A longstanding tradition and a highlight in the regional engineering calendar, this year’s event brought together engineers, industry leaders, and dignitaries to celebrate the profession’s achievements and inspire the next generation.

Several members of the Projex Solutions team attended alongside their partners, including Brian Lawson, Andrew Morton, Adrian Fawcette, Ashley Hyde, and Paul Hadman, joined by guest Dan Wells. Dressed in formal black tie, guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining, insightful speeches, and invaluable networking in the grand surroundings of one of Sheffield’s most iconic venues.

The Yorkshire Regional Dinners are particularly special for Brian Lawson, our Technical & Quality Director, who previously served as Chair of the Yorkshire Region of the IMechE from 2021 to 2023. Reflecting on the evening, Brian shared:

“The Yorkshire Regional Dinner is always a great opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, socialise beyond the work environment, and see a growing presence of young engineers – a core mission of the IMechE. It’s rewarding to witness that effort come to life.”

The evening was also marked by the transition of the Regional Chair role, with Allan Hunt delivering his final address as Chair before passing the baton. Allan, also the evening’s host, led the formal proceedings which included speeches, presentations to new Members and Fellows, and recognition of competition winners from the Yorkshire Region.

Projex Solutions was once again pleased to sponsor the engraved whiskey tumblers presented to new Members, Fellows, and competition winners—continuing our long-standing support for the event and the region’s engineering talent.

Among the standout moments was the recognition of competition winners from 2024:

  • William Davis Birch, winner of the Speak Out for Engineering (SOfE) Yorkshire Region Final with his presentation “Engineering the Gut Microbiome for a Healthier Future”. William went on to win the National Final and will represent the UK in the Global Final later this year.
  • Justin Perera, winner of the Automobile Engineering Competition, with his innovative “Compound Epicyclic Gear System” designed for the University of Huddersfield’s Formula Student team.
  • Students from Sheffield Hallam University, who were applauded for placing third nationally in the Design Challenge (Foundation Level), after securing victory at the regional level.

The evening also welcomed Clive Hickman, President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, as the keynote speaker, alongside Master Cutler Philip Rodrigo. Following tradition, the event concluded with a final toast to the Institution and an open invitation for guests to continue networking into the evening.

IMechE Dinner

Brian Lawson had a particularly valuable conversation with John Bohan, Senior Director at Elevation Recruitment Group, one of the evening’s headline sponsors. Elevation plays an instrumental role in supporting engineering initiatives across the region, both through recruitment and by collaborating with professional bodies like the IMechE.

“It was great catching up with John,” Brian said. “His team’s work in supporting engineers across all disciplines, and Elevation’s wider backing of engineering events and competitions, really aligns with what we value at Projex Solutions.”

Also in attendance was Stephen Shaw, Group Engineering Director at AES Engineering Ltd, another of the event’s headline sponsors.

Our thanks go to the continued support from Elevation Recruitment Group and AES Engineering Ltd, who ensure that events like these can celebrate the full breadth of engineering excellence in the region.

As the oldest IMechE Region – dating back to 1921 – Yorkshire continues to play a vital role in advancing engineering in the UK. The 2025 dinner was a fitting tribute to that legacy, and Projex Solutions is honoured to be part of it.

We look forward to returning next year to continue celebrating the impact, innovation, and people driving the future of engineering.