The boss of a leading Suffolk manufacturing firm has been crowned the country’s best business director.

Rachel Garrett, Managing Director of Rendlesham-based CMG Technologies, won the SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) Director of the Year Award at this year’s IoD England Director of the Year Awards in Birmingham.

Her highly specialist business - which offers metal injection moulding (MIM) and 3D printing services – has pioneered four-day weeks for its workers.

“I am absolutely honoured to receive such a prestigious award. This really is a career highlight for me," she said.

“We’ve experienced continued growth in recent years and have made a name for ourselves as a true world leader in our field. To have that growth recognised at a national awards ceremony is truly special.

“While we may only be a small team, we’re putting Britain back on the map for engineering and flying the flag for Suffolk.”

The SME category was open to businesses with a turnover of up to £50m showing outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination – together with sound management practice and good corporate governance.

Rachel became managing director in 2016 and since then the company has continued to grow while she has fostered a company culture encouraging employees to thrive.

She attributes the firm's early adoption of the four-day working week for its rise in profits.

The successful company was acquired by global giants Indo MIM - based in India - last year and the changes Rachel implemented continue to this day.

“Work doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do – and I’m so proud of the culture we’ve built at CMG," she said.

“I wouldn’t be here receiving this award were it not for my incredible team who time and time again go the extra mile for our customers.

“Together we have built something really special here at CMG.”