The ‘manufacturers’ accountant’ named Innovation Thought Leader 

A leading West Midlands business advisor, known as the “manufacturers’ accountant”, has been named “Innovation Thought Leader (Individual)” at the 2025 Innovation Awards. 

Johnathan Dudley, head of Manufacturing and SME Corporates at Crowe UK, was handed the prestigious accolade, after a year-long process of voting and judging, at a finale awards dinner attended by 500 people at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.

Reacting to news of the win, he said: “It is a great honour and recognition for all the work we do to support our manufacturing clients at Crowe and I am both stunned and humbled to receive this award.”

Dudley is passionate about manufacturing and its importance to the UK economy.

For many years he has run a regular survey of manufacturers, and he has used that output, together with interviews and workshops, to develop the “Manifesto for Manufacturing”.  

His continued advocacy, consultation and campaigning generates media opportunities for him and his colleagues, gaining recognition for Crowe.

The Innovations Awards judges recognised his long record of championing UK manufacturing at Crowe and his use of innovative processes to give manufacturers the right data and insight to influence decisions.

As head of Manufacturing at Crowe UK, Dudley has helped many manufacturers to innovate and grow.  He has also worked with manufacturers to reduce their waste and boost their profits.

Following the cyber attack on JLR, he appeared regularly on TV and radio as an expert consultant, particularly championing manufacturers in JLR’s supply chain.

Dr Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain (TSC) membership organisation, which runs the annual Innovation Awards, said: “Congratulations to Johnathan Dudley at Crowe UK. We had more entries than ever before this year, and the competition for each category was stronger than it’s ever been. 

“Each winner can be justifiably proud and can look forward to ongoing support from the 5,000-member TSC network as they chart their course to future success.”

The Innovation Awards recognise, celebrate and reward the businesses, organisations and individuals who are dedicated to innovation.

The awards are open to innovative individuals, businesses and organisations – including universities, local councils and catapults – based in the UK. 

Pictured from left to right: Johnathan Dudley, head of manufacturing at Crowe UK with Josh Moreton, senior partner & co-founder of Walk Through Walls, part of the One Thousand Trades Group, who presented the award.