Managing Director of the Year Awards 2026/ 8 British Manufacturing Leader of the Year 2026: Stephen Wilde Southbourne Rubber (SBR) is a UK-based advanced manufacturer of precision-engineered elastomeric components including seals, gaskets, O-rings, and complex mouldings used in safety critical environments. The company’s upward trajectory has been steered by Stephen Wilde, a seasoned Managing Director who has demonstrated an unrivalled ability to transform businesses and drive sustainable growth. We spoke with Stephen himself to learn more, following his recent recognition in the Managing Director of the Year Awards 2026. Over the course of his remarkable career, Stephen Wilde has learned that the right mindset, strong leadership, and investment in people can transform any business for the better. He spent the first ten working years of his life on a farm, an experience that shaped much of who he is today. Stephen developed a strong work ethic, unwavering resilience, and a practical hands-on approach to problem solving. He shared, “It taught me early on that if something needs doing, you get on and do it.” Stephen went on from there to build a career across both large corporates and smaller entrepreneurial businesses. He worked for organisations such as BT, where he gained a solid grounding in structure, process, and accountability. Then, he moved into start-ups and growth businesses, where adaptability and pace were critical. “The biggest lesson for me is that success comes down to people and leadership. Products and markets matter, but without the right culture, direction, and accountability, businesses struggle to perform. I have learned the importance of resilience, honesty, and leading from the front, especially when things are not going to plan.” When Stephen joined SBR in 2016, the company was effectively a stage two start-up that had lost its direction. “I was originally brought in to support closure,” he recalled. “Instead, we chose to rebuild. Ten years later, the business is a highperforming, award-winning manufacturer recognised nationally for both its growth and commitment to apprenticeships.” Today, this commitment is precisely what enables SBR to stand out in a competitive market. The company runs an apprenticeship programme whereby it invests heavily in developing talent and future leaders from within, with clear progression pathways and a 100% completion rate. Over half the team are current or former apprentices and several have progressed into senior roles, including director levels, which reflects the strength of positioning their development at the core of the workforce strategy. One of the most rewarding aspects of Stephen’s professional career has been watching these young people grow and develop into future leaders. Through SBR’s focus on apprenticeships and development, he has witnessed many individuals join the business and go on to build successful careers. “There is a real sense that the next generation will take the business even further,” he told us. “They bring energy, new ideas, different perspectives, and I am confident that they will do an even better job than I have. For me, that is a key measure of success: building a business that will continue to grow and thrive long after I step away.” Moving forward, the focus for SBR is to continue growing and developing a successful, sustainable business. The next few years will see the team scaling its operations, investing in new facilities and equipment, and strengthening SBR’s position within aerospace, defence, and other high-performance sectors. An upcoming move to a new larger facility will play a key role in this journey, providing the company capacity to expand both its output and its team. Under Stephen’s expert guidance, SBR will continue to invest heavily in people, particularly through apprenticeships, to ensure it develops the next generation of skilled engineers and leaders from within. This strategic direction, paired with a steadfast commitment to people and progression, has earned Stephen Wilde his title of British Manufacturing Leader of the Year 2026. As he looks to the future, Stephen shared: “Having successfully turned the company around from near closure, we remain driven to build a resilient, scalable manufacturing business that can compete globally while developing the next generation of talent. “Personally, my goal is to build a business that is not only high performing but also resilient, with strong foundations, clear leadership, and a culture that can sustain long-term success. Ultimately, it is about leaving the business in a stronger position than I found it, with a clear platform for continued growth well into the future.” Contact: Stephen Wilde Company: Southbourne Rubber Co Ltd Web Address: www.southbournerubber.co.uk
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