Three food engineers have been named as finalists for the brand-new Engineer of the Year award, with the winner to be announced at a grand event in 2026. Book your tickets here.
A full list of all the finalists for 2026 can be found here.
Meet the engineers
Bryn Bebbington, The Compleat Food Group
Bryn Bebbington is reliability lead at The Compleat Food Group’s Nottingham site.
Starting out as a mechanical engineering graduate in 2022, he was promoted to central engineer in 2024 and to reliability lead in 2025.
When it comes to service delivery, Bebbington’s approach is centred on instilling reliability in the business’s assets, not only through scheduled maintenance but also by preparing effectively for unexpected breakdowns.
“I ensure that the right parts and materials are identified ahead of time and are readily available to our teams, reducing delays and keeping equipment downtime to a minimum,” judges heard.
Bebbington believes that effective service delivery requires a “holistic approach”.
As engineers, he notes the importance of looking beyond the immediate technical issue and considering the wider impact on operations, such as reduced output, increased labour demands, and the safety of everyone involved.
He adds that this approach means working alongside other teams, sharing knowledge and aligning goals so that solutions are technically sound and support the broader business objectives.
Martin Northover, Cranswick
Martin Northover leads the Cranswick Milton Keynes site infrastructure team – managing the site utilities, infrastructure assets, and leading the site sustainability programme.
Northover has a clear, pragmatic approach to service delivery that balances responsiveness with long-term improvement. He manages critical site utilities and infrastructure assets, ensuring reliability through robust periodic maintenance while also driving down reactive breakdowns through proactive planning and detail-focused interventions.
Judges heard how his “calm, logical style” allows him to break down complex projects into clear, achievable steps.
During his time at Cranswick, he has successfully delivered a roadmap of engineering improvements that strengthen site resilience while advancing sustainability – from targeted initiatives such as steam pipe lagging and condensate system enhancements, to overseeing major turnkey projects like the installation of a 1.53MWp Solar PV system. Currently, he is scoping further innovations, including lowering site water temperatures to reduce carbon impact and improving overall power quality.
“Equally impactful is the team culture he has built. He empowers his engineers to uphold high standards, communicate openly and support one another, which directly enhances service delivery,” judges were informed.
Daniel Elford, Daily Dose
Daniel Elford joined Daily Dose in 2021 as an apprentice engineer and has progressed at a remarkable pace. He completed his Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications before officially qualifying as an engineer in 2025.
Immediately, he took responsibility for some of the most complex machinery in food manufacturing. Elford has become the business’s in-house expert on high pressure processing (HPP), overseeing two of only seven UK machines, including the world’s first JBT electric intensifier. He also maintains and improves the filling lines, introducing efficiency and safety enhancements.
Judges heard about the value other team members place in Elford, respected not just for his technical ability but also for his attitude and communication; able to remain calm under pressure and bring people together during breakdowns or production challenges.
“He collaborates seamlessly with colleagues across engineering, operations, and production, explaining highly technical issues in a way that others can understand and act upon,” the judges were told.
Elford also takes junior apprentices under his wing, helping them navigate their training, and passes on practical knowledge gained from his own journey. He has also created training sessions and guides for technical operators on the factory floor, ensuring they understand how to safely and effectively work alongside complex equipment.
