The 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List, published on Saturday, 15th June, announced that Maria has been awarded an MBE for services to Manufacturing.
“I am absolutely thrilled and so very proud to receive this MBE.
The fact that the award is for services in and around manufacturing is very significant. It is less common for women to work in a CAD / 3D technology environment, so I have enjoyed the challenge of demonstrating the power of combining great technology with great communication.
The opportunity to visit manufacturing sites in many countries around the world has given me a valuable perspective on so many different industries, technologies, and practices. At DriveWorks we are sensitive to cultural differences and understand the power of great relationships. We have built a strong Channel Management strategy to sell and support our technology.
I will continue my commitment to giving back to our community as a business leader and being a Department for Business & Trade (DBT) Export Champion, through STEM, networking, and learning initiatives. “ Maria Sarkar MBE
Maria Sarkar and her DriveWorks Co-Founder, Glen Smith, launched DriveWorks, from their HQ in Thelwall, in 2001. DriveWorks started as a design automation software tool to automate SOLIDWORKS. DriveWorks technology has evolved as a result of market research, listening to users, and understanding the challenges of the evolving world of manufacturing. DriveWorks software is used by manufacturers worldwide for design automation, 3D product configuration, business process automation, and as a CPQ sales configurator solution.
In 2019, DriveWorks received Double Queen’s Awards for both Innovation and International Trade. The Awards are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, with companies from across the UK recognized for their contribution in four categories: international trade, innovation, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity.
DriveWorks - SOLIDWORKS® Design Automation & Product Configurator Software