The Manufacturer Podcast

In this episode, we go behind the scenes at FightFest, an electrifying combat robotics competition shaping up to be a major highlight of Smart Manufacturing Week.Far from being just entertainment, FightFest offers an exciting and accessible way to bring engineering, technology and manufacturing to life for a wide audience - especially younger people exploring future career paths.We caught up with Accu, the engineering components company driving the event, to find how the concept was born and what goes into making it happen.Recorded on-site following a tour of Accu’s workshop, the episode features conversations with engineer Ellis Ware and FightFest Director Ed Hodges. They share insights into the robot builds, the technical hurdles involved, and the growing anticipation ahead of the competition.Accu’s Marketing Manager, Matt Ogden, also joins us to discuss why initiatives like FightFest play an important role in shaping the future of manufacturing.At its core, FightFest is about inspiring the next generation. By blending competition, creativity and advanced engineering, it offers students, apprentices and early-career professionals a chance to experience technology up close and envision their place within the industry. Events like this help break down perceptions of manufacturing and highlight just how innovative and enjoyable the sector can be.

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 11 May.- Lawton Tubes launches ‘Next Gen’ initiative to tackle construction skills gap- Innovation beyond technology: how supply chain disruption is redefining manufacturing value- ABB Startup Challenge winners drive AI-powered energy innovation- British mower manufacturer Allett transitions professional turf platform to battery-first design- Stationers’ Company launches 2026 Innovation Excellence Awards with new manufacturing categoryHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

In this episode of The Manufacturer Podcast, we look back on an annual awards night that recognises the importance of apprenticeships. The Engineering Trust Awards held this year's ceremony at The British Motor Museum in Gaydon. Engineering Trust Training Limited (ETT) is a subsidiary company of The Engineering Trust and has been delivering work based apprenticeships in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties for over 25 years. Hear some of the interviews that we got with award winners on the night - all recognised for either their contributions as apprentices, or for their support and championing of this pathway into the industry. We catch up on some recent editorial trips, including our coverage of the Food & Drink Federation (FDF) Economic Briefing. The outlook for the industry at last year's event looked quite gloomy, and unfortunately, things don't seem to be improving a year on. The increasing rise of energy prices due to global conflict is having a knock on effect for Britain's food and drink manufacturers. But fears in the industry centre around a lack of government action. It's believed that we won't see any intervention until consumers are directly impacted by price hikes. That's not predicted to happen for another 7 months or so, where it's predicted that supermarket food prices could rise as high as 9-10% if global unrest continues. We also have our latest round-up of website news, lament those that are currently on holiday and lean quite heavily into a drinking related pet peeve.

Here are the latest stories today, 5 May, on The Manufacturer website: - UK Manufacturing PMI at near four-year high in April - Greater Lincolnshire Mayor commits to buying British steel - Saab hosts young people in STEM Challenge - Shafton Steel Services cuts costs by 50% with bespoke solutionFind all these stories in full on The Manufacturer website#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmanufacturing #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 29 April.- Aircraft orders hit highest first-quarter total since 2013- The shift from repair to resilience: manufacturing’s biggest advantage- Innovate UK and Stemazing: mentoring in the UK battery sector- Automate or fall behind: is time running out?- Aurrigo International appoints aviation expert as Director of Global Airport OperationsHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 28 April.- National Productivity Week: Redefining performance in UK manufacturing- Metal service centre named ‘King’ of the metal carpet at the CBM Awards- UK skills gap: Why manufacturers are turning to apprenticeships and vocational training- Kingsland Drinks secures £65m funding to fuel growth plans- New MD for FANUC UK and FANUC IrelandHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 27 April. - SMMT calls for pragmatic pathway to decarbonise UK HGV sector- Manufacturing supply chains, 2026 and beyond: turning volatility into long-term resilience- Babcock builds SME-powered supply chain to replace Army Land Rover fleet- Landmark Windows joins Made in Britain to reinforce UK manufacturing credentials- ODYSSEY Battery powers Intact GP’s Moto3 ambitions through 2027Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 24 April.- FDF economic briefing: Resilience running thin- Babcock launches UK–Indonesia Maritime Partnership Programme with landmark agreements- Babcock delivers maintenance milestone for Royal Navy’s flagship carrier- NMITE secures IET accreditation for engineering degrees in national milestone- D-RisQ technologies selected for SMD autonomy programmeHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 23 April.- HVM Catapult bolsters leadership amid UK manufacturing transformation- Aurrigo announces major expansion with new advanced manufacturing and engineering hub- Advanced biofuel manufacturer gains new sustainability credentials to stand out ‘in a landscape of greenwashing’- UK first as Batten & Allen presses ahead with £500,000 Bruderer investment and global expansion- Stannah’s JOYA stairlift wins Red Dot design awardHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 22 April. - Op-ed: From Hormuz to graphene—Why the UK must turn innovation into industrial power- Bucher Municipal submits plans for factory expansion in Dorking- Young innovators named finalists in Big Bang UK STEM competition- More than 1,000 students set for More Than Robots UK Championship showdown- Collapse of UK’s only abrasive manufacturer triggers major asset sale Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 21 April.- Women power better industry – so why are they missing?- ICC UK to convene European business leaders in London amid global trade uncertainty- Bentley Motors unveils ‘Dream Factory’ workwear to support EV production ahead of first electric launch- Encirc welcomes First Minister and deputy First Minister to Derrylin facility- Yorkshire Laser & Fabrication announces new Head of OperationsHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 20 April.- JC-Electronics launches ‘Golden Ticket’ and Buyback scheme at Smart Manufacturing Week to mark 20 years- Supply chain anxiety hits record highs as geopolitical risks and costs surge- Banelec lands £500k aerospace contract, showcasing West Midlands engineering strength- The future of mobility isn’t one vehicle, it’s an ecosystem- GI Chemical Solutions boosts UK supply resilience with major Immingham caustic soda storage investmentHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 17 April.- The Manufacturer MX Awards are back for 2026: entries open now!- Government cuts electricity bills for 10,000 manufacturers but is BICS expansion too slow?- Volklec secures backing for next phase of UK battery industrialisation and scale-up- Layton Hill: how electrification and digitalisation will recharge the UK’s industrial engine- Danone faces ‘forest policy’ backlash as Harrogate expansion threatens 1,000-tree community woodlandHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 16 April. - How slashing pressing waste is reshaping automotive manufacturing- Oxford University spinout Ascension secures £1.7m to advance geothermal critical mineral recovery- Radnor Hills founder becomes High Sheriff of Powys, continuing 70-year family legacy- Electronics recycling industry growing but OEMs risk falling behind, warns In2tec- Oxford PV joins UK EV solar project to boost efficiency and rangeHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 15 April.- Is AI adoption in manufacturing outpacing governance?- Yunex Traffic invests in new South Coast facility to boost UK manufacturing and innovation- Ultimo to debut instant maturity assessment and AI ‘digital workers’ at Maintec 2026- Steel fabricator Metallico targets growth after securing new funding- IChemE joins coalition urging government to back professional chartershipHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 14 April.- Rolls-Royce SMR secures contract to build Europe’s first SMR fleet- Funding to accelerate UK’s market readiness for autonomous vehicles- Chemical engineering course applications surge as student interest grows- WMG secures funding to explore acoustics-led materials innovation- Lawton Engineering celebrates 25 years with push into new marketsHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 13 April.- Make UK launches sign-ups for National Manufacturing Day 2026- CSconnected extends deadline for £1m semiconductor supply chain programme- UK car market grows in March, but EV targets remain ‘far off track’, warns SMMT- Regent Engineering announces new MD- UK scientists send microscopic worms to space in bid to unlock long-duration spaceflight challengesHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

In this episode we take you inside FightFest, a dynamic combat robotics tournament that’s set to be one of the standout attractions at Smart Manufacturing Week.More than just a spectacle, FightFest represents a fresh and engaging way to showcase engineering, technology and manufacturing to a broad audience - particularly young people who might be considering careers in the sector.We spoke to Accu, the engineering components specialist behind the event, to find out how the idea came about and what it takes to bring it to life. Filmed on location around Accu’s workshop, our conversations include insights from Lead Engineer Patrick Faulkner and FightFest Director Ed Hodges on the robot builds, the technical challenges they’re tackling and the excitement building ahead of the show.Accu’s Managing Director, Alistair Morris, and Marketing Manager, Matt Ogden, also share their perspectives on why events like FightFest matter for the future of manufacturing. FightFest is seen as an impactful tool for inspiring the next generation.By combining competition, creativity and cutting-edge engineering, it gives students, apprentices and young professionals a way to see technology in action and imagine themselves as part of the industry. Events like this help demystify manufacturing careers and demonstrate that the sector can be both innovative and fun.Elsewhere in the episode, we visit Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Co., a Norfolk-based maker of handcrafted metal beds built with traditional skills and British craftsmanship. Its workshop is a great example of how manufacturing can blend heritage techniques with quality production - showing that careers in metalwork and fabrication can be both rewarding and rooted in real skill.We also discuss a recent trip to Delta Fire, a UK manufacturer of fire-fighting equipment whose products are used around the world. Delta Fire was recognised at last year's Manufacturer MX Awards, winning the Sustainable Manufacturing category for innovation and sustainable development.Alongside these features, we bring you the latest sector news, welcome Sam Cain for another instalment of The Shopfloor Whisper, and our Made by a Moron segment involved Molly recounting an unfortunate incident involving a pair of ripped jeans.Join us as we explore how creative events like FightFest, and the stories of companies such as Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Co. and Delta Fire, are helping to shine a light on the opportunities within modern manufacturing.

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 02 April. - UK Manufacturing PMI: Industry returns to output contraction as cost pressures surge- Saab receives Giraffe 1X radar orders from the UK MOD- M&Ms urgently recalled across the UK- Telford manufacturer shortlisted for major award- Essity to donate 150,000 hygiene products to tackle Ireland’s hygiene poverty epidemic Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 01 April. - UK-backed quantum satellite launches to boost secure communications- UK’s next generation of rocket engineers gather pace ahead of Artemis II launch- Aurrigo secures third award in three months as aviation push gains pace- Celtic Renewables and Rosebank extend circular economy partnership- Rakem Group renews distribution partnership with Turkey’s Organik Kimya Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 31 March. - IChemE launches presidential inquiry into UK chemical engineering research- Food and drink export values reach record high in 2025, but volumes fail to return to pre-Brexit levels- Accredited British-made construction products worth £5.5bn to UK economy- Alexander Battery Technologies strengthens engineering and project team with six appointments- Aerial views show vast industrial development for Sheffield ForgemastersHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the UK manufacturing stories you should know about today, 30 March.- BAE Systems: New contract for training and support to Turkish Typhoon aircraft- Rotech Systems and Encoders (Pty) Ltd scales production after securing critical materials supply- Dennis Eagle UK Blackpool wins Digital Award at the Red Rose Awards 2026- Global manufacturer MiTek opens new Worcestershire HQ- Taylor Engineering & Plastics Limited invests £2.1m in new moulding capability ahead of 50th anniversaryHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 27 March. - UK Steel welcomes government recognition of steel as Strategic National Asset- UK vehicle manufacturing slides again as exports weaken and global pressures mount- Norfolk manufacturer boosts capabilities with major investment- ANT Industries strengthens precision capability with investment in advanced turn/mill technology- Outsourcing can provide ‘long-term’ growth in this unstable economy predicts PP C&A’s Tony Hague Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 26 March. - Five UK defence SMEs selected for £750k AWS digital transformation pilot- Leonardo targets circular defence manufacturing with Uplift360 partnership- A&M EDM manufacture cryogenic motor casings for GKN Aerospace- iconsys launches dedicated industrial cyber security solution- Balmoral Tanks appoints new Managing Director Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 25 March. - Rolls-Royce invests £21.3m to double turbine blade output at Rotherham facility- How Bisley is diversifying: from steel storage to smart workplace solutions- Made Smarter reveals new wave of digital manufacturing leaders- AMRC launches Scale-up programme to accelerate UK deep tech manufacturing- James Cropper backs stadium-based coffee cup recycling pilot with Carlisle United Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 24 March. - New apprenticeship unit to supercharge battery manufacturing- From apprentice to award winner: how Rolls-Royce engineer Alexia Williams built a career in aerospace- Aircraft orders surge 83% in February as aviation demand strengthens- Made Smarter London expands after first year with £2.5m funding boost- Gill Group opens its doors to the next generation of engineers Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 23 March. - SMMT warns HGV decarbonisation lagging behind targets despite growing investment- Babcock secures £60m MOD white fleet contract, extending long-running partnership- AMufacture appoints new finance chief to support next phase of growth- Europlaz appoints new Head of People to support expansion plans- Rapid Fusion targets €1m Italian expansion with Aivox partnership Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 19 March.- The Manufacturer Additive Manufacturing Supplement- UK engineers developing rapid-response anti-drone system- West Midlands manufacturing SMEs positioned for global growth after ‘Breaking into Defence’ event- UK manufacturers set to benefit from eased planning rules for on-site wind turbines- Space Forge achieves key milestone with ForgeStar-1 as UK-built subsystem proves successful in orbitHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 18 March. - Meet manufacturing’s new AI Champion, Professor Chris Dungey- IChemE survey highlights critical skills gaps threatening UK manufacturing growth- Alloy Wire International targeting £2m reaction after securing major nuclear quality accreditation- Funding red tape holding back SMEs eager to grow, says BEP- Agrimek secures land expansion to support renewable energy growth Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 17 March. - UK sets pathway for manufacturing medicines in space- Babcock aims to lead industry shift with SME defence charter- Civil engineering manufacturer Wrekin bucks construction slowdown with strong 2025 growth- IfSE names first cohort of Fellows- Seed Revolution announces partnership with River CottageHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 16 March.- UK manufacturing outlook cautious as factories begin 2026 on ‘fragile footing’- British manufacturers urged to ‘act decisively’ to secure export gains in India as US trade talks stall- UK automotive industry warns EV transition costs are becoming ‘unsustainable’- Danfoss strengthens its electrification business with full ownership of Semikron Danfoss- Apprentice represents next generation of homebuilding talent at Parliament receptionHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 13 March. - Ground-breaking factory line boosts EV battery production: Minister for Industry speaks to The Manufacturer- Powering manufacturing’s future through Skills for Life- Pepsico UK invests £3.6m to install roof-mounted solar power system in Leicester- IMechE call for accessibility upgrades to be built into transport procurement- Veterans to make Glasgow schoolgirl’s award-winning solar blanket to fight homelessness Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

In this week’s episode of The Manufacturer Podcast, we have an interview with Liz McArdle from WMG at Warwick University. She is overseeingthe leadership and management skills training element of the Supply Chain Transition Programme – a West Midlands Investment Zone initiative. Liz talks about how this is being delivered to SMEs in traditional manufacturing sectors, and expands on the importance of growing digital, sustainable, and change management skills within these companies. Some big news this week as far as we’re concerned - SmartManufacturing Week is coming to the United States. The inaugural event will be held in April 19–22, 2027 at Huntington Place in Detroit.Smart Factory Expo and Maintec will run as part of theevent, as well as the ‘Manufacturing Digitalization Summit,’ focused on the strategic adoption of digital technologies, and The Reliability Conference, which joined the Nineteen Group portfolio through the acquisition of Reliabilityweb.Within a 250-mile radius of Detroit, there are over 3.3million manufacturing jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it one of the largest industrial concentrations in the world.UK news includes Aurrigo International plc, and its largestvehicle manufacturing order in its history. The Coventry based company will manufacture an initial 25-strong fleet of autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) for a leading rapid transit system specialist.We look back on some of our coverage of International Women’s Day at the start of the week, as well as a story that Joe published on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the potential impact of that, and what businesses can do to mitigate the risks.Some more concerning UK news this week involves Nissan, and fears over the future of its site in Sunderland, if the UK is not included in the recently announced ‘Made in Europe’ plans. Under the EU plans, public subsidies to speed up thedevelopment of electric vehicles would only be available to EVs made in European plants. Mike Hawes, the chief executive of the SMMT expressed that the sector is “gravely concerned” by the news, and said that it “risks damaging a trading relationship worth almost £70bn annually.”ABB Robotics has announced it is integrating NVIDIA Omniverse libraries into ABB Robotics’ RobotStudio to help manufacturers deploy physical AI in real world robotics applications. News that will likely interest both our UK and North American audience. And on that front, James picks out his favourite NorthAmerican story this week -  Carhartt has announced a $375k grant through its “For the Love of Labor” program tothe National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), a nonprofit leader in skilled trades workforce development.Sam Cain gives us his thoughts on SME growth in this week’s ‘Shopfloor Whisper.’ Service providers should be targeting these companies if they’re interested in UK manufacturing, given that such a large percentage of the sector is made up of these companies – “You can’t just have the big boys.” Sam points out, that if you support them now, with growth, and with funding opportunities over the next few years, then you can be the vendor of choice when the time comes. And our ‘Made by a Moron’ comes from the Philippines thisweek. On a trip to the island of Boracay last weekend, James, his wife, and his six children were transported to the island on a catamaran. While trying to explain to his sea sick wife the vessel’s dual-hulled design makes it unsteady on rough seas, she lost patience, and declared the boat, “gawang tanga.”     

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 11 March. - The Manufacturer announces launch of Smart Manufacturing Week event in United States- Nissan LEAF batteries breathe new life into EV charging system in Spain- Chase Cricket enters new era as master willow grower Rory Waterer acquires iconic bat maker- Heyside Group increases capacity with £500k modernisation investment- More than 2,200 Armed Forces community members attend Mission Motorsport transition event at Silverstone Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 11 March.- The Manufacturer announces launch of Smart Manufacturing Week event in United States- Nissan LEAF batteries breathe new life into EV charging system in Spain- Chase Cricket enters new era as master willow grower Rory Waterer acquires iconic bat maker- Heyside Group increases capacity with £500k modernisation investment- More than 2,200 Armed Forces community members attend Mission Motorsport transition event at SilverstoneHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the UK manufacturing stories you should know about today, 10 March.- Ceramics UK to put International Day of Ceramics on the map- Leeds Manufacturing Festival returns: tackling skills gaps and youth unemployment- Zotefoams launches Global Partner Programme to strengthen quality and service- Timber manufacturer George Barnsdale eyes window for growth with new cutting-edge machine- ABB Robotics partners with NVIDIA to deliver industrial-grade physical AI at scale- Aurrigo International signs landmark £6.28m contract with Ultra Global to build 25 autonomous vehiclesHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 09 March.- Conflict in the Middle East: what it means for manufacturers and global supply chains- ‎Industry warns of "time-critical" skills crisis without lack of bold reforms- ‎Women in manufacturing: International Women's Day 2026- ‎Digital transformation reshaping opportunities for women in manufacturing, Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber insights show- ‎UK and South Korea bodies sign MOU to advance automated driving technologiesHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on TheManufacturer website today, 06 March.  - The latest episode of The Manufacturer Podcast is out!  - Concerns at Nissan in Sunderland if UK excluded from Made in Europe rules - 63% of female manufacturing leaders admit to experiencing discrimination in the workplace - Over 1,600 students to kick start their career with the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge, run by ADS Group Ltd - Bridge of Weir Leather launches BioPro Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the fullstories. #UKmfg#UKmanufacturing#shoutaboutukmfg#supportukmfg

Another packed episode of The Manufacturer Podcast, where we reflect on the news that Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil has finally secured its  £1bn contract from the UK Ministry of Defence. (MoD)The company will now deliver 23 next-generation AW149 medium helicopters from its Yeovil site, the UK's last military helicopter factory. This esnures Leonardo's survival in the UK, and secures thousands of skilled jobs, both at the facility and across the domestic supply chain. This wasn't looking so certain at the start of the year. We ask the question, why did the contract take so long to award? We also feature an interview from Carl Perrin, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for research at Coventry University - one of the associations helping to deliver the Supply Chain Transition Programme, our series sponsors. Carl talks about how SME manufacturers can diversify into new sectors, sharing success stories as well some insightful tips on how to succeed. The usual rundown of news headlines across The Manufacturer from the UK and USA. Including the latest S&P Global PMI survey reporting steady UK growth. A different matter in the US however, with growth at its weakest level in seven months amid falling exports, tariff pressures and weather disruption.Sam Cain joins us to deliver his weekly 'Shopfloor Whisper.' This week, its war. Opportunity for some manufacturers, but yet another obstacle to overcome for others. But what service providers must understand is that manufacturing will continue to figure its way out the turmoil, so, as Sam says, back them now! And finally, in our 'Made by a Moron' segment, a hotel that provides blinds for windowless rooms...

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 05 March. - Celtic Renewables secures £16m investment for new bio-based chemicals production facility at Grangemouth- Space Forge opens National Microgravity Research Centre at Swansea University- Tiberius Aerospace welcomes Professor Dame Fiona Murray to advisory board- Brandauer electrifies engineering partner vision with two high-profile automotive contracts- Leonardo CEO highlights renewed UK commitment in £1bn AW149 helicopter deal Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 04 March.- The Spring Statement: what’s in it for manufacturers?- Aurrigo granted licence to provide ground handling services at East Midlands Airport- The unsung engine of UK industry: why resilient SMEs are key to keeping manufacturing moving- CSconnected announces £1m investment in final call to supply chain development programme- Babcock’s Festival of Engineering fires up Bristol’s young innovatorsHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 03 March.- UK Manufacturing PMI: Industry growth holds steady as exports surge- Make UK – Industry chief calls for new national vision for resilience- Leonardo secures £1bn UK MoD contract to build 23 AW149 helicopters in Yeovil- X-Cel Group completes MBO backed by £35m funding package- Why UK manufacturers must rethink competitiveness for 2026Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 02 March.- The Manufacturer Magazine Q1 2026 is OUT NOW!- Britain’s £518bn manufacturing sector invisible to TikTok generation- Tata Power and University of Warwick forge strategic alliance to boost new energy systems innovation- Op-ed: Why Wales holds the key to Britain’s industrial future- Aviation expert named Ambassador of the Year for putting the West Midlands on the global mapHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

In this latest episode of The Manufacturer Podcast, we are given an outline of how SME manufacturers can benefit from the Supply Chain Transition Programme. Steve Bowyer is the head of the West Midlands Investment Zone at the West Midlands Combined Authority. The organisation launched the initiative in late 2025, in partnership with local councils and academic institutions.  It provides fully funded support for manufacturers,particularly those operating within sunset industries, with the capability and ambition to diversify. This is with the aim to improve resilience and strengthen supply chains forlight electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, health & med tech, modern methods of construction, aerospace and other green industries. Steve spoke to us about the background and ambitions for the West Midlands Investment Zone and the future opportunities for manufacturing in the area.We also run through some recent stories on The Manufacturer website from this week, including defence focused news with a new defence tech college in Wales. There's also a new approach to digital transformation at Sheffield Forgemasters, and Atlas Copco has harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) to validate EV battery integrity and safety. Recent tariff news from the US also grabs our attention, as the situation changes once more following the US Supreme Courts ruling that President's Trumps tariffs are unlawful. We have another visit from Sam Cain with his 'Shopfloor Whisper.' Today Sam discusses the often talked about energy crisis, which continues to impact the running of UK facilities. How do service providers view this challenge? And is there much they can do beyond sympathising with their manufacturing clients? And an unfortunate fire alarm experience for Joe and Molly is the subject of this week's 'Made by a Moron.'

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 26 February.- Aircraft orders surge 71% in January as aerospace demand rebounds- Babcock hits back-to-back milestones in Type 31 frigate programme- Suntory unveils new £25m manufacturing line at Coleford facility- British mattress manufacturer seeks to tackle farmers being paid 'mere pennies' for fleece- British Engines Group acquires 42 Technology to accelerate growth and expand innovation capabilitiesHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 25 February.- New Make UK research shows Industry needs to double down on tackling wellbeing and workplace stress- BAE Systems and Frankenburg Technologies team up to advance counter-drone tech- Chemistry in a crisis: manufacturing for humanitarian needs- Fox’s Burton’s Companies, delivers strong 2024/2025 performance as innovation powers growth- QIC Trims boosts capacity with new eco-friendly paint lineHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 24 February.- Urgent intervention needed on energy costs for critical sector, warns Ceramics UK- Atlas Copco advances EV battery manufacturing with AI- Specialist Glass Products undergoes period of significant investment and growth- ‘Home sweet home’ as Alucast makes £1.8m industrial estate purchase- Sheffield Forgemasters trials The Quorum Principle for digital transformation programmeHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 23 February.- Wales to host new defence tech college as £50m growth deal targets autonomous systems- British Steel starts 24-7 rail operations after securing major new high-speed deal for Türkiye- High energy prices stifling UK manufacturing – report- Op-ed: Engineering the EV battery pack – how advanced foams can support range and safety- JCB expands community giving with new charity partnerships across UKHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 20 February.- Bentley Motors commits to 100% SAF for global airfreight- Babcock introduces premature baby leave for UK workforce- Imran Khatri: unlocking UK manufacturing resilience with battery sovereignty- Joedan celebrates 40th anniversary with perfect £3m birthday present- Barrier Group turns 50, targets £100m global growth by 2030Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 19 February.- Sheffield Forgemasters marks 250 years of steel, memory and making- Nuclear sector says policy stance costing Scotland thousands of skilled jobs- Master Abrasives secures long-term future of HQ after deal on site agreed- Clay pigeon trap maker shoots for global growth with £1m export funding boost- Trimble sponsors global design challenge to empower future engineersHead over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.#UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg