The Debates
Convened to discuss the outcomes and recommendations
contained in our Reports documentaries.
How do we avert a skills catastrophe in UK manufacturing?
In our documentary report The Perfect Storm, we gathered evidence from manufacturers, academics and training providers about what has gone wrong with the provision of skills that manufacturing in the UK desperately needs.
It’s a problem that is rapidly turning into an existential crisis.
Presenters Nick Peters and Jonny Williamson discussed the documentary’s outcome with Matt Ashworth, Director of Manufacturing at BAE Systems, Leigh Howarth of M-CNC Precision Engineering, whose Festival of British Engineering and Manufacturing proved the enormous lengths SMEs are going to in order to attract talent, and Gareth Jones, MD of In-Comm Training, one of the country’s leading providers of apprenticeships and in-work training.
THE ROAD TO NET ZERO
Our documentary The Road to Net Zero focused on ways in which SME manufacturers can best take their first steps towards this vital new chapter in the UK’s industrial future.
The subsequent Debate featured the High Value Manufacturing Catapult’s Net Zero Ambassador Sam Turner, Roger Singleton of Riscon Solutions, a company that works closely with SMEs to help them adapt to the challenges of Net Zero and Kirsty Davies-Chinnock whose company Professional Polishing Services Ltd. has made great strides not only in preparing its own Net Zero journey but has actually helped competitors and partners in their industrial sector to adopt the same practices.
The advice, insights and learning presented in the course of this programme are an excellent resource for companies wondering “What next?” as they ponder this radical transformation that everyone, ultimately, will have to be part of.
UKMFG AT THE CROSSROADS
Our documentary Manufacturing at the Crossroads identified core ideas and solutions for driving manufacturing into a more prosperous and dynamic future, for manufacturers and for the UK.
The subsequent Town Hall Meeting featured former Business Secretary Sir Vince Cable, Shadow Industry Minister Bill Esterson MP, the CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Katherine Bennett CBE, the President of Playdale Playgrounds Barry Leahey MBE, the Chief Technologist of Siemens Digital Industries Alan Norbury and many more.