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Currently the Number 1 Manufacturing Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Mark Bracknall, Founder of Theo James Recruitment is the host of Manufacturing Leaders.The UK is still a powerhouse in Manufacturing & Engineering. We speak to those who are helping to make those firms a success. By motivating, inspiring and managing teams.Are you new to management? Are you keen to hear from those who are dealing with the same day-to-day challenges you are facing?In this podcast we get inside the minds of the Managers in Manufacturing & Engineering, and understand how they get the best our of their teams and make Manufacturing & Engineering great.
113 Episodes
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Send us a text In this inspiring episode, Paul Stockhill, Managing Director of Agemaspark in Doncaster, shares insights from his remarkable 55-year journey in UK manufacturing. A passionate advocate for apprenticeships, Paul believes that developing young talent is the only sustainable answer to the sector’s growing skills crisis — and he’s proved it. Every member of his senior management team started their career as an apprentice at Agma Spark — including those who joined him in a successful...
Send us a text 🎧 Jo Lloyd's Leadership Evolution at Expanded Metal 🎧 From administrative temp to Head of People at Expanded Metal, Jo Lloyd shares her inspiring 12-year journey of transforming leadership in manufacturing. In this episode, she dives into how the industry has shifted from command-and-control to a more people-first approach. Key takeaways include: 🖐 Leadership is about guiding – no ego, just collaboration. 🖐 Emotional intelligence fuels better decisions and team energy. 🖐 Auth...
Send us a text When a manufacturer doubles its workforce in just seven years despite industry-wide skills shortages you know they’re doing something special. In this episode, Lorinda Lackay, Operations Director at Minicam, shares the innovative strategies that have transformed this Salford-based wastewater inspection systems manufacturer. ✈️ Growing up near an airfield in South Africa, Lorinda’s early spark for engineering shaped her belief in inspiring young people to see curiosity as the st...
Send us a text Dinosaur leather. Lab-grown meat. Replacement corneas. It might sound like science fiction, but it’s happening right now in Newcastle at 3D BioTissues. Adam Crosby, Director of Operations, reveals how this spin-out from Newcastle University (founded in 2019) is developing groundbreaking biological materials: from luxury leathers genetically verified as dinosaur skin to medical treatments that could change lives. 🔬 How it works: Cells are cultivated using nutrients like gl...
Send us a text From Syria to the UK: Founding an Award-Winning Cheese Brand 🇸🇾🇬🇧🧀 In this episode, Razan Alsous shares her incredible journey from fleeing conflict in Syria to launching Yorkshire Dama Cheese, now one of the UK’s most celebrated artisan cheese brands. Key moments: 💷 Started the business with just £2,500 and repurposed equipment 🧀 Identified a gap in the market for fresh, locally made halloumi 🏆 Won 65+ awards — including at the World Cheese Awards 🌟 Supplies Michelin...
Send us a text Declan Middleton, Engineering Manager at Perry Process Equipment, shares his journey from reluctant work experience student to respected leader and details how one summer placement changed his career trajectory forever. In this episode: 🎮 Declan wanted to be a journalist, until his dad made him try engineering work experience instead. 👷♂️ From apprentice to Engineering Manager, now leading and mentoring his own team. 🚀 Encouraging young engineers to take risks, fail fast, an...
Send us a text Matthew Pemrick, Managing Director of Cicor, shares his inspiring journey from apprentice to business leader. He explores how endurance sports like Ironman have shaped his approach to resilient leadership, building inclusive teams, and creating a positive, connected workplace culture. In this episode, we cover: From factory apprentice to MD: Matthew Pemrick shares his leadership journey and lessons learned. Endurance sports & leadership: How Ironman training shaped mental t...
Send us a text Peter Cottle, Head of Supply Chain at Walker Filtration, shares insights on leadership and innovation in modern supply chains: Leadership built on accountability, emotional intelligence, and trustResilience through data visibility, early warning systems, and smart tech investmentSustainability and mentorship as tools to attract talent and drive long-term valueSummary: Peter highlights how strong leadership, technological foresight, and purpose-driven strategies are reshaping t...
Send us a text 🎙️ Transformational Leadership in Manufacturing with Daniel Stanway In this insightful episode, Daniel Stanway, transformational business coach and former manufacturing leader, shares how real change begins with identity, mindset, and trust. Discover how to build a culture where people don’t just comply, they commit. 🔑 Key takeaways: • Why identity-based motivation outperforms traditional incentives • The crucial role of psychological safety in driving continuous improvement ...
Send us a text In this episode, we’re joined by Kelly Maddison, UK Membership Director at Make UK Defence, to dive into the opportunities opening up for SMEs in the defence sector. We cover everything from MOD spend targets to how SMEs can become "fit for defence" and start winning real work in the industry. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: The push for 25% of MOD spend to go directly to SMEs Upcoming hard targets for primes to work with smaller suppliers How Make UK Defence is supporting SMEs with...
Send us a text In this episode, David Yodaiken shares the lessons learned on his path from working at the ground level in his father's electronics company to becoming CEO of Cyclops Electronics. David talks about the value of gaining outside experience before joining the family business, how trust and over-communication have shaped his leadership, and the importance of breaking unhelpful habits to improve organisational culture. He also explores how Cyclops is focusing on delivering more valu...
Send us a text In this episode, Matthew Stephenson, Managing Director of Sweet Dreams, shares his inspiring 18-year journey — from launching a quirky confectionery brand to selling it successfully to Sugar Rich. He opens up about the highs, lows, and key leadership lessons along the way. 🔹 Leadership means making tough decisions that impact people you care about 🔹 Building a “mental box” helped him compartmentalise challenges and stay focused 🔹 ChocNibbles evolved into a standout ...
Send us a text Celebrating the 100th episode of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast with Paul Butler, CEO of the North East Automotive Alliance, who shares insights on the strength and future of the region’s automotive sector. Key Highlights: £10.3bn turnover, 27,000 direct jobs, and 12 vehicles produced per employee (UK avg: 3.9)North East leads the UK in automation with 500+ robots per 10,000 workersNissan Sunderland builds 36% of all UK passenger vehicles25% of February’s vehicle sales were ...
Send us a text 🎙️ Elfie, Director at Egger Hexham, shares how strong values and bold leadership have built one of the North East’s most respected manufacturers. 🔹 Family values & respect shape a culture where generations choose to work 🔹 1,400 applicants for their apprenticeship program – and 20% of staff are ex-apprentices 🔹 Long-term thinking & reinvestment are core to Egger’s success 🔹 Sustainability has been central to their strategy for decades 🌱 👇 Like, subscri...
Send us a text Valda Goodfellow the co-owner of Goodfellow and Goodfellow, was this weeks guest on the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast. Valda had a dream from the age of 8 years old of building a UK manufacturing factory. She shares her bold journey of grit, vision, and fearless leadership. 🏭 Obsessed with the magic of making 🚫 Calls out the risks of remote work 🤝 Champions collaboration over competition 💼 Sold her company but far from slowing down 💬 “If you really...
Send us a text Carole Williamson, In-Work Support and Training Officer at Durham County Council, explains why embracing neurodiversity in the workplace benefits everyone. Key Points: Neurodiversity reflects the natural variations in human cognition, yet traditional workplaces often exclude neurodivergent talent.Many neurodivergent individuals mask their traits to fit in, and many—especially autistic women—remain undiagnosed.Inclusive workplaces start with education, practical accommodations, ...
Send us a text Ian Brown, Managing Director of Excelpoint Limited, shares insights on no-code technology and its transformative impact on the manufacturing and engineering sectors through data utilisation, process improvement, and technological innovation. His leadership philosophy centers on empowerment, accountability, and creating a culture where people feel valued. Empowering Leadership & Decision-Making – Leading by example while encouraging team members to take ownership fosters a p...
Send us a text Kieran Wood, General Manager of Tiger Lifting, explores how data is reshaping supply chain management. 🚀 The shift from relationship-based decision-making to data-driven strategies 🔍 Why understanding processes is crucial before digitalization 🤝 Engaging frontline staff for successful tech adoption 📦 Reshoring trends and supply chain capacity challenges 💰 Optimizing processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency Like & subscribe to support the show...
Send us a text What makes an effective leader in today's complex manufacturing environment? Scott Lowrie, Operations Director at Fujifilm, reveals that authentic relationship-building trumps traditional command-and-control approaches every time. "It's very easy to talk the talk, but you've got to walk the walk," Scott explains, highlighting how behaviours cascade through organisations when leaders model what they expect. The most powerful validation? Walking into a meeting room to find your ...
Send us a text Mark Cholmondeley the Managing Director of Libellum, shares his journey from contractor to business leader, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. The episode centres around the importance of business culture, leadership style, and the philosophy of empowering teams. • Transitioning from contractor to business owner • The significance of hiring the right team • Leadership styles that foster growth • Building a company culture ...
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