Conference Concept

On November 12th 2009 The Manufacturer welcomed readers to its annual conference event. To help manufacturers succeed in these troubled times and to arm them with the knowledge they need to succeed with agility in an uncertain future, our team of researchers and events producers created an inspiring programme of presentations, workshops and debate sessions from a select group of exemplary organisations. This agenda was headlined by some of the industry’s most prominent role-models. Individuals committed to galvanising support for a resilient and vibrant manufacturing future.

Key participants included:

Stephen Radley - Chief Economist & Director of Policy EEF

Responsible for EEF’s work on the economy and industrial policy Stephens role has made him intimately conversant with both the macro and micro-economic issues effecting the manufacturing landscape.
Stephen’s experience as an industry economist is has deep foundations in a career that has included roles as Chief Economist at the Henley Centre and  four years in the CBI’s Education and Training and Employment Affairs Directorates

Professor Mike Gregory–Head of the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge
Following an early career in industry Mike was critical to the establishment of the Institute for Manufacturing at Cambridge University an institution which is still shaped by his vision for a broader understanding of manufacturing. Mike also now works closely with industry and government to promote considered policy formation and guide manufacturing strategy. He chairs the UK Manufacturing Professors Forum and is a member of the UK Government’s Ministerial Advisory Group on Manufacturing.

Pierfrancesco Manenti- EMEA Research Director for Manufacturing Insights, IDC Insights
A senior executive with over 15 years industry experience in product management, marketing, business development, manufacturing operations and supply chain management consulting and solutions implementation, Mr. Manenti is a thought leader with strong focus on the business value of technology in manufacturing.

Julian Hunt – Director of Communications, Food and Drink Federation
Previously the award winning editor of the award-winning editor of The Grocer Julian has 19 years experience as a business journalist focusing on consumer goods, the global packaging industry and the international shipping sector. He now orchestrates the FDF’s media relations and has an astonishingly well informed appreciation of the challenges currently facing food and beverage manufacture in the UK with an emphasis on policy development and industry impact.

Charles Morgan-Chairman Morgan Motors
Following an exciting and often dramatic career in the media Charles Morgan has gone on to initiate a re-animation of Morgan’s manufacturing and design processes. He was responsible for the development of the hugely successful Aero 8 and AeroMax models and is now heading up the innovative new consortium collaborating on ‘The LIFECar Project’ for a low emissions sports car. I s an active advocate of strategic skills development for industry.

Allan Cook – CEO, Cobham Plc.
Aside from his role as CEO of the FTSE 100 aerospace and defence company, Cobham, Allan is also President of ASD, Chairman of the National Skills Academy for Manufacturing, a director of the Industrial Forum and the DTI Aerospace Forum, a committee member of the UK Ministerial Advisory Group for Manufacturing to name just a few of his commitments. He is a dedicated advocate for the manufacturing industry who is resolute in his desire to secure a competitive and dynamic future based on pioneering skills and technology.
Book online now to secure your place at the event! www.themanufacturer.com/directorsconference

Four Streams to accelerate your journey to competitive excellence
These streamed sessions focus on the areas which our research amongst the manufacturing community have shown us are key in your quest survive, sustain and stimulate your business- choose which sessions apply most closely to your specific needs and gain pragmatic, applicable knowledge.

Your Supply Chain- Throughout recession many organisations have learnt the hard way just how critical security of supply is to their ability to survive. This stream will show how to achieve efficiency, effectiveness and agility in your supply chain. We will also address the global supply dilemma, carefully considering where to manufacture to maximum benefit to your company and finally, taking a different perspective, we will raise awareness of your potential as a supplier- how can you think creatively around your product to take advantage of emerging industries that will play dominant roles in the future of the national economy.
Organisations presenting include- The Lean Enterprise Research Centre, The Institute for Manufacturing, MAS and the Nuclear Industry Association.

Your Customer- The value of knowing your market and strategically nurturing customer relationships has never been higher.  Learn how to rapidly respond to changing demand- streamlining engineering and design into your production strategy to create products that pinpoint customer needs. We will see how to then take this specification to new levels through the latest approaches to service and support and crucially we will address how to lean up to deliver all this for the price the customer demands.
Organisations presenting include- Red Bull Formula 1, Rockwell Automation, Lotus Cars and Draka UK.

Your Sustainability – Involving a multiplicity of interpretations ‘sustainability’ has been a difficult issue for many manufacturers to approach. This stream will take a business sustainability approach that will clarify the integral role that environmental concerns and compliance issues have in a broader requirement for long-term business stability. We will look at the benefits of cutting waste, the carbon challenge, power options, efficiency benefits and impact on brand. How to incorporate the national move towards ‘high-value manufacturing’ into your business sustainability plans will also be addressed.
Organisations presenting include: IMServ, Technology Strategy Board, the Lean Enterprise Research Centre, Adnams.

Your Workforce – The key-stone upon which success is built. The recession has demanded a heavy toll from employees within the manufacturing industry but ensuring the continued development of this group of individuals is crucial to any organisation’s ability to survive and compete. This stream will show how some organisations have safeguarded their present and their future by creating specific work cultures that facilitate efficiency and understanding the need for investing in skills -strategically managing their placement and development for maximum effect.
Organisations presenting include – Corus Steel, Argos, Gripple Ltd