Over 80 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Midlands gathered to discuss ways to benefit from the resurgence in the manufacturing sector.
Organised by Santander and the Times, the ‘Successful Modern Entrepreneurship Summit’ took place at Fazeley Studios, Birmingham.
The summit included an address from Steve Pateman, head of UK banking at Santander, and a panel session to discuss current manufacturing opportunities with various business leaders in the sector. A keynote speech was given by Ian Maclean, managing director of John Smedley – winner of the Drapers 2013 Premium Fashion Brand of the Year Award, and the closing speech was delivered by Nick Pulley, regional director for Santander corporate and commercial in the Midlands.
Nick Pulley said the event was a “gave businesses access to some of the region’s most successful entrepreneurs” and focused “on the issues and opportunities arising from the resurgence in manufacturing, the summit was curated to ensure all attendees have the opportunity to question, debate with, and learn from some of the region’s most inspirational business leaders.”
Ian Maclean, managing director, John Smedley, added that “[attendees of] this event benefitted from the advice, knowledge and experiences of people like them who have navigated the challenges. Establishing networks like this is essential for growth of like-minded SME businesses.”
John Smedley, a knitwear company based in Derbyshire, was founded in 1784, and now operates one of the oldest manufacturing factories in the world. Their products are distributed in over 40 countries worldwide.
Discussion topics at the summit included access to finance, cash flow forecasting, international growth, modernising/upgrading, people cost, skills and competitive strategy.
The Manufacturer’s award gala takes place in November where we highlight and celebrate some of the UK’s greatest from, the diverse range of manufacturers.
The ceremony will be held at The ICC, Birmingham, on the evening of Thursday 27 November 2014 and is set to be another sell out event. – See more at: Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner 2014
