Will joins us from EuroWeek – a capital markets newspaper – for which he has been supplements editor since 2005.
His keen interest in manufacturing stems from boatbuilding experience – both practical and in writing – and the British automotive industry. This interest was galvanized following the Richard Dimbleby lecture by James Dyson in 2004 on the future of the UK’s manufacturing industry, the need to train more engineers in the UK and to aspire to compete on an equal basis with the world’s biggest manufacturing and exporting countries. While working as a financial journalist he has become increasingly interested in the UK’s global status in manufacturing.
Will read psychology at Liverpool University and graduated in 1994. After a spell crewing large yachts, during which he gained experience of yacht building, he joined International Boat Industry magazine at IPC Media in 1999. He then worked for Motor Boat & Yachting, and he has written for several titles including BOAT International, The Yacht Report, Global Adventure, Captain’s Log and The Ringsider. He started a marine multimedia business, Fineline Films, in 2003 which is now managed under new ownership, before joining EuroWeek.
Will said he is very excited about joining The Manufacturer and making a big contribution to the magazine.
In his own words: “British manufacturing faces difficult times, however I believe now is the time to embrace the challenges of globalisation and a weakening economy, when developing a competitive manufacturing industry with long term security.
“UK companies are adaptable, innovative and lean, but slowing demand means the industry needs to share its knowledge, co-operate and continue to invest in training to beat the downturn and remain competitive. I will do my best to ensure The Manufacturer continues to be an incisive, topical, true and fair voice for the industry (and, I hope, a great read) and to develop its role as the de facto forum for industry news, issues and opinions. I welcome any suggestions and contributions to help achieve this, so please get in touch. I look forward to meeting you.”
Will is a keen cyclist, is married with two daughters and lives in Teddington, Middlesex.
He will take over the reins here at The Manufacturer at the beginning of the new year.
