Greater Lincolnshire & Rutland Manufacturing Conference 2024

Event Information

Discover the Future of Manufacturing at the Business Lincolnshire Manufacturing Conference 2024

Join us for a day of insightful discussions and workshops tailored for manufacturing businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland at our Manufacturing Conference 2024. Hosted in the picturesque setting of The Lawn area in Lincoln, the event promises a dynamic exploration of manufacturing trends and opportunities.

Agenda Highlights

• Apprenticeships and Skills Development. Learn about Higher Level Apprenticeships and engage in discussions about developing skills and confidence in the workforce.
• AI in Manufacturing. Explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence with Projekt Rising and delve into case studies showcasing businesses effectively using AI in their manufacturing processes.
• ESG and Sustainable Practices. Gain insights into Environmental, Social, and Governance practices in manufacturing, with a focus on sustainability, sourcing, waste management, and corporate social responsibility.

Event Features

• Networking Breakfast. Kickstart your day with a complimentary networking breakfast featuring tea, coffee, pastries, and fruit, setting the stage for valuable connections.
• Working Lunch and Exhibition: Enjoy a complimentary working lunch and explore exhibits from organisations supporting the manufacturing sector, offering valuable resources and networking opportunities.
• Interactive Breakout Sessions. Engage in interactive breakout sessions covering topics such as Apprenticeships, University Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, AI in Quality Control, and more.
• Conference Round-Up: Garry Wilkinson, our event host, will round up the conference, providing key takeaways and reminders for the day's activities, including tours and tasting of Stokes.

Event Host

Garry Wilkinson, Manufacturing Sector Specialist, NatWest

Garry has over 35 years experience working in the Banking sector, working directly with SME’s, providing advice & support to help business owners realise their business goals and aspirations. Having worked for over a decade with SME’s within the manufacturing sector, Garry has built strong relationships with industry stakeholders, industry bodies and supporting organisations and helps to raise awareness of these valuable areas of support as part of strategic planning discussions with his clients. Garry has been a member of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP manufacturing board from its inception in 2017, using the platform to help influence areas of support for manufacturers throughout the County. 

Keynote Speakers

Laura Capper, Head of Manufacturing & Construction, Natwest

Laura was appointed as Head of Manufacturing & Construction for NatWest in August 2022. Having worked with SMEs and Corporates in the Asset Finance and Banking industry for 15 years, her key responsibilities include building strong relationships with industry stakeholders, industry bodies and supporting organisations. By understanding the challenges faced by manufacturing and construction companies, her focus is centred around developing a unique proposition of financial and non-financial solutions that address these, as well as creating opportunities for businesses to achieve their goals and growth ambitions. 

Laura also takes a key role in developing NatWest’s sustainability strategy which looks at supporting businesses to transition to net zero and to take advantage of the many opportunities that the decarbonisation of the economy will deliver.

Chris Corkan, Region Director, Make UK

Make UK is the largest voice supporting UK manufacturing employers. Chris’s role as Region Director for the Midlands & East of England is to engage Make UK’s members and to assist them in advancing their business. By providing bespoke introductions, industry insight, a programme of events & networking opportunities, promoting their business and ensuring their views are heard with government at both a local and national level. Another key part of his role is to engage with stakeholders representing industry’s views. Including with the media, Local Enterprise Partnerships, the West Midlands Combined Authority, East Midlands Combined Authority, Midlands Engine and the Greater Cambridgeshire Greater Peterborough Combined Authority. Additionally, Chris is also responsible for Make UK’s Affiliate Partner network of sector-specific trade association and regional cluster networks across the country, ensuring all four corners of manufacturing are represented with the highest levels of UK government. 

Shane Peel, Head of SGT Assembly, Siemens Energy Ltd

Shane has been working at Siemens Energy since 2006 where he started out as a technical apprentice. As a qualified Mechanical Fitter, Shane grew his technical knowledge building combustion systems and SGT-300/400 Gas Turbines. Following on from the technical position, Shane started his first role in leadership as a Team Leader the Service Engine Build dept before stepping into management in 2018.

Currently, Shane is the Head of Siemens Energy SGT Assembly. He has extensive experience in manufacturing and leading people. He is currently responsible for the manufacture of all Compressor Rotor services and SE SGT Core Engines within the Lincoln facilities.

Angela Borman, Skills and Education Manager, Siemens Energy Ltd

Angela has been employed at Siemens Energy Industrial Turbomachinery Ltd (SEITL) since 1986.  The majority of her career has been spent in the Company’s training department, firstly as a Training Assistant providing administrative support for a 26 person department, followed by Assistant Training Officer where she was responsible for the coordination of all training courses across the Company.

She is passionate about her role as Skills and Education Manager and through it, her ability to raise the profile of the routes to gain a career in the chosen specialist areas.  She feels she can suggest and create opportunities that benefit students, the business and the local community, thereby making a difference to all parties.

Tim Davies, CEO, Projekt Rising

Tim brings a wealth of experience to his presentation on the transformative power of AI in business. A veteran in coding and AI development, Tim has spent over three decades mastering the art of technology-driven solutions. His leadership at Projekt Rising has been marked by innovative approaches to AI applications, making complex concepts accessible and actionable for businesses. Tim's expertise extends to his role as a podcast host, where he delves into the intricacies of AI with clarity and depth. Expect a session filled with valuable insights, drawn from his rich professional journey in the ever-evolving world of AI.

Kevin Ross, Fit 4 Industrial Advisor, Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC)

Kevin works for the Nuclear AMRC – one of 7 centres that is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. As an Industrial Advisor Kevin covers the East Midlands and South Yorkshire area.

He primarily supports the Fit 4 Nuclear programme, but also acts as a key lead in digital and energy focused projects within the NAMRC. Kevin completed an engineering degree at Leeds and has over 35 years’ experience in manufacturing. This included JIT/lean manufacturing @ Toyota, renewables and FMCG - within industries including UK packaging, electronics, and timber.

Steff Wright, Chairman, Gusto Group

Steff is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Gusto Group. He started his first company as a mobile DJ at the age of 17 and has always had an enthusiasm for developing businesses and innovating in different sectors. Steff was inspired by the Rio Summit in 1992 and has pioneered sustainability in his ventures ever since, building low energy homes and empowering those communities to live more sustainably. Steff and his family switched to a plant-based diet in 2018 and he tries to live the sustainable lifestyle which he promotes through his businesses.

Secure your place

The conference is fully funded and places are limited so be sure to book yours today.

To qualify for this funded support, your business must be a small to medium enterprise (SME) based in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. Apologies, no support intermediaries, public bodies or financial sector businesses.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, network with industry experts, and explore the future of manufacturing in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. We look forward to welcoming you to our Manufacturing Conference 2024!

Don't delay, Register your place today!

Am I eligible?

The event is available to manufacturing based businesses, partnerships, sole traders, and registered charities, with a trading address located within Greater Lincolnshire & Rutland.

This conference is being organised in partnership with NatWest. By registering to attend you give your consent for the booking data to be shared with them.

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Event Sponsored by:

Attending this conference will not stop you from applying for future Business Lincolnshire Funding or Grants. 

Car Parking Information

Please note ample parking is available, though charges will apply.