Make UK Manufacturing Dinner & Expo 2025

Make UK Manufacturing Dinner & Expo 2025

A great opportunity to meet fellow Make UK members to network, connect and share knowledge.

By Events Team

Date and time

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:00 - Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:30 GMT+1

Location

Hardwick Hall Hotel

Sedgefield Co Durham TS21 2EH United Kingdom

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Join us, as we bring together our Manufacturing Community for the Make UK Manufacturing Dinner & Expo 2025.

On the evening of Wednesday, 18th of June, you are invited to attend the Make UK Manufacturing Dinner. This event brings together the vibrant manufacturing community to explore the future of the industry.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share experiences, and gain valuable insights that will help shape the future of manufacturing. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

Outline 18th of June Manufacturing Dinner - sponsored by VEST Energy Ltd

18:00pm | Drinks Reception

18:45pm | Seated for Dinner

19:00pm | Welcome by Make UK

19:15pm | Dinner Served

20:00pm | Panel Discussion

21:30pm | Close and Networking


On Thursday, 19th of June, we're excited to bring you a day filled with groundbreaking insights and transformative discussions. We explore the importance of workforce management and delve into how the strategic adoption of AI technology and smarter manufacturing can address the most critical challenges within our sector.

We have three dynamic panels lined up:

  1. Practical Adoption of AI – Transforming Manufacturing: Discover how AI is revolutionising manufacturing with real-world applications and strategies. Hear directly from business leaders and engage with our experts during the Q&A session.
  2. Workforce Management and the Skills Gap: Explore innovative solutions for managing your workforce and bridging the skills gap. Learn from industry leaders and participate in the interactive Q&A.
  3. Manufacturing Made Smarter: Sponsored by Made Smarter, this panel features manufacturers who have access Made Smarter funding. Enhance your operations and get your questions answered during the Q&A.


Outline 19th June Manufacturing Expo

08:15am | Registration and Networking

09:00am | Welcome: Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive Officer, Make UK

09:15am | Keynote Speaker: Jon Turner, Head of the Siemens Electrification & Automation Business in Great Britain & Ireland

09:30am | Session 1: Practical adoption of AI – transforming manufacturing

  • John Cook, Production Director - Groupe Atlantic UK, ROI & NA
  • Mike Maddock, Managing Director - PES Performance Engineered Solutions
  • Professor Mike Wilson M.Sc B.Sc, Chief Automation Officer - Manufacturing Technology Centre
  • Melissa Conlon, Commercial Director - AMRC North West

11:00am | Coffee Break and Networking in Exhibitor Area

11:30pm | Session 2: Workforce management and the skills gap

  • Harriet Bean, Senior Quality Coordinator and Process Chemist and Make UK's National Engineering Apprentice Winner - BASF
  • Leanne Hume, HR Manager - Ford Aerospace
  • Sharon Lane, Managing Director - Tees Components
  • Paul Stockhill, Managing Director - Agemaspark

13:00pm | Lunch Break and Networking in Exhibitor Area

14:00pm | Keynote Speaker: Kiran Fothergill, Director Pickering Lifts - A lift after lunch; Entrepreneurialism in Manufacturing

14:15pm | Session 3: Manufacturing Made Smarter - sponsored by Made Smarter

  • Mark Rowney, Business Owner - Woven Stone
  • Richard Brine, Managing Director - Elemy Group Ltd | Anglia Composites Ltd
  • Peter Fairley, Group Managing Director - Fairley Gunn Group Ltd
  • Kathryn Meadows, Joint Owner - Nicholson's Butchers

15:45pm | Closing Remarks followed by Networking

16:30pm | Event Close

Get ready for an inspiring day of learning, networking and innovation. Let's shape the future of manufacturing together!

This event presents an outstanding opportunity for manufacturers to:

  • Network with industry peers.
  • Forge new business contacts.
  • Exchange ideas and best practices.
  • Exhibit your capabilities.


Exhibition & Sponsorship Opportunities

  • Showcase your company’s capabilities and products.
  • Build brand awareness through exhibition and sponsorship.
  • For more details, contact northernevents@makeuk.org.


Organised by

Britain is one of the world's biggest manufacturing nations. Almost 3 million people work in our sector and deliver almost half of all UK exports. Our companies drive over 60 percent of all UK research and development. As a result of that investment, manufacturing as we know it is changing, adapting, and transforming each and every day.  

We’re at the cutting edge of innovation; leading the way in developing skills and driving competitive advantage for the UK. We stimulate success for manufacturing businesses, helping them to meet their objectives and goals. We empower individuals and we inspire the next generation.

£78 – £300