Shows
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastB2B Sales: How to connect with customer problems and sell more.About the GuestFred Copestake is a sales trainer and consultant at Brindis with 25 years’ experience across 38 countries, training 10,000+ salespeople. Author of Selling Through Partnering Skills (2020), Hybrid Selling, and Ethical Selling (2024), he helps engineering and manufacturing teams adopt collaborative, problem-led selling that supports sustainable growth.Key Topics in This EpisodeWhy relevance beats mass personalisation in B2B sales for manufacturersMoving from product talk to problem, outcome and value in manufacturing salesA simple five-part approach: find fit, research deeply, act as a se...
2025-11-1234 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastFrom Pain to Profit: How Data Transforms ManufacturersIn this episode of Made to Grow, Rich Dale speaks with Mark Wood, Managing Director of Alliance Procurement Solutions, about how SME manufacturers can unlock real improvements using the data and systems they already have. Drawing on his 20+ years of experience, including time at Rolls-Royce, Mark shares practical ways to use better procurement, reporting, and decision-making to cut costs, boost profitability, and reduce inefficiencies.This isn’t about chasing shiny tech or running massive transformation programmes—it’s about spotting low-hanging fruit, improving what you already do, and giving your team the tools to do the...
2025-10-0829 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastIntroducing the FEARLESS Digital Transformation FrameworkFor many SME manufacturers, scattered spreadsheets, disconnected systems, and the challenge of bringing teams along on the digital efficiency journey can be overwhelming. This episode addresses these issues by introducing the Fearless Digital Transformation framework.In this special episode, we share a recent Flowlens webinar recording where our host, Rich Dale, CEO and founder of Flowlens (with nearly three decades in digital transformation for manufacturers), presented the framework. Rich believes in fostering cultures capable of evolving and adapting.An expert panel joined him:Angela Fummpson from White Tiger Consulting, an executive business mentor focused...
2025-09-0339 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastSecuring Your Manufacturing EnvironmentFor many small manufacturers, security only becomes a focus when something goes wrong. But with bring your own device becoming more normal for all sorts of businesses, the growing reliance on subcontractors, and increasing digital complexity, the risks are harder to ignore. In this episode of Made to Grow, Rich speaks to Luke Appleby from Equilibrium Risk about how manufacturers can take a sensible, business-first approach to security. From managing physical vulnerabilities to understanding cyber risks, this conversation explores what good security looks like and how to make it work for your size and setup. If...
2025-07-0232 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastFEARLESSly Executing Your Digital TransformationDigital transformation isn’t just about the tech. It’s about people. In this second part of our conversation with quality consultant and change management expert Angela Fumpson, we move from planning to execution—what actually happens when you try to roll out meaningful change in your business.If you’ve ever struggled to get new systems to land, or if your team seems resistant to change, this episode will speak to you. We talk about how to embed transformation into the everyday, keep the momentum going, and avoid the common pitfalls that derail even the best-planned projects...
2025-05-1427 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastFoundations for Effective Change ManagementChange management is one of the biggest challenges in manufacturing and business transformation. Many organisations struggle to implement new systems or processes effectively—not because the technology doesn’t work or the cost is too high, but because people instinctively resist change.In this episode of Made to Grow, we explore why change management programmes often fail and offer some expert tips on how to set your business up for success from the start. If you’ve ever tried to change the way your business does things, whether that’s a new piece of equipment, a new pro...
2025-03-1931 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastThe Business Exit Blueprint: How to Build a Valuable, Sellable BusinessIn the first episode of Season 3 of Made to Grow, we dive into succession and exit planning—a critical but often overlooked aspect of running a business. Many SME founders find themselves deep in the day-to-day operations, without a plan for how to realise the full value of their business when the time comes to sell, transition, or step back.Introducing Our Guest: Richard McMullanJoining host Rich Dale is Richard McMullan, founder of Value Growth Catalyst and author of The Business Exit Blueprint. With a background in strategy, consulting, and business transformation, Richard has wo...
2025-02-1430 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastEmbedding a Culture of Excellence witn Rob White of DD ScientificIn the latest episode of "Made to Grow," we delve into how DD Scientific, a leading manufacturer of gas sensors, has harnessed the power of continuous improvement, automation, and data-driven insights to propel its growth and success.
Hosted by Rich Dale, CEO of Flowlens, this episode features an enlightening conversation with Rob White, Director of Excellence at DD Scientific. Rob shares practical insights into fostering a culture of excellence and the tangible benefits of embracing innovation in the manufacturing industry.
Rob White’s journey from Sales Director to Director of...
2024-12-1131 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastData Strategy, Dashboards and Decision-making for Manufacturing SMEsIn this episode of Made to Grow, host Rich Dale is joined by Marv Van Niekerk, COO of Flowlens, and Holly Steele-Nicholson, Customer Success Lead at Flowlens, to discuss the importance of data strategy and dashboard integration for small manufacturers. Together, they explore the transformative impact of MRP software and effective data management on SMEs’ operations, from improving decision-making to driving continuous improvement.
Guest Overview:
• Marv Van Nykerk
Marv Van Niekerk is the COO at Flowlens, with a background as an accountant and over ten years of experience in leading operational strategy for manu...
2024-11-0627 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastSME Supply Chain Collaboration and Carbon ReportingIn this episode of "Made to Grow," Rich welcomes Nishant Raj, CEO of Value Chain, to explore the challenges SMEs face in managing upstream Scope 3 carbon emissions.
Nishant shares insights on how SMEs can integrate sustainable supply chains and leverage digitisation to meet growing demands for environmental accountability.
Guest Overview: Nishant Raj
Nishant Raj is the CEO of Value Chain, a B2B SaaS company focused on helping SMEs and OEMs digitise and collaborate across their supply chains. With a background in manufacturing and leadership roles at Vauxhall and Atlas Copco, Nishant is...
2024-10-0328 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastThe A to Z of SOPs: Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing with Tom HughesIn this episode of "Made to Grow," we welcome back Tom Hughes, Managing Director of GembaDocs. Tom discusses the crucial role of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in manufacturing, particularly for SME manufacturers. He shares how GembaDocs simplifies the creation and implementation of SOPs, helping businesses streamline workflows, enhance training, and foster continuous improvement.
Guest Overview: Tom Hughes
Tom Hughes is the Managing Director and co-founder of GembaDocs, a software solution designed to simplify the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for manufacturers.
With over 30 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing leadership, Tom...
2024-09-1136 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastUnlocking Growth with Digital Tools for ManufacturersIn this episode of "Made to Grow," we welcome Oliver Caunt, Managing Director of JCS Nuclear Solutions. Oliver shares the story of his family firm JCS, a small manufacturing business founded in 1975 that has evolved into a leading provider of nuclear radiation sensing and shielding solutions.
In this episode, Oliver shares how JCS navigated its digital transformation journey, overcoming challenges and unlocking new opportunities through the adoption of modern cloud-based tools.
Guest Overview: Oliver Caunt
Oliver Caunt is the Managing Director of JCS Nuclear Solutions, a specialist...
2024-07-1633 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastSME Manufacturers: Collaborate to SucceedIn this thought-provoking episode of "Made to Grow," we sit down with Sam Baynham, Managing Director of Conex Portal, a vibrant UK-wide community dedicated to connecting and empowering SME manufacturers and engineering companies. Sam sheds light on how peer-to-peer networking and collaboration are revolutionising the SME manufacturing sector, helping businesses overcome common challenges and seize new opportunities.Guest Overview: Sam BaynhamSam Baynham is at the forefront of fostering collaboration among SME manufacturers. With a background in mechanical engineering and extensive experience in supporting small businesses through the design-to-market journey, Sam found that connecting to...
2024-06-1236 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastFree Digital Support for UK SME ManufacturersIn this insightful episode of "Made to Grow," we engage with Will Kinghorn, a Digital Adoption Specialist with Made Smarter UK, to explore the transformative impact of digital technology on UK SME manufacturers. As digital transformation becomes an increasingly vital part of manufacturing in all sectors, Will shares valuable insights into how the Made Smarter program is enabling businesses to embrace technology to drive growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
Guest Overview: Will Kinghorn
Will Kinghorn brings a wealth of experience in technology adoption and manufacturing innovation. With a background that spans a significant tenure at...
2024-05-0825 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing Podcast£0 to £3 million in 3 years - Denatec’s Growth StoryToday, we're joined by Nathan Peele of Denatec, a high-tech manufacturing firm that, against all odds, soared from its inception to a turnover of over £3 million in just three years. As Denatec stands on the cusp of global expansion, Nathan reflects on the pivotal moments and strategies that propelled their journey and how they used the tumult of a global pandemic to their advantage.
From their agility and customer-centric approach to their relentless pursuit of quality and their focus on sharing success with their team, Nathan's story is an inspiring and down-to-earth account of what it takes to...
2024-04-1036 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastMaking Smarter Decisions: Unlocking Growth with Manufacturing DataIn the latest episode of "Made to Grow," we explore the transformative world of the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH), a pioneering initiative designed to empower SMEs by unlocking the full potential of their data.
With the digital age demanding more from manufacturers in terms of decision-making and productivity, SMDH is championing innovation - offering tools, resources, and support to navigate the complexities of smart manufacturing.
In this episode, Flowlens founder, Rich Dale talks to Simon Coward, Director of the SMDH about their shared experience of working with SME...
2024-03-1338 minMade To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastVideo Marketing for ManufacturersIn an era where attention spans are dwindling, and the digital landscape is saturated with content, the challenge for SME manufacturers to stand out and effectively engage with their audiences is more daunting than ever.
The need for content that captures attention and supports various facets of the business—from sales processes to recruitment and customer service—is critical.
In this first episode of season two of Made To Grow, we look at how strategic video content can address these challenges head-on, transforming the way manufacturers connect with their audiences.
Introducing Our Guest - Pete...
2024-02-1439 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastMaking Connections - Powering Manufacturing Growth with Peer-to-Peer NetworksIn this insightful final episode of "Made to Grow" season one, we address a common pain point in the manufacturing industry: the isolation often felt by leaders in this sector and its impact on future growth.
This episode introduces the Manufacturers' Alliance, an organisation that counters this isolation and facilitates knowledge sharing and industry collaboration by fostering robust peer networks.
The Alliance operates primarily in the North of England, providing a platform for manufacturers to share experiences, challenges, and insights, thereby catalysing collective growth and innovation.
Our guest, Gary Sheader, founder and Managing D...
2023-12-0634 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastFuture Talent: Recruiting The Next Generation of ManufacturersAre you an SME manufacturer in the UK struggling with a growing skills gap in your industry? Then this episode of Made To Grow is a must-listen.
Angela Lawlor joins host Rich Dale to discuss the critical issue of the skills shortage in UK manufacturing. They discuss the lack of awareness among school students and career leaders about the manufacturing sector and the impact this has on the industry.
Angela shares a host of actionable strategies on how manufacturers can effectively promote themselves to the next generation of employees...
2023-11-2229 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastManufacturing in the Cloud: Integrating Your Business For SuccessAre you an SME manufacturer in the UK still relying on spreadsheets and manual processes? If so, this episode of Made To Grow is essential listening.
Mark Tooby, an accountant and expert in cloud-based systems, joins host Rich Dale to discuss the transformative power of digitalisation. Together they discuss the importance of financial literacy for leadership, staff engagement in change, the value of real-time data for decision-making, and much, much more.
Learn how to cut costs, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions that will propel your SME manufacturing business into the future.
2023-11-0830 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastDigital Manufacturing - Ready, set...go?In this episode of "Made to Grow," we dive into the world of digital transformation in manufacturing.
Our guest, Dr. Steven Barr, a designer, engineer, and sustainable manufacturing specialist shares his expertise and insights on how businesses can navigate the process of digital transformation.
From the importance of people and leadership to the role of technology and customers, Steven provides valuable advice for SME manufacturers looking to improve their operations and drive success.
Tune in to learn more about the key lessons from the first series of "Made to Grow" and get ready...
2023-10-2530 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastMaking the Change: Make UK's Digital Transformation MissionWelcome to another episode of "Made to Grow," the podcast for SME manufacturers, proudly brought to you by Flowlens, the simple and affordable MRP system.
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Verity Davidge, the Head of Policy at Make UK, an organisation that champions over 20,000 manufacturing companies across the UK. We delve into the transformative power of digitalisation, the challenges and opportunities in the UK manufacturing sector, and practical advice for SMEs looking to make a difference.
Key Points
Introduction (00:00:00)
Get to know Verity Davidge, the H...
2023-10-1133 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastMindset, mantras and manufacturingIn this episode of the Made to Grow podcast, host Rich interviews Brendan McGurgan, former CEO of a successful engineering business and scaling expert. They discuss the importance of leadership mindset, vision setting, and self-awareness in manufacturing growth.
Brendan shares key actions to develop a growth mindset. Tune in to gain insights from industry thought leaders and experts to help you on your manufacturing success journey.
Key Points
[00:00:00] Leadership Psychology in Manufacturing
Brendan McGurgan begins by discussing the psyche of the leader. He stresses that...
2023-09-2741 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastPR for Manufacturers - Telling Your StoryIn this episode of the Made to Grow podcast, Rich chats with Aneela Rose, the Managing Director of Rose Media Group, a B2B PR agency specialising in targeted media relations and marketing communications for UK manufacturing businesses.
Aneela shares her insights on the fundamentals of PR and marketing comms and how they can benefit manufacturers. She also discusses the evolving landscape of PR in the digital era and offers valuable advice on building brand awareness and credibility.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY FLOWLENS, THE AFFORDABLE, EASY TO USE MRP SYSTEM FOR SME MANUFACTURERS
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2023-09-1336 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastMotivate Your People To Maximise Your SystemsWelcome to another episode of "Made to Grow," the podcast for SME manufacturers, proudly brought to you by Flowlens, the simple and affordable MRP system.
In this episode, we're diving into the world of process mapping and system integration with our guest, Angela Fumpson.
Angela is an experienced quality engineer, author, mentor, and process improvement expert.
Join us as we explore the crucial steps to aligning people and systems for manufacturing success.
Key Sections:
Introduction: (00:00:00 – 00:03:55)
Rich Dale introduces Angela Fumpson, found...
2023-08-3033 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastFinancing Your Manufacturing Growth JourneyIn this episode, we delve into the world of funding options for manufacturing businesses with financing expert, Graham Niven of Tandem Financial Services.
Join us as we explore the impact of financial decisions on profitability, discuss the challenges manufacturers face when securing finance, and uncover the most important considerations you need when approaching the market for investment or other forms of finance.
Key Chapters:
Financial Fundamentals:. Our guest, Graham Niven, introduces the three most common forms of finance and shares insights into the pros and cons of each.
Preparing Your Manufacturing B...
2023-08-1638 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastThe Simple Secret to Lean Success with Tom HughesIn this episode, Tom Hughes, a renowned expert in Two Second Lean Methodology, joins Rich Dale from Flowlens to explore the world of Lean manufacturing and how to foster a culture of continuous improvement within your organisation.
Tom shares his extensive background in manufacturing and how he experienced his own 'Lean Epiphany.' In this roughly half-hour episode, Tom and Rich discuss how to get started on your Lean journey, the most common reasons for failure and Tom's personal story on how he became a self-professed ‘Lean Maniac.
For more information on the...
2023-08-0346 min
Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing PodcastCharting The Stages Of Growth With Mel ArchbouldMade to Grow - a new podcast featuring some of the UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturers, industry experts and thought leaders is now live!
Every fortnight, we’ll be releasing a new episode where Flowlens founder and CEO, Rich Dale will be talking insights, trends and transformations with a host of renowned experts.
In Episode #1, we talk to Mel Archbould, MD of Cloud-Busting, a consultancy which helps manufacturing leaders scale their businesses. Mel talks us through the typical stages of manufacturing growth and what your business needs to have in place to succeed at each l...
2023-07-1841 min