Shows
Manufacturing LeadersBuilding a World-Class Business from the North EastSend a textIn this latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders podcast, Mark welcomes Richard Bradley, CEO of the SST Group, to discuss leadership, organisational culture, and the future of the engineering industry. The conversation delves into Richard’s journey of transforming business environments through strategic vision and growth initiatives. Emphasising the significance of values, Richard articulates the vitality of having a shared purpose within the team, highlighting how a collaborative atmosphere can propel organisations towards excellence.Richard discusses the importance of fostering a culture built on mutual trust and accountability. He s...
2026-02-1852 min
Manufacturing LeadersUnlocking the Secrets of Manufacturing EfficiencySend us a textIn the latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders podcast, we’re joined by Mark Greenhouse - a highly experienced manufacturing consultant who’s spent years working hands-on in the industry.Mark’s career spans from high-speed food production to advising factories across a wide range of manufacturing environments. Along the way, he’s built a deep understanding of how factories really work - from improving productivity and efficiency to getting business models and operations properly aligned.In this episode, Mark shares practical strategies that can seriously lift factory...
2026-01-2945 min
Manufacturing LeadersWhat Great Leadership Really Looks Like in the Modern WorkplaceSend us a textIn the latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders podcast, Mark is joined by Krystina Snowden, HR Manager at Blachford, for an honest and insightful conversation about what modern leadership really looks like - and why people-first cultures matter more than ever.Together they explore how leadership has evolved from command-and-control management to creating safe, supportive environments where people are encouraged to grow, learn from mistakes, and ultimately thrive. Krystina shares her journey into HR, the realities of managing people in manufacturing environments, and why the best leaders aren’t afr...
2026-01-1544 min
Manufacturing LeadersBuilding a Manufacturing Legacy: Inside Egger's 40-Year Success StorySend us a text🎙️ Elfie, Director at Egger Hexham, shares how strong values and bold leadership have built one of the North East’s most respected manufacturers.🔹 Family values & respect shape a culture where generations choose to work 🔹 1,400 applicants for their apprenticeship program – and 20% of staff are ex-apprentices 🔹 Long-term thinking & reinvestment are core to Egger’s success 🔹 Sustainability has been central to their strategy for decades 🌱👇 Like, subscribe, and get in touch with Mark and the Theo James team if you’re passionate about your career or your people.0330 1340 274#Ma...
2025-04-1744 min
Manufacturing LeadersKieron Wood: Harnessing Data for Supply Chain SuccessSend us a textKieran Wood, General Manager of Tiger Lifting, explores how data is reshaping supply chain management.🚀 The shift from relationship-based decision-making to data-driven strategies 🔍 Why understanding processes is crucial before digitalization 🤝 Engaging frontline staff for successful tech adoption 📦 Reshoring trends and supply chain capacity challenges 💰 Optimizing processes to reduce costs and improve efficiencyLike & subscribe to support the show! Need recruitment expertise? Contact Mark or the Theo James team.Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps...
2025-03-2146 min
Manufacturing LeadersBuilding High Performing Teams Through Authentic RelationshipsSend us a textWhat makes an effective leader in today's complex manufacturing environment? Scott Lowrie, Operations Director at Fujifilm, reveals that authentic relationship-building trumps traditional command-and-control approaches every time."It's very easy to talk the talk, but you've got to walk the walk," Scott explains, highlighting how behaviours cascade through organisations when leaders model what they expect. The most powerful validation? Walking into a meeting room to find your team confidently running things without you – proof that empowerment truly works.Scott challenges the outdated notion that introverts can't excel in leadership positions. Hi...
2025-03-1336 min
Manufacturing LeadersMark Cholmondeley: Emotionally Intelligent Leadership is the Key to Building a Positive Culture, a Founders Journey!Send us a textMark Cholmondeley the Managing Director of Libellum, shares his journey from contractor to business leader, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. The episode centres around the importance of business culture, leadership style, and the philosophy of empowering teams.• Transitioning from contractor to business owner • The significance of hiring the right team • Leadership styles that foster growth • Building a company culture focused on respect • The impact of imposter syndrome on entrepreneurs • Long-term goals for business development • The role of mentorship and apprenticeship in growth • Strate...
2025-03-0650 min
Manufacturing LeadersNavigating Site Closure & Redundancy. The Power of a Team First Mindset in Navigating ChangeSend us a textJoin us for an enlightening episode that tackles the significant challenges of leadership during tough times. In this heartfelt conversation, Mark Bracknall interviews Craig Duell, the General Manager at SAFT, who shares his invaluable insights on managing the emotional and operational ramifications of site closures and redundancies. This episode delves into the heavy responsibilities that come with leading a workforce deeply impacted by change, offering a candid look into the complex landscape of leadership.Craig's journey at SAFT is not just about the numbers; it's about the people behind those numbers...
2025-02-2755 min
Manufacturing LeadersSteve Drew: Shaping the Future, Empowering the Next Generation of Electrical EngineersSend us a textWhat if the future of manufacturing and engineering could be redefined by engaging the youth and aligning education with industry needs? Join me, Mark Bracknell, as I welcome Steve Drew, the visionary founder of Nano, who believes in leading by example to tackle these challenges head-on. Steve shares his insights on the often misunderstood world of manufacturing and electronics, highlighting the essential role of leadership in inspiring the next generation. Together, we tackle the pressing issue of attracting young talent to the manufacturing and engineering sectors and propose innovative strategies to address the...
2025-02-1358 min
Manufacturing LeadersJason Penney: Future-Proofing ManufacturingSend us a textWhat if you could lead your manufacturing team to new heights by harnessing the power of AI and data-driven innovation? Join us as we unpack this transformative potential with Jason Penny, Senior Account Manager at Tharsis. Jason shares his extensive knowledge on how technological advancements are reshaping product development, providing companies the agility needed in today’s ever-changing market. He also sheds light on the importance of strong leadership to inspire and drive teams toward growth, particularly amidst the dynamic shifts within the UK manufacturing sector.We also take a closer lo...
2025-02-0648 min
Manufacturing LeadersWill Wallace: The Customer Is KINGSend us a textDiscover the secret to transforming client relationships and refining leadership skills with insights from Will Wallace, the General Manager of Soil Machine Dynamics. Whether you're curious about shifting from bespoke services to productized offerings or eager to enhance your leadership techniques, this episode promises to be a treasure trove of actionable advice. Explore how these strategies not only streamline operations but also bolster customer satisfaction in the rapidly evolving fields of manufacturing and engineering.Tracing Will's intriguing career path from an aircraft engineer in the Royal Navy to a significant role...
2025-01-3047 min
Manufacturing LeadersJohn Fitzgerald: Leading the Charge in Renewable Energy Innovation and Superconductor TechnologySend us a textGet ready to meet John Fitzgerald, the visionary CEO of Supernode, as he shares his insights on how superconducting technology is becoming a game changer in the fight against climate change. This episode promises to lift the curtain on the cutting-edge developments that are redefining the energy landscape. From Supernode’s strategic move to establish a factory in Belize to the creation of the East-West Interconnector, John discusses how these initiatives are transforming electricity trade and addressing the ever-growing demand for renewable energy.As we journey through the intricacies of the su...
2025-01-1653 min
Manufacturing LeadersJason Pritchard: Transforming Personal Challenges into Leadership Success in UK ManufacturingSend us a textJason Pritchard shares his incredible journey from homelessness to becoming a prominent leader in the manufacturing tech sector, demonstrating the power of resilience and empathy in leadership. Topics explored include digital transformation, automation myths, the importance of data in decision-making, and the future of manufacturing jobs.• Jason describes the significance of empathy in modern leadership • The importance of digital transformation for UK manufacturing • Common misconceptions about the costs of implementing new technology • The crucial role of data in enhancing operational efficiency • Insights on how automation can improve rather than el...
2025-01-0950 min
Manufacturing LeadersPeter Fairly: Leadership Lessons in Driving Growth and Shaping the Future of British ManufacturingSend us a textDiscover the essence of leadership with Peter Fairly, the Group Managing Director of the Fairly Gun Group Ltd. Peter, who co-founded the group with Jonathan James Gun, takes us on a captivating journey from his engineering roots to managing multiple successful businesses. He shares valuable insights on the nuances of leadership, emphasising the balance between managing and mentoring. Learn how an engineering apprenticeship laid the foundation for Peter's career and understand the critical role of hands-on experience in shaping effective leaders.Peter's story offers an intriguing look into business growth and...
2024-12-1348 min
Manufacturing LeadersLina Emilsson: Conquering EV Challenges and Driving a Sustainable Energy Future with Empowered TeamsSend us a textUnlock the secrets of leadership and sustainability in manufacturing with our special guest, Lina Emilsson, the Chief Operating Officer of Nidec Energy. Lina shares her invaluable insights into empowering teams and fostering environments where innovation thrives. With a critical eye on the electric vehicle industry's challenges, she emphasizes the urgent need for the UK to learn from Norway's successes to remain competitive. You'll gain a deeper understanding of her journey into engineering, spurred by a fascination with factory processes and a pivotal opportunity in the pharmaceutical sector, and how these experiences shape her...
2024-12-0541 min
Manufacturing LeadersJohn Doyle: Lessons In Sustainable Leadership And Innovation In AgricultureSend us a textUnlock the secrets of leadership and legacy with our guest, John Doyle, an experienced Operations Manager in the agricultural industry. In our conversation, John reveals the transformative power of selfless leadership and the art of fostering a culture of reflection and collaboration. Whether you're aiming to create positive change or build a legacy, John's journey offers indispensable insights into mastering the balance between confidence and humility on the leadership ladder.Explore the often-misunderstood terrain of career progression as we challenge preconceived notions about younger generations and long-term career commitments. John shares...
2024-11-2846 min
Manufacturing LeadersEmpowering Change With Ethical LeadershipSend us a textJoin us on the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast as we sit down with Umayr Idrees, the visionary Global Head of Workload Optimisation at Hitachi Rail. Umayr's journey into leadership was sparked at a young age, and he shares how it shaped his understanding of ethical leadership beyond mere titles. We unravel the challenges and responsibilities that come hand-in-hand with leadership, especially in inspiring and empowering the new generation in the manufacturing industry. Umayr's insights into succession planning and KPIs for manufacturing optimisation are invaluable for anyone striving to make a lasting impact in their f...
2024-11-1449 min
Manufacturing LeadersAhead Of The Curve: Redefining Leadership For A New GenerationSend us a textJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Charlie Goodfellow, the dynamic operations manager at Icon Plastics, who shares his remarkable journey through leadership and career progression. Discover how positive mentorship and a supportive company culture propelled Charlie to a prominent position in the manufacturing industry. His story offers invaluable insights into overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome and highlights the crucial role of effective communication, honesty, and integrity in leadership.Explore Charlie's reflections on career progression, where he candidly discusses the struggles of finding motivation and direction post-university. Learn about the pivotal...
2024-11-0748 min
Manufacturing LeadersEmpowering Leadership Decisions With Financial InsightSend us a textDiscover the journey of Sam Briggs, Head of HR at Aarsleff Ground Engineering Ltd, as she shares insights on leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of HR. Learn the art of crafting a vision that inspires and empowers teams, along with the significance of nurturing talent to future-proof businesses. Sam's evolving career path, from accountancy to leadership roles in retail, offers a compelling narrative on the unexpected yet rewarding transition into human resources.Unpack the strategic shift in HR from traditional administrative roles to data-driven, business-aligned strategies. Our conversation with Sam...
2024-10-3143 min
Manufacturing Leaders6 Traits Of Mastering LeadershipSend us a textEver wondered what it takes to truly inspire and lead in today's dynamic business environment? Join us as we engage with Paul Edwards, the insightful Managing Director of Jonesco in Preston, who redefines leadership beyond the bounds of authority and command. Discover the transformative impact of mentorship through Paul's personal journey and his unique emphasis on empowering others, drawing from his own experiences with a strong educational and familial foundation. This conversation is rich with anecdotes and real-life examples that demonstrate how teaching and leadership intersect to nurture talent and drive career success.
2024-10-2452 min
Manufacturing LeadersWhy Business Leaders Need To Create A Strategy In ManufacturingSend us a textImagine transforming your business strategy just like a seasoned engineer tackles complex problems. Join us as we have an enlightening conversation with Dan Mottram, a strategic advisor to the manufacturing industry. Dan takes us on a journey through his fascinating career, from his beginnings in engineering with aerospace giants to spearheading transformation initiatives in a leading retail company. Learn how his deep-seated passion for STEM and physics not only served as a foundation but also fueled his transition into consulting, where he leverages strategic thinking to drive profound change.Unlock the...
2024-10-1740 min
Manufacturing LeadersImportance Of Training Your Managers In ManufacturingSend us a textWhat happens when leaders shift from authoritative to collaborative styles? Find out from Maxine Henry, Group HR Manager at Dyer Engineering, as she shares her invaluable insights on modern leadership and HR culture transformation. This episode promises a deep dive into the evolving dynamics of leadership, where empowering teams and setting positive examples take precedence over having all the answers. Maxine discusses the pressures leaders face, especially during crises like COVID-19, and the importance of thoughtful decision-making in creating resilient organizations.Throughout our conversation with Maxine, we explore the multifaceted nature...
2024-10-1052 min
Manufacturing LeadersBuilding Strong Supplier Relationships & Empowering LeadershipSend us a textUnlock the secrets to exemplary leadership and ethical procurement in our latest episode featuring Tony Watson. Tony, the Director of Procurement at Accord Healthcare, shares his deeply personal philosophy on leadership, emphasising the honor and responsibility that comes with guiding a team. He opens up about the pivotal moments in his early career that shaped his approach to creating a safe and empowering work environment, fostering innovation, and building rock-solid supplier relationships. You’ll walk away with actionable insights and a fresh appreciation for the role of leadership in a thriving business.
2024-10-0346 min
Manufacturing LeadersNavigating Business Challenges and Expanding Opportunities in LeadershipSend us a textWhat if true leadership transcends personal ambition? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Andrew Wood as he recounts his transformation from a driven young leader to one who prioritizes responsibility and integrity. Discover how Andrew's early experiences and a pivotal moment delivering a speech ignited his passion for leadership. We'll dive into the complexities of nurturing a senior team and the profound impact leaders have on their team members' lives and families. This episode promises to offer a nuanced understanding of what it means to truly lead with heart and conviction.
2024-09-2753 min
Manufacturing LeadersThe Importance Of Procurement In ManufacturingSend us a textUnlock the secrets of strategic procurement with our special guest, Paul Donaghy, Global Category Manager at Ingersoll Rand. Explore Paul's fascinating journey into the world of procurement and his innovative approach to leadership. Get inspired by his insights on building strong supplier relationships and the importance of effective evaluation methods amidst global challenges like Brexit, COVID-19, and geopolitical conflicts.Discover the hidden complexities of procurement processes beyond just pricing and negotiations. From identifying the perfect supplier to managing risks and ensuring legal protection, Paul's expertise sheds light on crucial aspects that...
2024-09-0443 min