Industry 2Day

Manufacturing is facing a transformation challenge – but is the problem really technology, or the way businesses operate?

In this episode, we’re joined by John Robinson, Founder of The Quorum Principle, to explore why siloed thinking, disconnected organisations and traditional ways of working are holding manufacturing back.

Drawing on a career spanning the shop floor to the boardroom, John explores what needs to change if the industry is to move beyond fragmented initiatives and create genuinely transformative change.

At the heart of the conversation is The Quorum Principle – a highly disruptive concept built around radical collaboration, organisational interoperability and a fundamentally different way of working. But as John explains, making that shift requires more than collaboration alone. It requires vision, leadership and a willingness to challenge established ways of operating.

In this episode, we discuss:

John is also taking the conversation to the Quorum Principle event at the MTC in December, bringing together leaders from across industry to explore how radical collaboration could transform the way businesses operate.

Head to https://mtcevents.co.uk/upcoming-events/ to learn more.

Digital transformation is no longer a future ambition for manufacturers – it’s a business necessity. But knowing where to start, which technologies to invest in and how to turn digital adoption into meaningful business value can still be a challenge.

In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Sarah Gambrall, Head of Support Programmes at the West Midlands Growth Company, to explore what manufacturers can do to confidently begin and accelerate their digital transformation journey.

Drawing on Sarah’s experience leading business support programmes including Made Smarter West Midlands, we explore where manufacturers are getting stuck, what separates successful digital adopters from those that struggle to move beyond the planning stage, and why people, leadership and culture can be just as important as the technology itself.

We also discuss the importance of collaboration across the manufacturing ecosystem and why events such as Digital Manufacturing 2Day can help businesses share experiences, learn from one another and turn digital ambitions into action.

In this episode, we discuss:

🎧 Listen or watch Industry 2Day wherever you get your podcasts, or visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

Nuclear is no longer a legacy sector - it’s one of the UK’s biggest industrial opportunities. The question is: are manufacturers ready to act?

In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew Bowfield from MTC to explore the current state and future potential of the UK’s civil nuclear sector - and why now is the moment for businesses to engage.

We unpack the complexity of the nuclear landscape, from global pressures and financing challenges to supply chain readiness and long-term opportunity. 

We also explore how the UK can strengthen its manufacturing capability, attract new entrants into the nuclear supply chain, and capture more value from major programmes.

This episode challenges outdated perceptions of nuclear and highlights the scale of the opportunity ahead - particularly for organisations willing to think long-term and act early.

We discuss:

🎧 Listen or watch Industry 2Day wherever you get your podcasts, or visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Nick Leeder, CEO of INCIT UK, to explore how the UK measures progress in manufacturing - and why visibility, leadership and collaboration are essential to turning industrial strategy into real-world impact.

Nick shares insights on the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the need for neutral and scalable measurement frameworks, and how manufacturers can move from fragmented regional initiatives to full supply chain maturity. This conversation also previews Nick’s upcoming sessions at the National Manufacturing Summit, where he’ll explore industry perceptions of national policy and the role of practical measurement in accelerating transformation.

Key Topics Covered

About the Guest

What does it really take to go from apprentice to founder - and disrupt a traditional industry along the way?

In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Tom Flude, Co-founder of Engineers Insight, to explore his journey into entrepreneurship and how he’s rethinking the way engineers access information, opportunities, and inspiration.

Tom shares the real story behind launching a start-up in a highly traditional sector, the challenges of breaking away from legacy trade media models, and why visibility, storytelling, and community are critical to closing the skills gap in engineering.

We discuss:

🎧 Listen or watch Industry 2Day wherever you get your podcasts, or visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

Cyber security has become one of the most talked-about risks in manufacturing - but too often, the conversation is driven by fear rather than facts.

In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Jonathan Sword, Director at Agility Cyber, to break down what cyber security really means for manufacturers today. 

From resilience and culture to AI-driven risks and supply chain vulnerabilities, Jonathan shares how businesses can take meaningful, cost-effective action without getting overwhelmed.

We discuss:

🎧 Listen or watch Industry 2Day wherever you get your podcasts, or visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

The skills gap in UK manufacturing has been a persistent challenge - but what if the solution lies not in policy, but in people?

In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Will Bridgman, Managing Director at Warren Services, to explore how proactive and innovative SMEs can lead the way in shaping the future workforce. 

From inspiring the next generation through early engagement with schools, to redefining apprenticeships and continuous learning, Will shares his insight into how manufacturers can turn a skills challenge into a competitive advantage.

We discuss:

Explore past episodes of Industry 2Day by visiting www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Anni Toner, Group CEO of The Data Shack, to explore how manufacturers can move from AI theory to practical action.

This conversation provides a clear, grounded, and insight-led look at what it really means to implement AI and digital tools in manufacturing today. We dive into AI trends, share real-world case studies, and explore the human and technical challenges that businesses need to overcome to make meaningful progress.

In this episode, Anni discusses:

Anni is just one of the expert speakers taking to the stage at Digital Manufacturing 2Day at the MTC in Coventry on Wednesday 22nd October. Registration is free - to learn more about the event, visit www.digitalmanufacturing2day.com.

Explore past episodes of Industry 2Day by visiting www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

This episode of Industry 2Day features Kristin Baker, Vice President of Industrial & Process Automation at Schneider Electric, and explores the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and how it supports critical goals around digitisation, decarbonisation and skills development.

We unpack the relationship between policy and practice, looking at Schneider Electric’s own investments in the UK, what it means to remain competitive in a challenging global landscape, and how the sector can prepare its people and infrastructure for the energy systems of tomorrow.

In this episode, we discuss:

To learn more about the podcast, visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

In this episode, Nathan Sweeney - Microsoft AI Lead for KPMG UK, discusses AI agents – what are they, how are they impacting UK manufacturing and how can businesses benefit from AI adoption?

We will also look to dispel some of the misconceptions around AI and its impact on the workforce, sharing examples of how and where businesses have deployed AI effectively. 

In this episode, we explore:

To learn more about the podcast, visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day