Featured guest, Andrew Large, Director General at the Confederation of Paper Industries, joins Jeff to discuss the importance of the UK's paper industry, the benefits and relevance of paper and cardboard products in an ever-increasing digital world, along with an overview of the sector and some of the opportunities and challenges.

How important still are Paper and Cardboard these days?

With growing concerns about sustainability, how is the paper industry adapting to eco-friendly practices?

What are the primary environmental challenges associated with paper and cardboard packaging in the manufacturing sector, and what strategies are being employed to address them?

How is the CPI working with government bodies to ensure sustainable practices?

#Insights4Mfg #PaperMaking #PaperManufacturing #UKManufacturing #CardboardPackaging #PaperConverting #SupportUKMfg

'Tis the season to be jolly, said Clark W. Griswald in my favourite Christmas movie of all time (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation)

This year, for the final episode of #Insights4Mfg before Christmas, I wanted to end the season with a conversation on a topic that should be on everyone's mind, not just during the holiday season, but every day.

That topic is JOY and it's something that can have a profound impact on business success, employee engagement, hiring and retention, culture, productivity, efficiency, waste reduction, happy customers and profitability.

So what's not to like❓

This episode features a magical discussion between Jeff and his dear friend from across the pond in New Jersey, USA, The Joy Kindler - Vicki O'Grady-Longo.

Vicki has spent years working for Pfizer, the global developer and manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, Vicki trained as a geneticist before moving into the sales arena

Her curiosity has always featured joy and what makes people experience joy. Recently, Vicki launched her own website to promote her JOY key-note speaking offering and the book she has contributed to - Mission Hope.

Check out this amazing discussion that even the hardiest of naysayers would find difficult not to resonate with.

JOY isn't fluffy. It's not for the weak or the toxically positive - it's for all of us.

And all businesses could really benefit from a good helping of JOY.

After all - Happiness is fleeting, but joy lingers. It is a choice and it's a powerful catalyst for fulfillment, business performance, great relationships and so much more.

🎄How did you become known as "The Joy Kindler," and what inspired you to focus on bringing joy into the workplace❓

🎄In the context of manufacturing, how do you define "joy" and what role do you believe it plays in creating a high-performance culture❓

🎄Can you share an example where introducing joy into the workplace has led to tangible improvements in productivity or employee satisfaction❓

🎄Manufacturing often involves high-pressure situations. How can leaders effectively balance the need for results with creating a joyful and positive work atmosphere❓

🎄What strategies or activities do you recommend for leaders in the manufacturing sector to foster a culture of joy and engagement among their teams, especially in environments where the focus is on precision, efficiency and financial performance❓

🎄Considering the diverse roles and hierarchies within manufacturing organisations, how can joy be instilled into the daily routines at all levels, from the shop floor to the executive suite, to create a cohesive and high-performing workplace❓

www.thejoykindler.com

Featured guest, Steve Lawrence, Owner of Uncomplicated Group speaks to Jeff about the journey he's been on as an entrepreneur following his first acquisition of an injection moulding business.

At the time of recording this podcast, Steve was in week ten of his tenure as a new business owner. Jeff finds out about the challenges involved, the learns, the wins, the excitement, the opportunities for the future and how Steve has been able to pull all of this together.

If you've ever thought of buying a manufacturing business and wondered what was involved, this podcast will be very useful to you.

What made you decide to buy a business in the first place?

Why were they such a good fit for your first acquisition?

Let’s talk about the challenges you’ve had in the first couple of months and the positive change you’ve brought to the business – Has it been a bit like Snakes + Ladders?

How have you gone about building relationships with the existing employees?

What are the biggest opportunities for the business currently?

What’s been the biggest learn for you, throughout the pre and post-acquisition period?

What advice would you give to anyone considering an acquisition for the first time, based on your experience?

Featured guest, Tony Ryan - CEO at The Design & Technology Association speaks with Jeff about the gap between Education and Industry, why kids need a STEM curriculum that not only teaches them skills, but does it in a way that excites them and how Blueprint 1000 is a conduit between Education & Industry.

Tony spent 7 years in Industry before spending over 30 years in Education as a Head of Dept, Deputy Head and Head Teacher and is now using both of those careers to facilitate the amazing work that the DTA does.

Embedding practical skills gained on real industry problems into the curriculum is the way forward said Tony. Visit www.inspiredbyindustry.org.uk to find out more.

Full details about the Design & Technology Association cane be found here: https://www.designtechnology.org.uk/

Featured guest, Angela Lawlor, Managing Director of Marvelous Manufacturing talks to Jeff about the link-up between Manufacturing businesses and schools and how a proactive and collaborative approach to encouraging more youngsters into the sector is vital.

What are the challenges for Manufacturing businesses looking to engage with schools?

What is the best way of communicating with youngsters about Manufacturing careers to pique their attention and curiosity?

How important is collaboration between Manufacturing businesses to ensure a pipeline of fresh talent is coming into the sector?

What advice do you have for Schools or Businesses who are looking to partner to promote a career in Manufacturing?

Featured guest, Stuart Brookes - Founder & Managing Director of Blackbird Communications, speaks with Jeff about the importance of a good PR & Comms strategy as well as some interesting trends in the sector.

What challenges do manufacturing businesses commonly face with their communications and PR?

Manufacturing is a complex and technical field. How do you approach simplifying and communicating intricate concepts for a broader audience?

What are some common misconceptions about communications in the manufacturing industry, and how do you address them?

Are there specific trends or innovations in PR strategies that you find particularly promising for manufacturers looking to enhance their outreach?

Featured guest, George Thompson - Chairman at BARA, speaks with Jeff about how Automation and Robotics can enable UK Manufacturing businesses to innovate and grow, the support provided by BARA and its members and the recent formation of AutomateUK, the re-branded PPMA Group of Companies.

Why do UK Manufacturing businesses need to Automate?

What manufacturing sectors have the biggest opportunities to innovate and grow through the use of Automation and Robotics?

How is BARA addressing the skills gap and helping manufacturing businesses adopt training and technology?

What was the reason behind the recent re-branding at the PPMA Group of Companies to AutomateUK?

Featured guest, Adrian Haller, Chairman of the Metalforming Machinery Manufacturer's Association & MD of Bruderer UK, talks to Jeff about the trends and opportunities within UK Manufacturing and Metalforming, as well as the Skills Gap.

What trends are shaping the manufacturing industry, particularly in metal forming machinery?

Where do you see opportunities for growth and innovation within the metal forming industry?

How are global factors and international markets influencing the UK's manufacturing landscape?

What initiatives or strategies do you think are effective in addressing the skills gap in manufacturing?

Featured guest, Mark Weymouth - Managing Director of Plus Automation, talks to Jeff about all things positive about UK Manufacturing and why he started posting a Friday Good News Round-Up on LinkedIn 4 years ago. Jeff also finds out about the work Mark is involved in at Plus Automation.

What inspired you to start the Friday Good News posts and what did you hope to achieve with it?

How do you curate and compile these positive stories related to UK Manufacturing?

How do you think these positive news posts have impacted the UK Manufacturing community and the perception of the industry as a whole?

What kind of initiatives or support does the UK government need to provide to help SME Manufacturers thrive and remain competitive in the global market?

The tables have turned once again on Insights4Mfg as Host Jeff Beacham, the usual Hunter becomes the Hunted.

Jon Cox, Executive Coach and Joint Venture Partner in the Authentica Resourcing Platinum Service, interviews Jeff and draws out some insights and facts about Jeff, the person, as well as the Executive Search Consultant.

Today's episode has a wealth of valuable insights, delivered with a healthy portion of energy and occasional humour.

This is a true look behind the scenes into the world of Executive Search and the reasons WHY Jeff does what he does and WHY his Clients partner with him on those business-critical search mandates.

In and amongst the discussion about senior-level recruitment in Manufacturing, Jeff delivers a clarion call for a band of young manufacturing heroes to step up and become influencers for the next generation of Manufacturing & Engineering stars.

Who will that be?