Manufacturing Leaders

By Mark Bracknall

Currently the Number 1 Manufacturing Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Mark Bracknall, Founder of Theo James Recruitment is the host of Manufacturing Leaders.

The UK is

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FAQs about Manufacturing Leaders:

How many episodes does Manufacturing Leaders have?

The podcast currently has 122 episodes available.

Manufacturing Leaders episodes:

September 18, 2025How Authenticity Drives Operational Excellence in Industry
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From administrative temp to Head of People at Expanded Metal, Jo Lloyd shares her 12-year journey of transforming leadership in manufacturing. She explains how the industry has shifted from command-and-control management to a people-first approach.
In this episode you will learn:
Leadership is about guiding with collaboration, not ego
Emotional intelligence drives better decisions and stronger teams
How Expanded Metal moved from hierarchy to collaboration
The importance of diversity and cross-training in modern manufacturing
Why leaders should be accessible and help others succeed
Listen for a conversation that challenges traditional leadership and champions inclusivity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.
...more
47min
August 28, 2025Diversity Fuels Innovation in Manufacturing
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When a manufacturer doubles its workforce in just seven years despite industry-wide skills shortages, you know they’re doing something right. In this episode, Lorinda Lackay, Operations Director at Minicam, shares the strategies that have transformed this Salford-based wastewater inspection systems manufacturer.
In this episode you will learn:
How Lorinda’s early passion for engineering inspired a focus on developing young talent
Why diversity across nationalities fuels innovation, resilience, and adaptability
How reskilling existing employees and creating new career pathways strengthens the workforce
How collaborative spaces and open workbench layouts drive culture and lasting change
Practical strategies for tackling recruitment challenges and futureproofing skills
Listen for insights on building a strong culture, developing talent, and driving innovation in modern manufacturing.
Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.
...more
43min
August 21, 2025Manufacturing T-REX Leather
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Dinosaur leather, lab-grown meat, and replacement corneas might sound like science fiction, but they’re happening now in Newcastle at 3D BioTissues. Adam Crosby, Director of Operations, shares how this Newcastle University spin-out is developing groundbreaking biological materials.
In this episode you will learn:
How 3D BioTissues produces pure biological materials without scaffolding
The creation of dinosaur leather, lab-grown meat, and lab-grown corneas
How servant leadership empowers the team and encourages innovation at every level
Challenges for the Northeast in keeping scientific talent local and securing funding
How 3D BioTissues is shaping the future of science, fashion, and medical treatments
Listen for insights on leadership, innovation, and how the Northeast is becoming a hub for cutting-edge science and manufacturing.
Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.
...more
34min
July 31, 2025From Syria to the UK: Founding an Award Winning Cheese Brand
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Razan Alsous shares her journey from fleeing conflict in Syria to founding Yorkshire Dama Cheese, now one of the UK’s most celebrated artisan cheese brands.
In this episode you will learn:
How Razan started the business with just £2,500 and repurposed equipment
How she identified a gap in the market for fresh, locally made halloumi
How Yorkshire Dama has won over 65 awards, including at the World Cheese Awards
How the brand supplies Michelin-starred restaurants and top farm shops
How Razan balanced business growth with studying food technology to strengthen the company
Listen for an inspiring story of grit, vision, and building something truly special against all odds.
Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.
...more
48min
July 17, 2025The Impact of Early Industry Exposure on Future Talent
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Declan Middleton, Engineering Manager at Perry Process Equipment, shares his journey from reluctant work experience student to respected leader and details how one summer placement changed his career trajectory forever.
In this episode:
🎮 Declan wanted to be a journalist, until his dad made him try engineering work experience instead.

👷‍♂️ From apprentice to Engineering Manager, now leading and mentoring his own team.

🚀 Encouraging young engineers to take risks, fail fast, and grow through real-world learning.
Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.
...more
55min
July 10, 2025Don't wait for your boat to come ashore, swim out and reach it - from Apprentice to M.D
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Matthew Pemrick, Managing Director of Cicor, shares his journey from apprentice to business leader and how endurance sports like Ironman have shaped his approach to resilient leadership.
In this episode you will learn:
How Matthew progressed from factory apprentice to MD and the lessons he learned along the way
How endurance sports shaped his mental toughness and business resilience
How to build inclusive teams by hiring the best, not by quotas
How a people-first culture of visibility, empathy, and connection drives performance
How purpose-driven action supports apprenticeships, communities, and continuous improvement
Listen for insights on resilient leadership, building inclusive teams, and creating a culture that empowers people to thrive.
Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.
...more
59min
July 03, 2025Building Resilient Supply Chains in a Volatile World
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Peter Cottle, Head of Supply Chain at Walker Filtration, shares insights on leadership and innovation in modern supply chains.
In this episode you will learn:
How accountability, emotional intelligence, and trust form the foundation of strong leadership
How resilience is built through data visibility, early warning systems, and smart technology
How sustainability and mentorship attract talent and create long-term value
How purpose-driven strategies reshape supply chains to be future-ready and people-focused
How combining leadership, technology, and culture drives innovation across operations
Listen for practical insights on leading modern supply chains and creating a resilient, innovative, and people-focused business.
Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.
...more
50min
June 26, 2025How to Unlock Your Teams Full Potential
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Daniel Stanway, transformational business coach and former manufacturing leader, shares how real change begins with identity, mindset, and trust. Learn how to create a culture where people don’t just comply, they commit.
In this episode you will learn:
Why identity-based motivation outperforms traditional incentives
The importance of psychological safety in driving continuous improvement
How to lead with values rather than just metrics or processes
How to make change stick by aligning personal meaning with business goals
How to prepare teams for AI and automation through capability building
Listen for insights on building committed teams and leading transformational change in manufacturing.
Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.
...more
50min
June 12, 2025How To Win UK Defence Manufacturing Contracts
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Kelly Maddison, UK Membership Director at Make UK Defence, shares insights on how SMEs can access opportunities in the defence sector.
In this episode you will learn:
How the MOD aims for 25% of its spend to go directly to SMEs
Upcoming targets for prime contractors to work with smaller suppliers
How Make UK Defence supports SMEs with guidance and access to opportunities
What SMEs need to do to become “fit for defence” and win work
Practical steps for breaking into the defence supply chain
Listen for actionable insights on navigating the defence sector and securing government contracts.
Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.
...more
40min
May 22, 2025David Yodaiken: The Importance Of Communicating Your Vision In Manufacturing
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David Yodaiken shares his journey from working at the ground level in his father’s electronics company to becoming CEO of Cyclops Electronics. He explores how experience, communication, and culture shape effective leadership.
In this episode you will learn:
How gaining experience outside the family business shaped David’s leadership and perspective
Why trust and clear communication are essential for building strong teams
How breaking unhelpful habits improves organisational culture and processes
How Cyclops focuses on delivering more value to existing customers
How the company is expanding into new markets and growth opportunities
Listen for insights on leadership, culture, and driving growth in a family business.
Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.
...more
46min

FAQs about Manufacturing Leaders:

How many episodes does Manufacturing Leaders have?

The podcast currently has 122 episodes available.