Hello listener, in this episode of our skills and people series we take two trips to two UK manufacturing factories. Find out why the people culture is so ingrained at Sheffield based manufacturer, Gripple, as we speak with Katrina Richie, People and Culture Director and Marcie Rowbotham, Head of Learning and Development. 

We also pay a visit to Origin in High Wycombe, a family run company that shares the same ethos of people being the company's biggest asset. This trip took us to High Wycombe where we met Founder & COO Victoria Brocklesbury. 

Both these manufacturers were recognised for excellence in last year's TMMX Awards during Digital Manufacturing Week.

In between these two factory visits, we feature The Manufacturer's Nikhil Kumar. Currently working with us in Digital Operations Delivery, Nikhil did a degree in engineering, and explains how this experience gave him the skills to explore different opportunities. 

That's all to come in episode four of this series. 

Hey there listener, today on The Manufacturer Podcast we start with a word from Jack Thomas, technical specialist on PrintCity Network Project on the practice of reverse mentoring. This method partners senior executives with junior staff or new graduates in a mentoring relationship which encourages the introduction of fresh perspectives, new skills and innovation into the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Three time TTMX award winner Lander Group share the approach that they've taken to attracting talent. Managing Director Len Palmer explains that in the business, they have around 65 apprentices, which is around 15% of their workforce - a big proportion in comparison to what a lot of other employers do. They started their apprenticeship programme back in 2016, not just with the intention of growing talent, but a diversity of young people from different backgrounds and skill levels.

And the discussion goes on about reducing the current skills gap, as CEO and Founder of Line View Solutions Ian Rowledge discusses what more the sector could be doing when it comes to attracting and retaining young talent in the industry. 

Hey listener! This episode was recorded on International Women's Day and features some wonderful examples of women in manufacturing. 

Although the sector is often criticised for it's lack of diversity, we shine a light on those who are changing perceptions and leaving their mark. Hear from The Manufacturer's MD Grace Gilling, who shares her insights in to what has changed during her 10 year period in the sector. 

Also, have a listen to the stories of Rosa Wilkinson, Director of Policy at High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Jan Ward, Founder of Corrotherm International and Laura McBrown, Managing Director at G&B Electronic Manufacturing Services.

We hope you enjoy this week's episode! 

Hi listener - we're back with a new series! We'll be turning to our attention to skills and people, and we can't wait to see what will come of this wide ranging and multi-faceted topic series.

After a hugely fun and successful series on sustainability, the skills and people series will explore the much talk about skills gap, the need for diversity within the sector, the encouragement of younger people in to the industry and as always, the spotlight will be shone brightly on the manufacturers making strides in these departments and the experts who are offering solutions. 

In this first episode, we talk to three apprentices - two of which are up in Blythe, at sheet metal fabricators Universal Wolf. In addition to them, a first year apprentice at Make UK who is currently working at Seco Tools in Redditch. Hear what these young people have to say about their experiences so far, the perceptions around apprentices and the reasons they opted to take this route in to manufacturing. 

The editorial team also give their thoughts on the fantastic opportunities that apprenticeships bring, but lament false perceptions that have arisen, that often put apprenticeships as the forgotten option behind university. 

Crikey - we've reached the end of our sustainability series! We take a look back over some of the people we've met, issues we've discussed and words we've mispronounced! 

We also catch up with the new Sustainability Manager at leading natural ingredients manufacturer  Stephenson. Marie Masionnette has held for role for around 6 months, she tells what the job entails and how she's trying to make a difference. Ben Goodare, part of last year's Top100 alumni, speaks about his role as Chief Sustainability Officer at one of the world's leading engineering and scientific technology companies, Renishaw. Ben explains how his role has changed over the past few years. 

We also speak briefly to Floriane Fidegnon from Policy Connect - who talks about Government's role in helping manufacturers reach their carbon reduction goals. 

Hi there listener - here is episode 5 in our sustainability series, and it's a belter! 

Tue Beijer, Co-Founder of technology and design start-up STILRIDE, talks to us about the company's sustainable electric motorcycles and scooters. They're being manufactured using a ground-breaking process dubbed ‘industrial origami,’ involving robots which are able to fold single sheets of recyclable steel into intricate, lightweight and durable new structures - significantly reducing the environmental impact of production. 

Our editorial team also review their trip to the National Manufacturing Summit on 8/9 February, and discuss some of their takeaways from this year's event at The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry. 

From our London office, we're back with the fourth episode in our sustainability series. Our Director at The Manufacturer, Henry Anson, joins Multimedia Editor Tom, and Magazine Editor Joe, as they discuss the current, much changed views of board level manufacturers around the topic of sustainability. 

Sit back and enjoy, listener. 

It's another dose of your weekly manufacturing musings as the editorial team at The Manufacturer bring you episode 3 in this sustainability series. 

This week, Multimedia Editor Tom St John is joined by Editor, Joe Bush and Reporter, Lanna Deamer as usual. But the team also welcome along colleague and friend Ashley Oulton, our Conference Production Manager. 

The team question Ashley on the many views, challenges and success stories from UK manufacturers that he's been privy to, during his time engaging individuals and companies right across the industry. 

We hope you enjoy this one, listener! 

Alright there, listener? Sorry we've been away for a few weeks. We certainly hope you had a top Christmas and an epic New Year. Now that we're less hampered by Covid, we've been able to bring you episode 2 of our Sustainability Series. 

Hear about our attempts at a more sustainable Christmas - from diligent recycling of mounds of wine bottles, to the frankly disgusting choice of eating nut loaf (or nut roast - whatever hellish thing you call it). 

Find out what's good in the recently available January/February edition of The Manufacturer Magazine. And see what our team made of two sustainability themed features from this issue; A United Arab Emirates based company shouting loudly about the wonders of low carbon aluminium, and a manufacturer trying to turn the tide of wasteful, expensive and environmentally catastrophic silicon chip production. 

There's all that to look forward to in today's episode. 

Hey listener! The Manufacturer Podcast is back with a series on the big topic of sustainability. Listen to our editorial team discuss their thoughts on one of the biggest issues facing manufacturers today. Multimedia Editor - Tom St John, Editor - Joe Bush and Reporter - Lanna Deamer, review two interviews conducted at this year's Digital Manufacturing Week in November. 

Michael Wignall of Microsoft and Professor Steve Evans from the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) spoke to our team following their keynote speeches at Manufacturing Leaders' Summit, where the discussion area was on 'Sustainable Growth Through Digitalisation.'

Hear what the editorial team made of it all, in this first episode of the sustainability series. (Recorded on Wednesday 8th December)

The Manufacturer Podcast will continue in the new year with weekly episodes. The editorial team will be giving their take on certain trends in the industry, interviewing some of the most insightful and thought provoking leaders in the sector and giving you a peak in to life at The Manufacturer, where we value friendship, good fun and a real passion for this sector.