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What It Takes to Lead British Manufacturing: Lessons from Darren Wallace of Cirrus Research
Can a British manufacturer keep innovating while competing on the global stage?
In this episode of MDs in Manufacturing, Kerry Hope, Managing Director at Castle Employment Group, speaks with Darren Wallace, CEO of Cirrus Research PLC, about leading a second-generation Yorkshire business with a worldwide reach.
Darren’s story takes us from his early days as an electronics engineer to the boardroom, where he now oversees one of the UK’s most respected names in acoustic measurement technology. Cirrus Research has built a global reputation for innovation while proudly manufacturing every product in the UK — a rare achievement in today’s competitive landscape.
Together, Kerry and Darren explore how Cirrus continues to push the boundaries of innovation while staying true to its family values. From navigating Brexit and global tariffs to integrating AI and overcoming the ongoing skills shortage, Darren offers a candid look at what it takes to grow, adapt and lead in modern British manufacturing.
You will learn:• How Cirrus Research turned innovation into a company-wide culture.• The realities of recruiting engineers and apprentices in 2025.• Why family values and modern leadership can coexist in a global business.• How AI is transforming product design, development and efficiency.• What every UK exporter needs to understand about international trade today.
This episode is a powerful reminder that British manufacturing is not only surviving but thriving when driven by creativity, courage and purpose. Darren’s experiences reveal the balance between technical excellence and human leadership that keeps Cirrus Research ahead of the curve.
Whether you are a Managing Director, CEO or operations leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it means to innovate in an uncertain world while staying grounded in the values that define your business.
MDs in Manufacturing, hosted by Kerry Hope of Castle Employment Group, features authentic conversations with the people leading change across UK industry. Each episode explores how manufacturing leaders are tackling today’s challenges through technology, culture and forward-thinking leadership.
Follow MDs in Manufacturing on Spotify to hear more stories from the business minds shaping the future of British manufacturing through innovation, resilience and purpose.
In this episode of MDs in Manufacturing, Kerry Hope, Managing Director at Castle Employment Group, speaks with Darren Wallace, CEO of Cirrus Research PLC, about leading a second-generation Yorkshire business with a worldwide reach.
Darren’s story takes us from his early days as an electronics engineer to the boardroom, where he now oversees one of the UK’s most respected names in acoustic measurement technology. Cirrus Research has built a global reputation for innovation while proudly manufacturing every product in the UK — a rare achievement in today’s competitive landscape.
Together, Kerry and Darren explore how Cirrus continues to push the boundaries of innovation while staying true to its family values. From navigating Brexit and global tariffs to integrating AI and overcoming the ongoing skills shortage, Darren offers a candid look at what it takes to grow, adapt and lead in modern British manufacturing.
You will learn:• How Cirrus Research turned innovation into a company-wide culture.• The realities of recruiting engineers and apprentices in 2025.• Why family values and modern leadership can coexist in a global business.• How AI is transforming product design, development and efficiency.• What every UK exporter needs to understand about international trade today.
This episode is a powerful reminder that British manufacturing is not only surviving but thriving when driven by creativity, courage and purpose. Darren’s experiences reveal the balance between technical excellence and human leadership that keeps Cirrus Research ahead of the curve.
Whether you are a Managing Director, CEO or operations leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it means to innovate in an uncertain world while staying grounded in the values that define your business.
MDs in Manufacturing, hosted by Kerry Hope of Castle Employment Group, features authentic conversations with the people leading change across UK industry. Each episode explores how manufacturing leaders are tackling today’s challenges through technology, culture and forward-thinking leadership.
Follow MDs in Manufacturing on Spotify to hear more stories from the business minds shaping the future of British manufacturing through innovation, resilience and purpose.
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By Kerry HopeCan a British manufacturer keep innovating while competing on the global stage?
In this episode of MDs in Manufacturing, Kerry Hope, Managing Director at Castle Employment Group, speaks with Darren Wallace, CEO of Cirrus Research PLC, about leading a second-generation Yorkshire business with a worldwide reach.
Darren’s story takes us from his early days as an electronics engineer to the boardroom, where he now oversees one of the UK’s most respected names in acoustic measurement technology. Cirrus Research has built a global reputation for innovation while proudly manufacturing every product in the UK — a rare achievement in today’s competitive landscape.
Together, Kerry and Darren explore how Cirrus continues to push the boundaries of innovation while staying true to its family values. From navigating Brexit and global tariffs to integrating AI and overcoming the ongoing skills shortage, Darren offers a candid look at what it takes to grow, adapt and lead in modern British manufacturing.
You will learn:• How Cirrus Research turned innovation into a company-wide culture.• The realities of recruiting engineers and apprentices in 2025.• Why family values and modern leadership can coexist in a global business.• How AI is transforming product design, development and efficiency.• What every UK exporter needs to understand about international trade today.
This episode is a powerful reminder that British manufacturing is not only surviving but thriving when driven by creativity, courage and purpose. Darren’s experiences reveal the balance between technical excellence and human leadership that keeps Cirrus Research ahead of the curve.
Whether you are a Managing Director, CEO or operations leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it means to innovate in an uncertain world while staying grounded in the values that define your business.
MDs in Manufacturing, hosted by Kerry Hope of Castle Employment Group, features authentic conversations with the people leading change across UK industry. Each episode explores how manufacturing leaders are tackling today’s challenges through technology, culture and forward-thinking leadership.
Follow MDs in Manufacturing on Spotify to hear more stories from the business minds shaping the future of British manufacturing through innovation, resilience and purpose.
In this episode of MDs in Manufacturing, Kerry Hope, Managing Director at Castle Employment Group, speaks with Darren Wallace, CEO of Cirrus Research PLC, about leading a second-generation Yorkshire business with a worldwide reach.
Darren’s story takes us from his early days as an electronics engineer to the boardroom, where he now oversees one of the UK’s most respected names in acoustic measurement technology. Cirrus Research has built a global reputation for innovation while proudly manufacturing every product in the UK — a rare achievement in today’s competitive landscape.
Together, Kerry and Darren explore how Cirrus continues to push the boundaries of innovation while staying true to its family values. From navigating Brexit and global tariffs to integrating AI and overcoming the ongoing skills shortage, Darren offers a candid look at what it takes to grow, adapt and lead in modern British manufacturing.
You will learn:• How Cirrus Research turned innovation into a company-wide culture.• The realities of recruiting engineers and apprentices in 2025.• Why family values and modern leadership can coexist in a global business.• How AI is transforming product design, development and efficiency.• What every UK exporter needs to understand about international trade today.
This episode is a powerful reminder that British manufacturing is not only surviving but thriving when driven by creativity, courage and purpose. Darren’s experiences reveal the balance between technical excellence and human leadership that keeps Cirrus Research ahead of the curve.
Whether you are a Managing Director, CEO or operations leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it means to innovate in an uncertain world while staying grounded in the values that define your business.
MDs in Manufacturing, hosted by Kerry Hope of Castle Employment Group, features authentic conversations with the people leading change across UK industry. Each episode explores how manufacturing leaders are tackling today’s challenges through technology, culture and forward-thinking leadership.
Follow MDs in Manufacturing on Spotify to hear more stories from the business minds shaping the future of British manufacturing through innovation, resilience and purpose.