The Engineering & Manufacturing Network (EMN) is delighted to announce the appointment of three new Directors: Phil Anderson, Peter Williams and Thomas Prentice.
The appointments strengthen EMN’s Board with additional experience from across engineering, manufacturing and the organisations that support the sector. Each new Director will bring practical insight, strong regional relationships and a commitment to helping businesses connect, collaborate and grow.
EMN is more than a membership network: it is a trusted, growing community for the people and businesses that make engineering and manufacturing succeed across North East England. It brings together start-ups, SMEs, larger companies, educators and specialist partners so they can share knowledge, solve problems, build meaningful relationships, support one another and discover new opportunities. By connecting people around common challenges and ambitions, EMN helps strengthen individual businesses and create a better future for the region. EMN also delivers EMCON, its flagship engineering and manufacturing expo, which showcases the sector and brings businesses together to connect, collaborate and explore supply-chain opportunities. The next event takes place on 20 April 2027 at the Beacon of Light in Sunderland; find out more at www.emcon.show.
Meet the new Board members
Phil Anderson — Operations Director, Steel Benders UK Ltd
Phil brings practical, hands-on experience from the UK steel processing and engineering sector. Having progressed from machine operator to Operations Director at Steel Benders UK Ltd over 16 years, he offers direct insight into the challenges and opportunities facing modern manufacturing businesses.
Peter Williams — CEO, SMS Tech (Smart Manufacturing Solutions Technology)
Peter brings extensive experience in quality, compliance and operational leadership across the automotive, engineering and manufacturing sectors. As CEO of SMS Tech, he leads the development of configurable digital systems that replace paper-based processes, improve traceability and audit readiness, reduce operational risk and make sustainability measurable. He is also committed to developing people through mentoring, apprenticeships and STEM engagement.
Thomas Prentice — Business Development Manager, Stiller
Thomas has built his career in sales and business development, with deep experience in parcel distribution, warehousing and logistics. Before joining Stiller in 2016, he established and ran his own distribution brokerage for more than 11 years; he also serves as a Director of Aycliffe Business Park and supports community projects as a Corporate Ambassador for The Children’s Foundation. He brings a strong belief that successful business is built on relationships, trust and consistently supporting the people around you.
A stronger voice for the sector
Richard Bradley, Chair of EMN, said: “We are delighted to welcome Phil, Peter and Thomas to the Board. Their combined knowledge and perspectives will help us remain closely connected to the priorities of engineering and manufacturing businesses across the region.
“EMN is built on ideas, people and trust. These appointments strengthen our ability to champion the sector, create valuable connections and ensure our members have access to the insight, relationships and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Pete Williams said, “SMS Tech was born at EMCON, so I have experienced first-hand the opportunities that can come from bringing people, businesses and ideas together. Having spent over 20 years working within manufacturing, I understand the challenges our industry faces, but equally the incredible opportunities we have here in the North East. For me, joining the EMN Board is an opportunity to give something back to a network that has played a part in my own journey. I want to help build on that success, encouraging collaboration, supporting innovation and creating an environment where the next generation of businesses can be born, grow and thrive.”
The three Directors will serve an initial two-year term and will work alongside EMN’s existing Board to support the organisation’s strategic direction, governance and programme of activity.
For more information about EMN, membership and upcoming activity, visit www.emn.org.uk.
