The Engineering & Manufacturing Network

EMN Members trip to Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)
2023-10-10 | The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) Ansty Park Coventry CV7 9JU
Our trusted affiliate, Lloyds Bank, partners with the national Manufacturing Technology Centre who work with Manufacturing Support Services (MSS). The MSS team is made up of experienced senior engineers and backed by the MTC to support manufacturing businesses from across the UK and Lloyds Bank sponsors them to provide support to SME’s.
The team at Lloyds have kindly offered to sponsor a visit down to the MTC in Coventry on Tuesday 10th October 2023 for EMN members. We already have 10 companies signed up and are looking for a further 10.
Coach collection in Newcastle/Durham (depending on where most people coming from) returning the same day. One free space per EMN member only I’m afraid as there are limited spaces.
The SME Support Guide from the Manufacturing Technology Centre explains all the challenges the MTC can assist SME’s to address including productivity, supply chain robustness, digitalisation, technology road mapping, technology adoption, and new product and process development.
They also offer a free no obligation 3 – 5 hr line walk service to gain a better understanding of your business by one of their senior engineers who will then look to suggest projects that can add value. Any support up until and including the line walk is free of charge with no future obligation as it’s part of the Lloyds partnership with the MTC.
This is genuinely a fantastic facility and an opportunity not to be missed.

LEAN WORKSHOP GROUP INTEGRATES LEAN MANAGEMENT AND INDUSTRY 4.0
2023-10-18 09:30 - 15:30 UTC | Robert Bosch Ltd, Denham
The Lean Workshop Group is once again gearing up to support engineering and manufacturing companies in driving operational excellence through Lean Tools & Techniques and Industry 4.0. The event is due to take place on 18 and 19 October 2023 at Robert Bosch Ltd in Denham, London.
The event will showcase how integrating lean management and Industry 4.0 to address pain points will provide manufacturers with a host of benefits such as real time data to accelerate production management, data driven quality control and training in virtual reality to improve working conditions.
Delegates will have an opportunity to participate in practical and interactive sessions, using the advanced equipment from the Lean Workshop Group’s partner companies. Key topics which will be covered include Visual Management, 5S (Workplace Organisation), Standard Operation Development, Work Content and Workplace Design, Logistics Operations, KANBAN Systems, ANDON, Intelligent Sensor Technology, Fundamental Skills Training, Cordless Power Tools, Autonomous Mobile Robots and Industry 4.0 Applications.
The Lean Workshop Group is a consortium of eight of the most innovative suppliers to the manufacturing sector: Bosch Rexroth, Spitfire, SICK UK, Orgatex, Bosch Power Tools, Visual Management Technology, WERMA Signaltechnik and K Hartwall.
Jonathan Wright, partner at the Lean Workshop Group, said: “We are delighted to be hosting two workshops at Robert Bosch. Utilising the latest lean techniques, our experts will empower attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to adopt advanced technologies to bolster their business processes.
“If you’re a Leader or Engineer in Manufacturing, Operations, Continuous Improvement, or Digital Transformations, and you’re committed to achieving peak efficiency and securing competitive advantage, I would encourage you to sign up today!”
The FREE events will be held between 9.30am and 3.30pm on Wednesday 18 or Thursday 19 October 2023 at Robert Bosch Ltd, Denham. For more information and to book click here

Engineering & Manufacturing Marketers' Meet-Up
2023-10-18 12:00 - 14:00 | Horizon Works Marketing 14 Berrymoor Court Cramlington NE23 7RZ
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EMN Marketing Surgery Session
2023-11-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Online webinar, EMN Tanfield, Stanley, Co Durham, DH8 8LF, United Kingdom
Contact Samantha Vassallo: +44 (0)777 228 3759

Engineers & Manufacturers Assemble – Husquvarna
2023-11-22 08:30 - 11:00 | Preston Rd, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6UP
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Join engineers, manufacturers, maintenance, production managers, senior leaders and BDMs for breakfast, networking & a tour of Husquvarna at their site in Newton Aycliffe.
More information to follow.
Draft Agenda
8.30 – 9.30 am Networking & Breakfast
9.30 – 9.35 am Welcome from Engineering & Manufacturing Network
9.35 – 9.50 am Welcome & Introduction – Caraline Robinson, Manufacturing Director of Husquvarna Group
9.50 -10.10 am Presentation 1
10.10 – 10.30 am Presentation 2 / Discussion
10.30 -11.00 am Tour of Husquvarna Site
Peer to peer activity is proven to:
• Improve understanding – when you explain a concept to someone else, you have to think about it more deeply and in a different way. This can help you to better understand the concept yourself – the power of thinking out loud!
• Increase motivation – you are often more motivated to learn when you are working with others and creating a sense of camaraderie.
NB: This event is open to members and non members of the Engineering and Manufacturing Network but preference will be given to members when the event is full.
If you make, manufacture or engineer products (not software) please choose the Engineering and Manufacturing Company ticket
If you deliver or sell services into Engineering and Manufacturing, please choose the Service Company ticket option.
Please – only one ticket per person and if you are unable to come as the event approaches – please let us know so we can release your ticket to others. Thanks
Book Now

Engineers & Manufacturers Assemble -Onsite tour of Parmley Graham Digitisation Discussion of Community Project
2023-11-23 10:00 - 12:30 | Parmley Graham, South Shore Road, Gateshead, NE8 3AE
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Engineering Manufacturing Network in collaboration with Durham University Business Teesside University School, JAG Design and Parmley Graham are looking to engage with like-minded manufacturing companies across the Northeast. The project is to review and identify the barriers our sector face daily. Although the project has five areas in which research is being carried out, two of the research areas will impact members of the Engineering Manufacturing Network.
Understand the challenges faced by local manufacturers in upskilling their employees while embracing digital transformation and in attracting a future workforce to manufacturing.
Assess the potential of a digital platform in changing the community’s perception towards manufacturing, improving skills, reducing the digital divide and improving youth engagement in manufacturing.
We propose to bring a group of like-minded manufacturers together from across the Northeast and discuss issues around the two topics. The first event will be hosted at Parmley Graham, Gateshead |Site 23rd November .At the event, we can openly discuss the challenges faced by manufacturers and give examples of digital applications that have improved productivity and throughput. Interested parties will be informed of the date and time in November once confirmed.
This project will enable the companies involved to contribute to the direction of government investment for manufacturing in the next decade. We will also examine what skills our workforce will need as we embrace technology across the shop floor and beyond.
If you would like to be involved and set out the plan for manufacturing for the next decade, please get in touch with kaye@emn.org.uk at the EMN and inform her of your interest or register via the eventbrite link below.

9.45 am arrive for 10 am start.
10.00 am Welcome and introduction to morning by Parmley Graham
Ian Connor
10.05 am Introduction to digitisation and IoT applications
Abhishek Doshi
10.40 am Introduction to Community co-created distributed manufacturing platform project
Prof Atanu Chaudhuri
10.45 am Tour of IoT display room and Digital Twin Centre
11: 20 am Discussion on Digitalisation and IoT adoption challenges and inputs to Community co-created distributed manufacturing platform project- Prof Atanu Chaudhuri and Dr. Usman Adeel
12:00 IoT discussion with Parmley Graham, Jag Design team and networking
12.30 pm Close
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Engineers and Manufacturers Assemble – For a Christmas Social
2023-12-14 17:30 - 20:30 | Prince Bishops Place, 30-31 High Street, Durham, DH1 3UL
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A gathering of current and prospective Engineering & Manufacturing Network Members!
Come and join us for an informal gathering of the members, meet the Team, the Directors and Affiliates accompanied with drinks and nibbles.
Celebrate our 2023 member promotional campaign – our on line advent calendar that celebrates one of our members each week day in December – highlighting their skills, capabilities , products and/or services.
Help us launch our “Refer a new member” programme to strengthen the Network and further increase EMNs reach and benefits for its members.
Agenda
5.30pm Arrive – mingle
6.30pm Welcome from Engineering & Manufacturing Network
6.45pm More chat, mingling and Gin Tasting
8.30pm Official close – feel free to stick around if you like and sample more gin.
Peer to peer activity is proven to:
• Improve understanding – when you explain a concept to someone else, you have to think about it more deeply and in a different way. This can help you to better understand the concept yourself – the power of thinking out loud!
• Increase motivation – you are often more motivated to learn when you are working with others and creating a sense of camaraderie.
NB: This event is open to members and non members of the Engineering and Manufacturing Network but preference will be given to members when the event is full.
If you make, manufacture or engineer products (not software) please choose the Engineering and Manufacturing Company ticket
If you deliver or sell services into Engineering and Manufacturing, please choose the Service Company ticket option.
Please – only one ticket per person and if you are unable to come as the event approaches – please let us know so we can release your ticket to others. Thanks
Book Now

Apprenticeship Funding Changes 2026–2027: Free Employer Information Session
2026-07-30 08:00 - 17:00 | Co Durham
Guests attend the University of Sunderland’s Senior Leaders Research Conference at City Hall Picture: DAVID WOOD
Significant changes to apprenticeship funding and employer incentives are rolling out from June 2026, including new recruitment incentives, fully funded apprenticeships for eligible employers, and updates to levy funding and programme requirements.
Join the University of Sunderland’s free online session on Thursday 13 August, 12–1pm, to understand what these changes mean for your organisation and have your questions answered.
Register Here

EMN Women in Engineering - Follow up - From Policy to Practice
2026-08-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Faltec Europe Ltd, 4 International Drive, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR5 3FH, United Kingdom
Following discussions during International Women in Engineering Day, this peer-to-peer event brings together manufacturers to explore the policies, practices and cultural changes that help create more inclusive workplaces within traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Featuring short presentations from a large manufacturer (Faltec), a medium-sized business (Dyer Engineering) and an SME (tbc), speakers will share their experiences of implementing initiatives designed to improve equality, attract and retain diverse talent, and support career progression for women in engineering and manufacturing roles.
Presentations will cover:

Policies that have delivered meaningful results
Practical measures to support recruitment, retention and progression
Creating inclusive workplace cultures
Challenges and barriers to implementation
Lessons learned and what organisations would do differently
Balancing ambition with the realities of business size and resources

The presentations will be followed by an interactive roundtable discussion, providing attendees with the opportunity to share experiences, benchmark approaches and identify practical actions that can be implemented within their own organisations.
This is a candid, peer-led discussion focused on what works in practice, enabling manufacturers of all sizes to learn from one another and contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable future workforce.
Designed for female engineers, HR leaders, people managers, operational leaders, business owners, engineering & manufacturing students and anyone involved or wanting to be involved in shaping workplace culture within engineering and manufacturing.

From Manufacturing to Renewables: Where Your Business Fits into Offshore Wind?
2026-09-08 08:30 - 11:30 | Offshore Renewable Catapult, Blyth, Offshore House, Albert Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 1LZ, United Kingdom
The offshore wind sector is one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries, creating significant opportunities for manufacturers and engineering businesses looking to diversify, innovate, and access new markets.
Join the Engineering & Manufacturing Network (EMN) for an exclusive visit to ORE Catapult’s world-leading facilities in Blyth, where industry experts Magnus Willett and Dylan Hill will provide an introduction to the offshore wind sector, exploring market drivers, project lifecycles, costs, and the evolving supply chain landscape. Attendees will also gain insights into the manufacturing and industrialisation challenges shaping the future of renewable energy alongside programmes such as the Launch Academy – that aids UK start-ups and SMEs in their journey to accelerate innovative technology development by removing barriers to commercialisation, and providing a comprehensive ecosystem of support.
We will also be joined by EMN affiliate Horizon Works and Richard Holmes will present on marketing in the renewables sector, with a particular focus on offshore wind. The team will provide advice on shaping marketing tactics and messaging for engagement with the supply chain, and will guide delegates on new marketing trends and developments.
The session will conclude with a guided tour of ORE Catapult’s facilities, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the technology, innovation, and testing capabilities helping to drive the UK’s energy transition.
Who should attend? Engineering and manufacturing leaders, supply chain companies, business development professionals, and organisations interested in exploring opportunities within the renewable energy sector
Key takeaways:

Understanding the offshore wind market and future growth opportunities
Insights into the offshore wind supply chain and where manufacturers can engage
An overview of manufacturing and industrialisation challenges in the sector
Networking with industry peers and ORE Catapult specialists
Exclusive guided tour of ORE Catapult’s Blyth facilities

"All Reasonable Steps" to Prevent Sexual Harassment in Practice
2026-09-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Tanfield Lea Business Centre, New Front Street, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 9DB, United Kingdom
The Employment Rights Act places increasing emphasis on employers’ duty to prevent sexual harassment and demonstrate that they have taken “all reasonable steps” to protect workers. For engineering and manufacturing businesses, this responsibility extends beyond the factory floor to include contractors, apprentices, agency workers, field-based employees, customer sites, supplier interactions, exhibitions, social events and other workplace-related activities.
This is a peer-to-peer roundtable will bringing together manufacturers from the Engineering & Manufacturing Network to discuss how businesses are interpreting and responding to the “all reasonable steps” requirement in practice.
A useful session for senior leaders, HR professionals and operational managers and an opportunity to explore the practical implications of the duty across both on-site and off-site working environments, enabling benchmarking of your approach and sharing your good practice whilst identifying practical actions to strengthen your organisation’s position and reduce risks.
Through facilitated peer discussion, attendees will examine real-world approaches to:

Preventing harassment before issues arise
Supporting workers across varied workplaces and customer sites
Managing third-party and contractor-related risks
Demonstrating reasonable and proportionate action
Reducing exposure to employment tribunal claims
Building a respectful and inclusive workplace culture

Participants will leave with practical insights, benchmarking opportunities and actionable ideas that can be applied within organisations of all sizes and chaired by Lauren Bathan from Jackson Hoggs outsourced HR Services.
