The Manufacturer Podcast

The Manufacturer

Where The Manufacturer gives voice to the inspiring people in the manufacturing sector, in the UK and beyond.

  1. 5D AGO

    How To Help SMEs Diversify

    In this latest episode of The Manufacturer Podcast, we are given an outline of how SME manufacturers can benefit from the Supply Chain Transition Programme. Steve Bowyer is the head of the West Midlands Investment Zone at the West Midlands Combined Authority. The organisation launched the initiative in late 2025, in partnership with local councils and academic institutions.   It provides fully funded support for manufacturers,particularly those operating within sunset industries, with the capability and ambition to diversify. This is with the aim to improve resilience and strengthen supply chains forlight electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, health & med tech, modern methods of construction, aerospace and other green industries. Steve spoke to us about the background and ambitions for the West Midlands Investment Zone and the future opportunities for manufacturing in the area. We also run through some recent stories on The Manufacturer website from this week, including defence focused news with a new defence tech college in Wales. There's also a new approach to digital transformation at Sheffield Forgemasters, and Atlas Copco has harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) to validate EV battery integrity and safety. Recent tariff news from the US also grabs our attention, as the situation changes once more following the US Supreme Courts ruling that President's Trumps tariffs are unlawful. We have another visit from Sam Cain with his 'Shopfloor Whisper.' Today Sam discusses the often talked about energy crisis, which continues to impact the running of UK facilities. How do service providers view this challenge? And is there much they can do beyond sympathising with their manufacturing clients? And an unfortunate fire alarm experience for Joe and Molly is the subject of this week's 'Made by a Moron.'

    40 min
3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

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Where The Manufacturer gives voice to the inspiring people in the manufacturing sector, in the UK and beyond.