The Manufacturer Podcast

The Manufacturer
  • 3.7 (3)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED DAILY

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

  1. 1D AGO

    Get Ready For FightFest! Coming to Smart Manufacturing Week

    In this episode we take you inside FightFest, a dynamic combat robotics tournament that’s set to be one of the standout attractions at Smart Manufacturing Week. More than just a spectacle, FightFest represents a fresh and engaging way to showcase engineering, technology and manufacturing to a broad audience - particularly young people who might be considering careers in the sector. We spoke to Accu, the engineering components specialist behind the event, to find out how the idea came about and what it takes to bring it to life. Filmed on location around Accu’s workshop, our conversations include insights from Lead Engineer Patrick Faulkner and FightFest Director Ed Hodges on the robot builds, the technical challenges they’re tackling and the excitement building ahead of the show. Accu’s Managing Director, Alistair Morris, and Marketing Manager, Matt Ogden, also share their perspectives on why events like FightFest matter for the future of manufacturing. FightFest is seen as an impactful tool for inspiring the next generation. By combining competition, creativity and cutting-edge engineering, it gives students, apprentices and young professionals a way to see technology in action and imagine themselves as part of the industry. Events like this help demystify manufacturing careers and demonstrate that the sector can be both innovative and fun. Elsewhere in the episode, we visit Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Co., a Norfolk-based maker of handcrafted metal beds built with traditional skills and British craftsmanship. Its workshop is a great example of how manufacturing can blend heritage techniques with quality production - showing that careers in metalwork and fabrication can be both rewarding and rooted in real skill. We also discuss a recent trip to Delta Fire, a UK manufacturer of fire-fighting equipment whose products are used around the world. Delta Fire was recognised at last year's Manufacturer MX Awards, winning the Sustainable Manufacturing category for innovation and sustainable development. Alongside these features, we bring you the latest sector news, welcome Sam Cain for another instalment of The Shopfloor Whisper, and our Made by a Moron segment involved Molly recounting an unfortunate incident involving a pair of ripped jeans. Join us as we explore how creative events like FightFest, and the stories of companies such as Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Co. and Delta Fire, are helping to shine a light on the opportunities within modern manufacturing.

    36 min
  2. The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 02/04/2026

    1D AGO

    The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 02/04/2026

    Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 02 April.   - UK Manufacturing PMI: Industry returns to output contraction as cost pressures surge - Saab receives Giraffe 1X radar orders from the UK MOD - M&Ms urgently recalled across the UK - Telford manufacturer shortlisted for major award - Essity to donate 150,000 hygiene products to tackle Ireland’s hygiene poverty epidemic   Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.   #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

    2 min
  3. The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 01/04/2026

    2D AGO

    The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 01/04/2026

    Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 01 April.   - UK-backed quantum satellite launches to boost secure communications - UK’s next generation of rocket engineers gather pace ahead of Artemis II launch - Aurrigo secures third award in three months as aviation push gains pace - Celtic Renewables and Rosebank extend circular economy partnership - Rakem Group renews distribution partnership with Turkey’s Organik Kimya   Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.   #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

    2 min
  4. The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 31/03/2026

    3D AGO

    The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 31/03/2026

    Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 31 March.   - IChemE launches presidential inquiry into UK chemical engineering research - Food and drink export values reach record high in 2025, but volumes fail to return to pre-Brexit levels - Accredited British-made construction products worth £5.5bn to UK economy - Alexander Battery Technologies strengthens engineering and project team with six appointments - Aerial views show vast industrial development for Sheffield Forgemasters Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.   #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

    2 min
  5. The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 30/03/26

    4D AGO

    The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 30/03/26

    Here are the UK manufacturing stories you should know about today, 30 March. - BAE Systems: New contract for training and support to Turkish Typhoon aircraft- Rotech Systems and Encoders (Pty) Ltd scales production after securing critical materials supply - Dennis Eagle UK Blackpool wins Digital Award at the Red Rose Awards 2026 - Global manufacturer MiTek opens new Worcestershire HQ - Taylor Engineering & Plastics Limited invests £2.1m in new moulding capability ahead of 50th anniversary Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories. #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

    3 min
  6. The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 27/03/2026

    MAR 27

    The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 27/03/2026

    Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 27 March.   - UK Steel welcomes government recognition of steel as Strategic National Asset- UK vehicle manufacturing slides again as exports weaken and global pressures mount- Norfolk manufacturer boosts capabilities with major investment- ANT Industries strengthens precision capability with investment in advanced turn/mill technology- Outsourcing can provide ‘long-term’ growth in this unstable economy predicts PP C&A’s Tony Hague   Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.   #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

    2 min
  7. The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 26/03/2026

    MAR 26

    The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 26/03/2026

    Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 26 March.   - Five UK defence SMEs selected for £750k AWS digital transformation pilot- Leonardo targets circular defence manufacturing with Uplift360 partnership- A&M EDM manufacture cryogenic motor casings for GKN Aerospace- iconsys launches dedicated industrial cyber security solution- Balmoral Tanks appoints new Managing Director   Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.   #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

    2 min
  8. The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 25/03/2026

    MAR 25

    The Manufacturer Daily News Digest - 25/03/2026

    Here are the latest UK manufacturing stories on The Manufacturer website today, 25 March.   - Rolls-Royce invests £21.3m to double turbine blade output at Rotherham facility- How Bisley is diversifying: from steel storage to smart workplace solutions- Made Smarter reveals new wave of digital manufacturing leaders- AMRC launches Scale-up programme to accelerate UK deep tech manufacturing- James Cropper backs stadium-based coffee cup recycling pilot with Carlisle United   Head over to The Manufacturer website now to read the full stories.   #UKmfg #UKmanufacturing #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg

    2 min
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3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    The Manufacturer
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    229
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Manufacturer
  • Show Website
    The Manufacturer Podcast

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