Meet The Makers - Manufacturing NI Podcast

Manufacturing NI
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Welcome to Meet the Makers, the podcast from Manufacturing NI. Building on the success of our in-person events during Manufacturing Month NI each May, this new podcast series brings the conversation online offering direct access to the leaders shaping Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector. Each episode, our host Stephen Kelly, CEO of Manufacturing NI, sits down with industry leaders to talk about everything from leadership and innovation to technology, people and the future of manufacturing. Tune in for practical insight, leadership lessons, and how manufacturing leaders are shaping the future of the sector. Meet the Makers is delivered by E-DATA and supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). So, let's meet the makers.

Episodes

  1. Aug 19

    Shaping Northern Ireland’s Business Future - Insights from Gráinne McVeigh

    In this episode of Manufacturing NI's Meet the Makers podcast, CEO, Stephen Kelly is joined by Grainne McVeigh, former Director at Invest Northern Ireland. Grainne shares her diverse career journey, from personnel management to international economic development in the U.S. and supporting investment and growth across Northern Ireland. The conversation explores how companies successfully navigate market shifts through adaptability, strategic pivots, and niche positioning. Stephen and Grainne examine the evolving landscape of workforce development, emphasising why a collaborative, two-way relationship between employers and employees is vital for modern skills and sector growth. The discussion also explores regional innovation and how greater collaboration across different sectors - particularly bridging the public and private sectors - can unlock new opportunities, drive digital transformation, and foster a collective approach to tackling future challenges. Key insights include: Surviving and succeeding in shifting markets Working alongside major manufacturing investors via Invest NI Building vital industry skills through two-way employee-employer relationships How cross-sector collaboration drives regional innovation and - problem-solving Why digital transformation and decarbonisation are becoming central to future competitiveness Meet the Makers Podcast is produced in partnership with E-DATA Collaborative Network, a network of businesses exploring how digital technology, data and AI can unlock business growth and build resilience. Whether you are starting your digital journey or looking to build on existing progress, the E-DATA Collaborative Network can help you understand what works, learn from real business examples and access support to take action. Sign up to benefit from peer learning and knowledge exchange – https://e-data.ai/contact_v2/ E-DATA is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

  2. Aug 6

    From Banking to Aerospace: Joanne Liddle’s Leadership Journey at IPC Mouldings

    In this episode of Meet the Makers, Stephen Kelly sits down with Joanne Liddle, Managing Director of IPC Mouldings. IPC Mouldings plays a vital role in the aerospace industry, producing components found in over 2 million aircraft seats worldwide - from in-flight entertainment bezels to armrests and latch assemblies that enhance passenger comfort. Joanne’s leadership has been instrumental in the company’s growth. With a background in banking and finance, she took a less traditional route into manufacturing, bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. Her story highlights the value of transferrable skills in shaping effective leadership. Drawing on both her financial background and her family’s engineering roots, Joanne has built a culture focused on quality, collaboration, and continuous learning. In this episode, she shares practical insights on: - Working with external experts to avoid costly mistakes - Approaching digital transformation with a clear, grounded strategy - Building a strong talent pipeline through apprenticeships and school engagement --- Meet the Makers Podcast is produced in partnership with E-DATA Collaborative Network, a network of businesses exploring how digital technology, data and AI can unlock business growth and build resilience. Whether you are starting your digital journey or looking to build on existing progress, the E-DATA Collaborative Network can help you understand what works, learn from real business examples and access support to take action. Sign up to benefit from peer learning and knowledge exchange – https://e-data.ai/contact_v2/ E-DATA is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

  3. Aug 6

    From Family Timber Business to Global Agri Manufacturer: George Fleming’s Story

    Some manufacturers chase growth at all costs. For George Fleming, the focus has always been on steady growth, strong values and investing in people. In this episode of Meet the Makers, George shares how Fleming Agri has grown from its roots as a family timber business into a global manufacturer of agricultural machinery, exporting to markets including Australia and New Zealand while staying true to its core values. With over four decades of leadership experience, George reflects on the importance of long-term planning, financial discipline, employee development and community involvement in building a business that lasts. The conversation also explores how Fleming Agri has continued to adapt through innovation — from adopting CAD technology in the 1990s to using live digital drawings today to support more efficient operations. Key highlights: The legacy of strong family values as a foundation for success Practical strategies for operational resilience in uncertain times The power of collaboration and community in strengthening manufacturing networks The importance of strategic planning, data-driven demand forecasting, and financial discipline Lessons on leadership that inspire trust, loyalty, and long-term growth Meet the Makers Podcast is developed in partnership with E-DATA, a network of businesses exploring how digital technology, data and AI can unlock business growth and build resilience. Whether you are starting your digital journey or looking to build on existing progress, the E-DATA Collaborative Network can help you understand what works, learn from real business examples and access support to take action. Sign up to benefit from peer learning and knowledge exchange – https://e-data.ai/contact_v2/ E-DATA is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Resources: Fleming Agri website: www.fleming-agri.com Manufacturing Month NI: www.manufacturingmonthni.com Manufacturing NI website: www.manufacturingni.org E-DATA website: www.e-data.ai

  4. Aug 6

    The Secret to 100+ Years in Food Manufacturing - Insights from Brian Irwin

    In the realm of food manufacturing, understanding the landscape is critical for success. Brian Irwin, Director of Irwin’s Bakery, a cornerstone in Northern Ireland's bakery industry, shares his experiences and insights on navigating the challenges of this dynamic field. In this engaging interview, Brian shares insights into the food manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland, emphasising innovation, resilience, and community impact. Highlights: • History of W.D. Irwin and its market position • The importance of quality and innovation in food manufacturing • Leadership lessons from a family business • Impact of automation and digital transformation • Community and economic contribution of local food producers Meet the Makers Podcast is developed in partnership with E-DATA, a network of businesses exploring how digital technology, data and AI can unlock business growth and build resilience. Whether you are starting your digital journey or looking to build on existing progress, the E-DATA Collaborative Network can help you understand what works, learn from real business examples and access support to take action. Sign up to benefit from peer learning and knowledge exchange – https://e-data.ai/contact_v2/ E-DATA is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Resources: Irwin’s website: www.irwinsbakery.com E-DATA website: www.e-data.ai Manufacturing NI website: www.manufacturingni.org

  5. Aug 6

    From Family Business to Industry Leader – The Hutchinson Engineering Journey

    In this in-depth interview, Mark Hutchinson, CEO of Hutchinson, shares insights into leading a manufacturing business through growth, digital transformation, and community engagement. Discover how resilience, culture, and innovation drive success in Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector. We also explore how Hutchinson is putting innovation into action, including the use of Bluetooth tracking across the factory floor to locate components with one-metre accuracy, saving hundreds of hours every year. Meet the Makers Podcast is developed in partnership with E-DATA, a network of businesses exploring how digital technology, data and AI can unlock business growth and build resilience. Whether you are starting your digital journey or looking to build on existing progress, the E-DATA Collaborative Network can help you understand what works, learn from real business examples and access support to take action. E-DATA is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Explore More: Hutchinson website - https://www.hutchinson-engineering.co.uk Lean Tours Community Initiative - https://www.hutchinson-engineering.co.uk E-DATA website – https://e-data.ai/contact_v2/ Manufacturing NI website: www.manufacturingni.org

  • 5 Episodes

About

Welcome to Meet the Makers, the podcast from Manufacturing NI. Building on the success of our in-person events during Manufacturing Month NI each May, this new podcast series brings the conversation online offering direct access to the leaders shaping Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector. Each episode, our host Stephen Kelly, CEO of Manufacturing NI, sits down with industry leaders to talk about everything from leadership and innovation to technology, people and the future of manufacturing. Tune in for practical insight, leadership lessons, and how manufacturing leaders are shaping the future of the sector. Meet the Makers is delivered by E-DATA and supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). So, let's meet the makers.

Information

  • Creator
    Manufacturing NI
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Manufacturing NI