Event Information

How can businesses prepare for uncertainty while still driving growth and innovation? These are the questions at the heart of this year’s Smarter Manufacturing Conference and the answers will be explored, debated and shared throughout the day.

Alongside the main sessions, the Expo and Networking Zone will give you access to the people and services that can help take your business forward. From funding advice to sector specialists and local manufacturers, it’s a chance to build connections, discover potential local supply chain solutions and explore support tailored to manufacturers in Greater Lincolnshire.

The Smarter Manufacturing Conference is not about theory; it’s about practical steps that make a real difference. If you want to sharpen your strategy, improve productivity, and create the conditions for sustainable growth, this is where to start.

A group of people attending a presentation in a conference room. A presenter stands in front of a screen titled 'Your AI Journey So Far' with six bullet points about AI tools and usage. Attendees are seated around tables, some using laptops.

What to expect

The programme combines thought-provoking talks with practical discussions and real-world case studies
You’ll hear directly from manufacturers who have already adopted new approaches and seen the benefits. You’ll also have the chance to explore what’s worked for them and how it could work for you
Interactive roundtables and panels will dig into the topics that matter most: Building resilience, Attracting and developing talent Making technology work for growth.

Speakers

Our excellent speaker line up

Garry Wilkinson http://LinkedIn

Relationship Director Commercial Banking, Lincoln

NatWest

Chris Corkan http://LinkedIn

Regional Director ‑ Midlands & East of England Membership

Make UK

David Bailey

Chief Operating Officer

MyEnergi

Emma Brigginshaw http://Linkedin

Head of Sustainability

MyEnergi

Laura Capper http://LinkedIn

Head of Manufacturing & Construction

NatWest

Mike Epton http://LinkedIn

Managing Director, Consultant and Coach

CMBD and Business Lincolnshire Manufacturing Support Programme

Trevor Durant http://LinkedIn

Specialist Manufacturing Adviser

Business Lincolnshire

Mark Kempton http://LinkedIn

Former Chief Executive Officer

Dynex Semiconductor Limited

Why attend?

This flagship event is designed to give manufacturers the tools, insights and connections they need to achieve results.

You'll hear from:

Industry experts
Regional support providers
Local businesses already embracing smarter ways of working
Expect to leave with fresh ideas you can put into practice straight away, whether that’s improving efficiency on the shop floor, developing and retaining staff, or spotting opportunities for innovation.

Who should attend?

This event is perfect for business owners, leaders, and decision-makers from Manufacturing businesses across Greater Lincolnshire. Whether you’re seeking innovative solutions, actionable strategies, or valuable partnerships, this conference has something for you.

PLEASE NOTE:
THIS EVENT IS FOR MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES IN GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE ONLY.

Agenda

8:00 am Registration, Refreshments and Expo / Networking Zone
8:45 am Welcome from Cllr Kelly, Executive Councillor for Growth & Veterans Affairs
8:55 am Open – Mark Kempton – Chair of the Manufacturing Board and Operations Director at Dynex Semiconductor Ltd
9:05 am Event Host Garry Wilkinson – brief agenda and intro to the day
9:10 am Industrial Strategy – Chris Corkan, Regional Director, Make UK
9:30 am Laura Capper, Head of Manufacturing & Construction at NatWest. Future Fit – A blueprint for growth
10:00 am Round table discussion 1 – Future, Strategy, Resilience. “Planning for Uncertainty”
10:40 am Refreshment Break
11:00 am Driving Innovation at Myenergi. Q&A session with David Bailey, Chief Operating Officer & Emma Brigginshaw, Head of Sustainability at Myenergi.
11:30 am Roundtable discussion 2 – What cultural shifts are needed to support innovation?
12:10 pm Lunch / Expo / Networking Zone
12:50 pm Sharing Success: Experiences and Strategies to Boost Manufacturing Profitability with Mike Epton, Trevor Durant and guest businesses
13:35 pm Roundtable discussion 3 – Technology Adoption and Efficiency
14:15 pm Event Host: Closing Remarks / Live Polling / Feedback
14:30 pm Close