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Scotland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition October 23rd - 24th 2024 Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow Register Exhibit with us Contact us Navigation * Home * Agenda * Speakers * Associations * Exhibitors * Sponsors * Register * Services * Forklift Service * Lead Generation Scanner * Media * Brochure * 2023 * 2024 * Floorplan * Gallery Photo * Video Gallery * Partners * Co-Located Events * Home * Agenda * Speakers * Associations * Exhibitors * Sponsors * Register * Services * Forklift Service * Lead Generation Scanner * Media * Brochure * 2023 * 2024 * Floorplan * Gallery Photo * Video Gallery * Partners * Co-Located Events Video Player '] Scotland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition 23rd - 24th October 2024 | Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow REGISTER ABOUT Scotland’s Premier Event for manufacturing and engineering professionals returns to the SEC Glasgow on 23rd–24th October 2024. Key topics include Industry 4.0, Sustainability, Digital Manufacturing, and Lean & Continuous Improvement. Why Attend: Explore Cutting-Edge Technologies: Discover innovations shaping the future of manufacturing and supply chain management. Connect with Industry Leaders: Network with professionals from sectors like aerospace, energy, marine, and renewables. Engage with Thought Leaders: Hear real-world case studies and strategies from global and Scottish experts. Expand Your Knowledge: Stay ahead of competitors by learning about automation, smart factories, and supply chain trends. Partnership with Scottish Engineering: As the leading industry body for manufacturing and engineering in Scotland, Scottish Engineering’s involvement highlights the significance of this event. Exhibition Highlights: The extensive exhibition area will feature Industry 4.0 technologies, breakthroughs in 3D printing, automation, and digital manufacturing. Gain insights into robotics, sustainability, and supply chain optimisation. Thrust WSH Exhibit: Thrust WSH, known for pushing the limits of High Performance Engineering, is researching one of the most challenging and elusive achievements in history: breaking the World Water Speed Record (WSR) that has stood for 45 years. Visit the stand to explore their innovative engineering efforts and insights into their ongoing journey toward this historic record. Conference Agenda: Key themes include Lean Manufacturing, Smart Factories, Robotics & Automation, and Sustainability. Experts will present case studies and technical presentations on topics ranging from Pharmaceutical Manufacturing to Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Networking Opportunities: Connect with stakeholders from Scotland’s diverse sectors, including energy, transportation, aerospace, marine, and biopharma. Build valuable relationships and explore partnerships to grow your business. SPEAKERS CONFIRMED NICK SHIELDS HEAD OF SMAS - SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE "UTILISING THE RIGHT SUPPORT TO HELP YOU ON YOUR ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION JOURNEY – BUSINESS SUPPORT/ NEXT STEPS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Nick Shields has over 35 years’ experience working in both SMEs and multinational manufacturing firms such as Polaroid and Digital Equipment Corporation and a number smaller privately-owned firms. SMAS is the leading government agency in Scotland that assists businesses implement continuous improvement approaches and implementing productivity improvements. Nick’s experience has been gained through senior management roles in several areas such as: operations management of high volume FMCG where he was responsible for restructuring the global manufacturing operation across US, UK and Far East, Engineering manager in a capital equipment manufacturer responsible for CAD/CAM implementation and a green-field factory build, new product introduction and product development within the electronics industry and management of a number of change management programmes using lean and 6 sigma techniques. Nick joined SMAS at Scottish Enterprise in 2007 and was appointed Director of SMAS in June 2011. Since then, Nick has led the team in its delivery of Lean, six sigma, Cultural change programmes such as Business Improvement Academy and supply chain improvement and development activities. Nick has also actively participated in the development of the infrastructure that now supports manufacturing across Scotland. Nick will talk about the support available to businesses looking to prepare for robotics and automation adoption and highlight find out about the investment support available. - SMAS support; Feasibility and decision making – project support and feasibility grant; Project Implementation – Business support implementation grant; Small Capital Grant; Small R&D Grant; Large Capital and R&D Grants; Wider ecosystem support MOLLY ANDREWS PRODUCT REGULATION ENGAGEMENT MANAGER - UK DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND TRADE "UPDATES TO THE UK’S APPROACH TO CONFORMITY ASSESSED MARKING & THE PRODUCT REGULATION & METROLOGY BILL" Speaker Bio Synopsis Molly Andrews is part of the Product Regulation team in the UK government’s Department of Business and Trade. Based in Cardiff, Wales, Molly has been with DBT for the past 3 months and has a background in the education sector. As the UK government's department for economic growth, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) supports businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country. DBT’s speaking session will provide businesses with a brief overview of the UK's approach to product regulation. This will include updates on continued recognition of current EU requirements, including the CE marking, for 21 regulations that came into force on 1 October, and the recently introduced Product Regulation and Metrology Bill SHONA CLIVE CLUSTER PROJECTS LEAD - SCOTTISH ENGINEERING "RAIL CLUSTER BUILDER: DRIVING GROWTH AND DIVERSIFICATION FOR SCOTTISH SMES" Speaker Bio Synopsis Shona is the Project Lead for both the Rail Cluster project in Scotland and the Forth and Tay Offshore Wind Cluster and has been working with the team at Scottish Engineering for the past three years. Connecting Scottish SMEs who are looking to diversity or grow their businesses in rail and offshore wind with the existing supply chain, academics or research centres is key to the work of the clusters, helping to bring new ways of working and new ideas in from other industries, to drive efficiencies and progress towards net zero. Previously Women in Rail Scotland Regional Chair, Shona is now Vice Chair of the overall Women in Rail organisation, a role which she has undertaken for the past two years helping to raise awareness of the need for greater EDI and gender balance across the sector, where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. The Rail Cluster Builder is a unique initiative aimed at helping Scottish SMEs break into the rail sector and diversify their business. This talk will explore how this supply chain cluster can connect smaller businesses with established rail organisations, creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation. By fostering new partnerships, promoting local suppliers, and encouraging cross-sector expertise, the Rail Cluster Builder opens up fresh avenues for SMEs to engage with a vital and expanding industry. Whether you're a business looking to expand into rail or an industry leader seeking innovative local suppliers, this session will reveal how the cluster can unlock new possibilities. Join us to discover how your company can benefit from being part of a dynamic, growing network in the rail sector. DR WILDERICH HEISING PARTNER & ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP "THE WORLD IN TURMOIL? MASTERING THE MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION NETWORK STRATEGY AND OPTIMIZATION AND ENSURING PRODUCT SUPPLY" Speaker Bio Synopsis Dr.-Ing. Wilderich Heising is Partner and Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group. He is a core member of BCG's Innovation Center for. He focusses on advanced manufacturing and supply chain. He leads the topic of manufacturing and distribution network strategy and optimization globally for BCG. Product supply networks have a critical role in helping producers fulfill their value proposition, such as offering high-quality products at low cost or running fast and flexible operations. For several decades, the input parameters and economic assumptions underlying network design and optimization have generally been stable. Manufacturers have typically scaled and located factories and warehouses to strike the right balance between cost efficiency, service levels, and growth. In recent years, however, the resiliency and sustainability of a company’s product supply network have become more important. This shift has undermined the assumptions that led many companies to design a global network with manufacturing hubs in low-cost locations. Indeed, what was once an ideal network could be a competitive disadvantage today. To optimize their network for the new reality, manufacturers need to rethink it—scaling and locating facilities in a way that builds resilience and promotes sustainability without unduly sacrificing cost efficiency, service levels, and growth. Advanced analytics tools can help producers determine the best network design. Implementing a new network design requires several years, so manufacturers face an urgent need to get started. MARIANNE MAILEY CLUSTER PROJECTS OFFICER - SCOTTISH ENGINEERING "EMPOWERING LOCAL BUSINESS: CAPITALISING ON SCOTLAND’S OFFSHORE WIND OPPORTUNITY" Speaker Bio Synopsis Marianne joined Scottish Engineering at the beginning of 2023 as Project Officer, supporting members of both the Rail and Forth and Tay Offshore Wind clusters through the planning and delivery of events, digital comms, and one-to-one support meetings. With a background in member support organisations and customer service, she also adds her own entrepreneurial experience of running her own small business to the toolset she uses to help companies looking to grow and diversify their business. Marianne holds an MA (Hons) in Applied Languages and Translation from Heriot-Watt University and her passion for the environment fuels her desire to contribute to the decarbonisation of transport and support Scotland’s transition to renewable energy. The offshore wind sector is at the start of substantial growth along Scotland's coastlines, with numerous projects at various stages of development. This presentation will highlight how the Forth & Tay Offshore cluster is poised to support Scottish SMEs in diversifying and expanding their operations to supply the burgeoning offshore wind industry. With a focus on local content, we aim to ensure that Scottish businesses seize the opportunity to provide essential products and services for these projects. The cluster aims to promote local companies and facilitate direct connections with key industry stakeholders, making it easier for SMEs to navigate the complexities of the supply chain and access critical market insights. Discover how your company can engage with the offshore wind sector, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and contribute to building a robust, locally-driven supply chain that benefits both businesses and the community. JOHN PEARCE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - MADE IN BRITAIN "INDUSTRIAL CIRCULARITY" Speaker Bio Synopsis John has led Made in Britain’s growth since 2015, transforming it into an influential trade body of close to 2,000 members today. Under his leadership, the Made in Britain mark has become a renowned symbol of British manufacturing and high standards, with member companies using it on their products to help them sell more at home and abroad. How does the manufacturing community deal with the existential threat posed by having no resources left to turn into new products? Welcome to Industrial Circularity - the measured movement of manufacturing towards zero landfill *(waste) zero negative impact on the environment and 100% circular resource systems. DR ERIC BOINARD NET ZERO PROJECT LEAD - SCOTTISH ENGINEERING "NET ZERO, HAVE WE LOST THE PLOT?" Speaker Bio Synopsis Join Dr Eric Boinard, who has guided over 130 organisations through the barriers and complexities of Net Zero challenge. Drawing from his extensive work with Scottish Engineering’s Net Zero support program, Dr Boinard will share invaluable insights and practical strategies to help your business thrive in a sustainable future. As the climate emergency continues to threaten life on our planet, it feels as though industry has lost momentum on the critical journey to Net Zero. While governments may be swayed by short-term election cycles, the reality is that UK industry’s focus on sustainability has faded since the post-COP26 surge of enthusiasm. But this shift is not only dangerous for the planet – it is also bad for business. Net Zero strategies are far from just an ethical imperative; they present a tangible opportunity for companies to gain a competitive edge, improve operational efficiency and engage a workforce increasingly passionate about sustainability. The truth is, that transitioning to Net Zero does not have to be as daunting as it seems. Do not miss this chance to rediscover the momentum that is essential for both the planet and profitability. TIMOTHY BRADSHAW HEAD OF OPERATIONS AND CO-FOUNDER - SANDSTONE COMMUNICATIONS "RESILIENCE IS A TEAM SPORT" Speaker Bio Synopsis Former British Army Intelligence Officer Tim, recruited and ran foreign agents worldwide, and has influenced the outcome of numerous sensitive and dangerous situations. Tim's experience of understanding and dealing with pressure and change, and effective decision-making and building resilience, forms the basis of the work he carries out with clients and audiences globally. He is a co-founder of Sandstone Communications a Scottish Engineering member that deliver specialist first aid training to the engineering sector. Where there is change there is opportunity. Changing environments are often associated with high pressure and anxiety. They are inevitably seen as negative. Due to their very nature rarely will a process help an individual cope. We need to develop a toolkit that can be adapted as required. Resilience is crucial to thriving in high-pressure environments however in recent times it has become selfish! Being resilient on your own is not always that useful. Enabling resilience in those around you increases a team's performance and enables change to become an opportunity not a threat. If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together #Because I Can CAROL HARVEY EXPORT FINANCE MANAGER SCOTLAND - UK EXPORT FINANCE "SUPPORTING UK EXPORTERS WITH GOVERNMENT-BACKED FINANCE" Speaker Bio Carol is the Export Finance Manager for Perthshire, Central Belt including Edinburgh and Scottish Borders. Carol joined UKEF in 2014 and, prior to that, has over 35 years of experience in export credit insurance and political risk insurance including 28 years within a trade credit broking environment with a global provider. She has supported the development and servicing of trade credit across the UK in both corporate and SME markets. CAMERON HUNTER SENIOR CONSULTANT - SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC "HUMAN-CENTRIC DEPLOYMENT OF DIGITAL" Speaker Bio Synopsis A Senior Consultant, specialising in Digital Transformation at Schneider Electric, Cameron works with clients across the UK&I to define operational strategies aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency and unlocking manufacturing potential through the lense of Digital Transformation. Cameron has experience working across a range of industry-focused segments (Food & Beverages, Consumer Packaged Good, Mining, Materials and Metals and Life Sciences) understanding how to, and effectively deploying digital technologies at scale to solve key business problems. The deployment of digital within manufacturing can lead to challenges and struggles along the journey. Join us for a case study on how we have done it at Schneider Electric, within our Lean Manufacturing transformation program. STUART MCCALLUM PARTNER - RSM UK "WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK FOR MANUFACTURING AND HOW CAN GROWTH BE SUPPORTED" Speaker Bio Synopsis Stuart is a member of ICAS and is currently a Partner with RSM based in Glasgow. He completed his BA in Accountancy at Glasgow Caledonian University. His career has covered international M&A, full suite of corporate finance advisory skills, and corporate finance funding experiences. Stuart’s role at RSM involves supporting family businesses and corporates with strategic financial advisory support and being part of the senior leadership team at RSM across Scotland. Stuart leads the Scotland Manufacturing team for RSM and is also the National Head of Food and Drink. Throughout his career, he has worked with a wide range of manufacturers. supporting funding, M&A, strategic growth and international expansion plans. He recently became a Non-Executive Director at Scotland Food and Drink and leads RSM’s relationship with Scottish Engineering. An overview of the economic outlook for Manufacturing sector in the UK along with thoughts on key support areas to drive further growth in the years ahead. STEWART MCKINLAY SKILLS DIRECTOR - NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND (NMIS) "SOS! SKILLS CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND SOLUTIONS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Stewart McKinlay, MEng in Manufacturing Sciences and Engineering, brings nearly 40 years of industrial experience with SMEs and global manufacturers, along with deep expertise in education and skills development. As NMIS MSA skills director, he previously served as Associate Director at the University of Strathclyde’s Engineering Academy, where he helped launch the Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship program. Stewart has also worked with the Engineering Sector Skills Council and currently sits on the Making Scotland’s Future program board and chairs the Equate Scotland Steering Board. Many engineering and manufacturing employers are listing skills as all of their top three challenges. What are the skills challenges for manufacturing and the supply chain, how big are the opportunities if we get it right, and what are some of the practical solutions. KAREN STEWART MANAGING DIRECTOR - NINE TWENTY MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING "HOW TO KEEP THE HUMAN TOUCH IN YOUR RECRUITMENT PROCESSES AS AI ADVANCES" Speaker Bio Synopsis Extensive experience in supporting the Manufacturing industry on people challenges through these evolving times. Karen Stewart, leader of a STEM based recruitment company, creator of Insp-hire, CeeD board member and Trustee OF SmartSTEMs has built a strong network across industry to facilitate solutions across business culture, diversity & inclusion, leadership capability, changes in technology, succession planning, attracting and building our workforce of the future. Discussing the changes within the recruitment processes across businesses and the key challenges around this. How can a business implement new technologies whilst remaining human and ensuring the candidate experience remains positive. ALISTAIR WILLIAMS FOOD & DRINK THEME LEAD - NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND (NMIS) "THE DIGITAL JOURNEY - SENSORS TO CHATGPT" Speaker Bio Synopsis Alistair Williams, Food and Drink Theme Lead at NMIS, leverages his extensive manufacturing background as an engineer, executive, and consultant to support Scotland’s food and drink industry. He helps manufacturers access technology, talent, and funding to drive R&D project that help improve production, embrace digital innovation, and boost sustainability. Explore how the food and drink industry is transforming with IoT sensors and natural language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. This talk highlights how sensors collect critical data—such as temperature and supply chain flow—across production, processing, and distribution, and how LLMs turn this data into actionable insights. Despite challenges like sensor accuracy and data management, combining these technologies enables smarter decision-making, from inventory optimization to trend prediction. The presentation will also touch on the need for robust infrastructure, ethical considerations, and the immense potential for innovation and sustainability in the industry. LAURIE BARNES CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER (CTO) - AUTOMATE UK "BARRIERS TO INNOVATION" Speaker Bio Synopsis Laurie Barnes, the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at Automate UK, has over 25 years in the manufacturing industry carrying out roles as diverse as machine build, programming, motion control, commissioning, installation, applications and contracting. Laurie is in a unique position to be able to discuss a wide range of topics from the perspective of a product user, supplier and contractor, having worked in a number of industries over his time in the automation world. Last year Automate UK launched its UK Automation Forum discussing topics pertinent to industry. The aim of the Forum is to bring together experts, end user, policymakers and suppliers from across the industry, to discuss the challenges and topics relating to the adoption of automation. At the recent 2024 PPMA show the panel, including manufacturers, and retailers such as M&S and the major food manufacturer Greggs talk about what circumstances would make UK food business adopt more automation/robots and innovations. Laurie Barnes, CTO of Automate UK will present the output from the Forum to help explain some of the blockers to innovation and new technology that UK machine builders and OEM's face when creating systems for end users. LORNA BENNET SENIOR ENGINEER – SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY (ORE) - CATAPULT "INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES INTO CIRCULAR ECONOMY SUPPLY CHAINS FOR WIND ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY BENEFITS OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY SUPPLY CHAINS IN THE WIND INDUSTRY" Speaker Bio Synopsis Lorna is a Chartered, Senior Engineer – Sustainability for the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult. With a background in mechanical design engineering and project management, she joined ORE Catapult in June 2016 in the Development and Operations Directorate. She has been involved in both research and design projects across the wind, wave and tidal power sectors. She engages with SMEs, organisations, academic institutions and regulators to address industry challenges through technology innovation, research and testing. Lorna also works with companies towards energy transition, diversifying and transferring their technology offering to the wind, wave and tidal industries. Since September 2020, she has led the delivery of projects relating to wind farm life extension, challenges for sustainable decommissioning and research into a Circular Economy for the Wind Sector (CEWS). Investment Opportunities Into Circular Economy Supply Chains For Wind Energy The ambitious growth targets for wind energy in the UK open new opportunities for investment into supply chain development. At the same time, the first wind farms are starting to be decommissioned, with lifetime extension and repowering playing a critical role in achieving wind growth targets. Circular economy approaches will be critical to access materials and components that are necessary to meet the demand of the wind industry. This opens new business opportunities with “circular wind” companies emerging and scaling up rapidly. This panel will discuss challenges experienced in business support and growing domestic contents in wind supply chains, and look ahead to solutions for attracting investment for wind supply chains. Sustainability Benefits of Circular Economy Supply Chains in the Wind Industry Wind energy in the UK is on an ambitious growth pathway, with onshore wind aimed to double capacity to 30 GW and offshore wind to quadruple to 60 GW by 2030. This will drive high demand for materials and components to build new wind farms, alongside lifetime extension and repowering of wind turbines. This panel will discuss supply chain growth opportunities, strategic risks to sustainability targets from impeded UK supply chain development, and the benefits to UK business, communities, energy security and net-zero from a successful circular economy for the wind industry. AIMEE DOOLE PEOPLE, BRAND & CULTURE DIRECTOR - BOOTH WELSH "FROM INDUSTRY 4.0 TO 5.0: SHAPING HUMAN-CENTRIC, RESILIENT & SUSTAINABLE ORGANISATIONS" Speaker Bio Synopsis With over a decade of experience in strategy, branding, marketing, and culture, Aimee is passionate about building brands that make a genuine impact and creating environments where people feel empowered to thrive. Currently People, Brand & Culture Director at Booth Welsh, she leads a business unit that integrates branding, HR, and culture, ensuring alignment with the company’s purpose and strategic vision. In this talk, Martin & Aimee from Booth Welsh explore the evolution from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, highlighting the shift from automation and technology to a focus on people, culture, resilience, and sustainability. Discover how to build strategies that not only embrace innovation but also put human values at the centre, creating organisations that are adaptable, sustainable, and future-ready. Ideal for leaders looking to balance digital transformation with a purpose-driven approach. IAN GARDNER ACCOUNT TECHNICAL LEADER - IBM "CALL TO ACTION, NOW IS THE TIME FOR BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION. EMBRACE AUTOMATION AND AI" Speaker Bio Synopsis A top 100 global influencers in Industry 4.0, Ian has extensive experience in high complexity, high profile Industry 4.0 and ERP projects. These focused on digital transformation, factories of the future and sustainability. He woks for IBM as an Account Technology Lead. He’s been a finalist in The Times MCA awards, speaks regularly at events and lectures at various universities. For over ten years now there has been continued talk about Industry 4.0 and the opportunities it offers. Yet, after all this time I’ve seen little evidence of adoption. At the same time, the industry sees significant challenges with supply chain disruption, skills shortages and an increase in expectations. We’ve now hit an inflection point where technologies such as Generative AI and automation can realistically make a difference to your organisation’s operations, experience and innovation. The time is now. LEWES GLEN CAD DESIGNER - NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND (NMIS) "EXPLORING MBD: DISCOVER THE FUTURE BEYOND 2D DRAWINGS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Lewes Glen MEng has worked at NMIS for 2 years. He is a CAD designer who works in the CAD & Tooling Theme which is part of the NMIS Design Team. During his time at NMIS, Lewes has worked in projects involving Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Medical, Defence & Power Plant sectors. Join us for an insightful presentation on Model-Based Definition (MBD), where we’ll explore the shift from traditional 2D drawings to this innovative approach that is gaining traction across industries. Discover the key standards and file formats that facilitate MBD and learn how the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is at the forefront of embracing this transformative technology. JENNIFER GRIFFITH NET ZERO SKILLS PROJECT LEAD - NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND (NMIS) "ADDRESSING SKILLS CHALLENGES FOR MANUFACTURING SUPPLY CHAINS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Jennifer Griffith is the Net Zero Skills Project Lead at the National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland's Manufacturing Skills Academy. She graduated with a First-Class Honours BSc in Product Design and Innovation from the University of Strathclyde. With over five years of experience in the industrial LED lighting sector, Jennifer is experienced in the management of national electrical installation projects, product marketing, and sustainability communication. Her work has had a strong focus on remanufacturing and the circular economy, and she contributed to the BSI 8887 committee for the remanufacture of luminaires. In her current role, Jennifer leads on projects that help manufacturing companies overcome skills challenges related to achieving the UK's Net Zero goals. The importance of skills is becoming increasingly prevalent across today’s industries and skills shortages are routinely cited as one of the largest challenges organisations in the current labour market. So, this talk will aim to provide a unique insight into the relevance and impact of skills in manufacturing and supply chains from a research perspective. It will highlight the ever-increasing skills gaps and vital need for upskilling and reskilling manufacturing supply chains and wider industries. Future generations also hold the key to helping solve some of these problems, so understanding labour market shortages, their causes and potential solutions will help to introduce change and solves these problems for the short, medium and long-term. CALUM HICKS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND (NMIS) "WEAR-RESISTANT COATINGS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: ALTERNATIVE TO ELECTROPLATED HARD CHROME" Speaker Bio Synopsis Calum is a key player in the Additive Team at NMIS, driving innovative research and engineering solutions through cutting-edge technologies like Laser Metal Deposition, Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing, and High-Pressure Cold Spray. His work focuses on creating near-net shape parts with less waste and enhancing or repairing existing components—crucial for the UK to achieve its manufacturing emission targets. With a keen interest in the interplay between process, material structure, and resulting mechanical performance, Calum is broadening his understanding to help advance additive manufacturing. Corrosion and wear damage costs the global economy an estimated 3.1% of GDP. Traditionally, electrolytic hard chrome (EHC) plating has provided effective wear and corrosion resistance, but manufacturing process is facing increased regulatory scrutiny due to toxic and carcinogenic concerns. In the 100 years of commercial EHC usage, coating technologies have seen exceptional advancement and there's an opportunity to replace EHC with superior, cost-effective coatings. Learn more about the collaboration with NMIS, Howden – a Chart Industries Company, and the Advanced Materials Research Laboratory, exploring alternative coatings for compressor rotor journals, including thermal spray, high pressure cold spray, and laser cladding. Gain an understanding of the current state-of-the-art technologies, their advantages, and limitations, and how they compare to the widely used EHC. MEGAN JAMES PARTNER AND EU BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - S A PARTNERS "DEEP EXCELLENCE: ENABLING SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE EXCELLENCE IN YOUR ORGANISATION" Speaker Bio Synopsis Megan is a Partner and EU Business Development Director at S A Partners. Megan has supported the scoping and development of a wide-range of Operational Excellence programmes for our clients. She has extensive experience designing and delivering blended learning programmes for both operational excellence and leadership, Enterprise Excellence Assessments and building roadmaps for sustainable change and business transformation, and strategy deployment programmes. Her client experience ranges from public and private sector, working with pan-europe businesses, often in multilingual contexts. Megan holds a CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Management of Learning & Development as well as and MA in Cultural Management. Few businesses, if any, are in a stable business environment. There are always pressures to grow, change, improve. Some of these pressures arise from external sources, whilst others come from internal conflicts in ways of thinking and working. Either way, the journey to deep excellence is seldom direct or smooth. It is important for organisations aspiring for excellence, to truly grasp where they are on the journey, be honest about their reality, as well as understand the common pathway to reach their goal. Change is possible but it requires a more holistic view of excellence and an understanding of what that means for organisations today. This session will explore what true Enterprise Excellence looks like and capture the commonalities between all truly benchmark organisations, as referenced in the recent S A Partners book “Deep Excellence”. Understanding the journey: Defining the necessary systems, culture and behaviours to unlock transformation Moving the dialogue from process to people: Recognising that tools and technical knowledge are not enough The role of leaders in enabling Deep Excellence DR JUN LIU SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND (NMIS) "GREEN MANUFACTURING: HYBRID SUPERPLASTIC FORMING OF TITANIUM COMPONENTS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Dr. Jun Liu is a Senior manufacturing engineer at the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS). He specializes in metallic materials and manufacturing engineering, focusing on sheet metal forming technologies. He earned his PhD in 2013, developing a novel superplastic forming process using aluminium and titanium alloys under lower temperatures and faster forming conditions. Dr. Liu leads research projects at the AFRC aimed at developing lightweight manufacturing technologies for automotive and aerospace applications. Join us for a discussion on Superplastic Forming (SPF), a groundbreaking aerospace technique for producing high-precision, complex components. Despite its advantages, traditional SPF faces challenges with slow forming rates and high energy costs. We will present a new hybrid method that combines hot drawing and gas blowing in one operation, significantly increasing speed and energy efficiency. This approach lowers temperatures, reduces production times, and minimizes alpha case formation, leading to more sustainable, cost-effective manufacturing with less reliance on hazardous chemicals. DR. ALEKSANDAR NIKOLOV SENIOR SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYST - NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND (NMIS) "INTEGRATING THE SUPPLY CHAIN IN CAPITAL PROJECTS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Dr. Aleksandar Nikolov is a Senior Supply Chain Analyst at NMIS. He holds a PhD from the University of Warwick, where he focused on supply chain integration in capital projects. Prior to his PhD, Aleksandar accumulated 10 years of experience in both education and industry. After earning an MSc in Supply Chain Management from Cranfield University, he worked as a consultant and project manager, contributing to projects across the oil and gas, infrastructure, and public service sectors, both in the UK and internationally. In this talk, we’ll dive into supply chains of project-based organisations (PBOs) and introduce supply chain integration (SCI) within project portfolios. By moving from siloed, project-based supply chains into SCI, we can improve productivity and maximize value in project portfolio delivery. The talk focuses on offshore wind as industry of interest, giving overview of current challenges, some key project insights and what this means for SCI. The talk will dive further into SCI and what this means for organisations who wish to integrate their supply chains. ELANGOVAN PARAMESWARAN HOT FORMING THEME LEAD - NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND (NMIS) "SCOTLAND - A HIGH-TECH MANUFACTURING HUB" Speaker Bio Synopsis Elangovan Parameswaran is a mechanical engineer with a passion for advancing manufacturing techniques. Holding an M.S. in Manufacturing Management from the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science, he also boasts a technical PG Diploma in tool design. At NMIS, he spearheads the Hot Forming theme at the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC). A member of the International Deep Draw Research Group (IDDRG) and the Sheet Metal Forming Research Association (SMFRA), Elangovan is committed to shaping the future of manufacturing. Scotland aims to flourish in the high-tech manufacturing supply chain. This discussion will address the significant gaps in advanced manufacturing processes and offer insights on bringing the manufacturing supply chain to Scotland. It will feature industrial case studies on high-tech manufacturing and precision engineering, with a focus on sustainable goals. DR MOHAMMAD REZA ALLAZADEH MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND (NMIS) "INVESTIGATING CIRCULAR ECONOMY OF PET IN FOOD PACKAGING" Speaker Bio Synopsis Dr. Allazadeh holds a BS/MSc in manufacturing technology from the University of Miskolc, an MSc in mechanical engineering from Brown University, and a PhD in mechanical engineering and materials science from the University of Pittsburgh. His impressive academic journey includes roles as a teaching assistant, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, assistant professor at Wespreme University, research fellow at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and associate professor at Óbuda University. Since 2015, he has been a key manufacturing engineer in the Forming team at the NMIS, driving innovation and excellence in the field. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a powerhouse in beverage packaging, primarily as single-use plastic water bottles. While it's recyclable and ranks as the third most used plastic in food packaging, challenges remain in the market for recycled PET (rPET) due to its higher costs compared to virgin PET. This talk delves into the efficiency of PET in reducing carbon footprints, comparing it to alternative materials and manufacturing processes for beverage containers. Join us to discover how PET can lead the charge toward more sustainable packaging solutions. MARTIN WELSH MANAGING DIRECTOR - BOOTH WELSH "FROM INDUSTRY 4.0 TO 5.0: SHAPING HUMAN-CENTRIC, RESILIENT & SUSTAINABLE ORGANISATIONS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Martin has been Managing Director of Booth Welsh since 2008. He has led the growth and evolution of the company from installation services to multi-discipline engineering technology services, supporting the people of Booth Welsh to develop it into the £25 million+ business it is today. Driving value through digitalisation and showcasing benefits for everyone is a key passion of his. In this talk, Martin & Aimee from Booth Welsh explore the evolution from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, highlighting the shift from automation and technology to a focus on people, culture, resilience, and sustainability. Discover how to build strategies that not only embrace innovation but also put human values at the centre, creating organisations that are adaptable, sustainable, and future-ready. Ideal for leaders looking to balance digital transformation with a purpose-driven approach. DR EVGENIA YAKUSHINA PRINCIPAL KNOWLEDGE-EXCHANGE FELLOW - NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND (NMIS) "THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY SUPPLY CHAIN FOR THE WIND INDUSTRY - BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES: HOW BIG IS THE PRIZE?" Speaker Bio Synopsis Evgenia joined NMIS in June 2010 and is Senior Strategic Program Manager for Circular Wind Industry Coalition and leading the development of the Innovations Eco-system direction within Make Scotland’s Future, Scotland’s Government initiative. With a PhD in material science and 15 years in manufacturing, Evgenia has worked across various industrial sectors as well as established CR&D consortia and authored 20+ publications and several patents. The wind industry is poised for a circular economy (CE) transformation, but faces hurdles like regulatory challenges, technological limitations, and high initial costs. Yet, the potential rewards are immense. CE practices can slash costs, drive economic growth, create jobs, and significantly reduce waste and emissions. By 2035, the UK alone could see £1.6 billion in GVA and over 3,500 jobs, while the broader European market might generate £9.6 billion in GVA and 20,000 jobs. Join this talk to explore how overcoming these barriers can unlock tremendous value for the industry. QAIS ALDABABNEH REGIONAL SALES ENGINEER - NANOPRECISE SCI CORP "ENERGY CANTERED PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE SOLUTION FOR ROTATING EQUIPMENT" Speaker Bio Synopsis Qais, a passionate energy enthusiast mechanical engineer, currently serves as the Regional Sales Engineer at Nanoprecise. With over a decade of manufacturing expertise across EMEA, Qais is dedicated to making the manufacturing industry more sustainable. He bridges the gap between the challenges of productive maintenance and the implementation of technologies that provide a high return on investment. Qais's leadership in energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints is showcased in his speaking topic, "Driving Towards Sustainability." Join him to explore Nanoprecise's energy-centered ,value-driven predictive maintenance solutions and impactful case studies. While Reliability-Centered Maintenance is crucial for critical machinery, it may not suit less critical equipment, especially when downtime is a concern. Prioritising an energy-centered maintenance approach not only optimizes operational efficiency but also reduces energy waste. Nanoprecise's AI+Physics Driven wireless monitoring systems enable early detection of issues and enable transitioning from reactive to proactive maintenance, which not only safeguards operations but also enhances financial, environmental, and governance outcomes. Nanoprecise's solution, with its unique 6-in-1 IIoT sensor, has made a significant impact across industries such as cement, chemicals, mining, oil and gas, and automotive, amongst others. This talk will explore case studies, including how our ECM approach helped a UK water utility and a leading pharmaceutical company reduce energy consumption and downtime, resulting in substantial cost savings. MOHAMMAD BABAR PROGRAM MANAGER - KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY "SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IN THE OIL & GAS SECTOR: IMPACT ON INNOVATIVE RESEARCH AND PROJECTS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Babar Mallick is senior sustainability and Project management professional working in the Middle East from the past 14 years on various projects and currently is with KAUST as a Program Manager with projects on Physical Science & Engineering. Projects and Industry Partners:- ARAMCO, Ferrari, Toyota, Hyundai, Luberef, Bahri, SAPTCO, Pacific Green Technologies Group. Energy & Fuels Sustainability Program, Carbon Footprint Reduction Program, Sustainable Practices and Sustainable Future. (Roads, Marine, Aviation & Lubes Sector). Babar holds a Doctoral L8 degree from Capital University UAE, working PhD degree with Westcliff University, USA and an MBA from Wrexham Glyndwr University UK. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) works on sustainable energy and sustainable projects and one such is transport sustainability. It focuses on clean energy and has impactful projects and industrial partners such as Saudi Aramco and other reputed energy companies. In the presentation, I will discuss sustainable projects and how the project cycle functions in these curated and research projects. The Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia also supports KAUST’s vision. Procurement: We have several projects related to combustion, fuel efficiency etc. and the target is to network with mechanical suppliers ( consumables like pipes etc.), lab equipment, consultancies, chemicals, gases, electrical suppliers and hardware vendors as well. The emphasis is to network and showcase KAUST and understand the requirements of the sustainable world and get proper suppliers for our projects which help with our lead time concerns and projects deliverables. The objective also is to have a wider supplier platform which we can vendor registration with KAUST and make orders as per requirements. DAVID BECK BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - RGIS "OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION IN STOCKTAKE" Speaker Bio Synopsis David has worked for RGIS since 2009. He has held positions in the company as Area Manager, Process Improvement Manager and is currently the Business Development Manager for the UK. One of David main strength in RGIS is testing and implementation of new innovative technology. RGIS have developed new technology taken from Optical Character Recognition and incorporated this into their own Cloud based stocktaking solution NGEN. We now have the ability to use our handsets camera to capture a product code in the same speed as scanning a barcode. The allows any client of RGIS with stock holdings that do not have or require a barcode to use the RGIS solution which has been designed to deliver an efficient and accurate stocktake without the need for any manual pen and paper process. MARC BESWICK DIGITAL EDUCATION & ADOPTION LEAD - SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT "SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES ACROSS SCOTLAND: REMOTE GROUPS BY VIDEO" Speaker Bio Synopsis Prior to his current role Marc was an Occupational Therapist and AHP Practice Education Lead in Shetland where he used the Near Me video consultation platform clinically to provide services to children & families. As the COVID 19 pandemic took hold he supported staff and patients in their use of Near Me to facilitate the continuity of services in a remote island community. Marc was then part of a team who created digital resources and ran webinars to enable wider NMAHP services across Scotland to use Near Me at pace and scale. Marc was then seconded into the Near Me Team within the Scottish Government as the National Lead to further scale up and embed Near Me within all areas of Health, Social Care and the 3rd sector. QI methodology informed the design, development, testing, implementation and spread of Near Me Groups across Scotland focussing on improving access to mental health servicers initially then wider health and public services. This was possible by collaborating with people wanting to access mental health groups remotely, the clinicians providing these services, the software developers and designers from Near Me (Attend Anywhere), local technical support, NHS Boards EHealth/IT/IG Leads, Near Me Leads, Digital Mental Health Leads, Senior Clinicians and Programme Managers. Increasing the digital capability and confidence of both clinicians and patients using educational resources was key to the success of the innovation. LEE BRISTOW CEO - RISK COPILOT LIMITED "FRAMEWORKS THAT SIMPLIFY AI SUCCESS (HUMAN AI ALLIANCE)" Speaker Bio Synopsis Lee Simon Bristow, a seasoned technology professional with 20+ years' experience in product management, risk, compliance, and information security. Based in Dublin, he leads innovative software development in risk and compliance management, with a strong emphasis on workflow and automation management. In this presentation, Lee will explore the intersection of human expertise and artificial intelligence (AI) and explain how organisations can leverage this convergence to achieve sustainable success in the ever-evolving business landscape. Lee will discuss the benefits, risks and safety concerns of AI. He will also provide practical approaches and solutions for implementing human-AI cooperation in the workplace. OMBRETTA CARUANA FOUNDER AND CEO - OWN YOUR STEP "TOMORROW'S COMMUNICATION SKILLS: PREPARING LEADERS FOR EMERGING CHALLENGES" Speaker Bio Synopsis Ombretta Caruana brings over 15 years of expertise as a Certified Leadership Coach, Consultant, and Facilitator, delivering high-impact leadership solutions specifically tailored for the Manufacturing and Renewables sectors. She specialises in addressing workforce shortages and driving operational excellence through adaptive leadership strategies. Through her extensive work with leaders and executives, Ombretta has had the privilege of impacting industry giants in the energy, pharmaceuticals, technology, automotive, and consumer goods sectors. At Own Your Step, Ombretta and her team focus on delivering comprehensive organisational development solutions that emphasise inclusion, well-being, and innovative design-thinking. They empower industry leaders to enhance team performance and effectively navigate change. By offering targeted strategy sessions, individual and group coaching, and adaptive leadership development solutions, Own Your Step equips organisations with the tools needed to foster collaboration and innovation, thereby supporting sustainable business growth. As the industry evolves, so must the skills of its leaders. With over 15 years of experience in leadership development, Ombretta brings valuable insights into upcoming market trends. During the session, she will outline the essential elements organisations need to urgently prioritise for developing the communication skills crucial to navigating the complexities of the rapidly changing manufacturing landscape. She will also provide actionable steps that leaders can begin implementing immediately to effectively guide their teams through change. PAUL DONNACHIE DIRECTOR - AIRIUS "SAVING BUSINESS UP TO 50% ON ENERGY COSTS & CARBON EMISSIONS" Speaker Bio Synopsis 30 years global experience managing and leading global technology sales with the following organisations - Reuters, Compaq, Oracle and HP - formed Airius Destratification Solutions Limited with David Cunningham in October 2022, enabling clients to realise significant energy savings, reduction of CO2 emissions and improve thermal comfort, aligned with their ESG, CSR, Net Zero & overall Sustainability Commitments. Are you interested in Saving Energy 20-50% or more, Reducing Costs, Reducing Carbon Emissions 20-50% or more and Improving Employee and Client Thermal Comfort - Airius is the world's leading provider of Destratification and Airflow Circulation Systems. What Is Destratification? Since 2004 Airius have balanced internal temperatures in Commercial, Public and Private buildings globally. Manufactured using only the highest quality materials and components, including the Airius internationally patented multi-vane stator technology, Airius offer market-leading extended warranties and have an extensive client base. Airius Destratification Solutions Limited is the Scottish-based approved partner for Airius UK & Europe. CHRIS DUNN MANAGING DIRECTOR - MALIN MARINE CONSULTANTS "MARILIGHT – THE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR MARINE FABRICATION INDUSTRIES" Speaker Bio Synopsis Chris, a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, has over 30 years’ experience in the Shipbuilding and Offshore Wind sectors in the West of Scotland, including 17 years at BAE Systems working across many of the technical departments within the Upper Clyde shipyards. Chris joined Malin Group in Feb 2020 following spells with Gamesa Offshore Wind and Ferguson Marine, and now heads up the Malin Marine Consultants business unit. Malin Marine Consultants have been leading the MariLight projects for the last four years, exploring the potential benefits of introducing advanced manufacturing technologies to our traditional marine fabrication sectors. The presentation will reflect on the current state of Scottish and UK shipbuilding, and describe the opportunities that additive manufacturing and topology optimisation could deliver to the industry. It will predict the practical challenges and regulatory obstacles that are likely to slow down progress in this direction and describe the steps that are being taken to address these, and will conclude by describing the exciting work that has been carried out in the MariLight projects and the transformational results that the projects have delivered. SUSAN EVANS POLICY TEAM LEAD - RESOURCE FUTURES "PANEL ON CIRCULAR ECONOMY" Speaker Bio Susan Evans leads the Policy team at Resource Futures, developing evidence-based circular economy policies that influence UK and devolved nation legislation, and supporting its implementation. She’s led projects on topics ranging from single-use products, to critical minerals needed for the net zero transition, and circular business models. Her work has spanned sectors and continents, including sustainability in global supply chains and experience working with government, corporate and NGO clients in Asia and North America. Within the UK, in roles at Green Alliance and Zero Waste Scotland, she has advised numerous bodies including the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), Scotland’s Climate Emergency Response Group, and the Climate Change Committee. Susan brings a systems-thinking approach to ensure policies consider environmental, economic, and social impacts. JOHN FORSTER CHAIR AND FOUNDER - FORSTER GROUP "INVESTING IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION - AN ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE FOR NET ZERO TRANSITION" Speaker Bio Synopsis John Forster, a champion of solar, has been at the vanguard of the renewables sector in Scotland and in the UK. John founded Forster Group over 30 years ago and it’s now one of Scotland’s leading integrated solar companies, supplying solar and roofing solutions whilst supporting the wider net-zero goals. Investing in energy consumption is a perspective that takes the long-term economic benefits and cost savings associated with renewable energy into account. Investing in clean technologies will create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce energy costs over time. This speech will delve into the crucial role of flexible renewable energy technologies, with a particular focus on solar power, in making businesses more sustainable and cost-efficient. Solar PV is internationally recognised as one of the most cost-effective solutions for powering our Net Zero journey. Yet, while installations are on the rise, the pace of adoption remains insufficient to meet our ambitious targets. The financial and environmental benefits of solar power extend far beyond mere cost savings—they're essential for industries striving to reduce their carbon footprint and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious market. This speech will highlight how smart, integrated energy solutions can offer even greater benefits, making energy more affordable and flexible for businesses. NICK GIANFREDA CEO / FOUNDER - WRIGGLE MARKETING "CLICKS TO CLIENTS: HOW SMALL STRATEGIC WEBSITE CHANGES GENERATE BIG ENQUIRY BOOSTS" Speaker Bio Nick Gianfeda founded Wriggle Marketing in 2014. Now a multi award winning agency Wriggle specialises in driving enquiries and revenue through B2B business, mainly in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Wriggle does this through digital marketing and digital transformation. Nick will be looking at how simple planned digital solutions and small web changes can support your business in driving more enquiries and revenue. AZMAT HOSSAIN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - EXTEND ROBOTICS "ROBOTICS FOR HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Azmat has over 10 years track record in developing and commercializing cutting edge technology solutions worldwide. His passion is to advance the field of robotics and automation and create disruptive solutions which can solve critical problems in society. Azmat has completed his MBA from the University of Edinburgh and has previously worked at The National Robotarium in Edinburgh. Currently Azmat is working as the Business Development Director at Extend Robotics, developing the most intuitive human robot interface in the world. Most manufacturing scenarios have some element of hazard for humans but are also difficult to fully automate. I wish to discuss how our VR based human robot interface we are building at Extend Robotics can help remove humans from these dangerous areas. RICHARD HOYLE SENIOR CONSULTANT - FINCH CONSULTING "50 SHADES OF COMPLIANCE – NAVIGATING DUTY HOLDERS OBLIGATIONS AND REAPING THE BENEFITS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Richard is a Senior Consultant at Finch Consulting– a process safety, health and safety and asset management consulting firm. With 27 years of forensic engineering and statutory inspection expertise, he’s known for his excellent client engagement, helping build robust engineering risk management systems. He is regularly instructed as an expert witness for health and safety regulatory compliance and technical dispute matters. Richard will present a concise case study on the safety regulatory challenges of the business lifecycle while maintaining productivity and profitability. He will highlight how embracing the well-known Plan-Do-Check-Act principal from manufacturing into process safety, health and safety and asset management systems, helps SMEs and large organisations operate with lower reputational, balance sheet and compliance risk. OLIVER KING-SMITH CEO - SMARTR AI "UNLOCKING EFFICIENCY GAINS IN SUPPLY CHAIN, LOGISTICS & PROCUREMENT WITH AI" Speaker Bio Synopsis At smartR AI, Oliver King-Smith spearheads innovative patent applications harnessing AI for societal impact, including advancements in health tracking, support for vulnerable populations, and resource optimization. Their alertR invention aims to enhance independence and quality of life. smartR AI specializes in providing safe private models, that manage risk, while providing high reward. Their most recent addition to the stable is SCOTi® AI– your loyal AI pal, a generative AI application. Their models are specifical trained for every client, they work naturally with people to enhance and optimize productivity, and reveal previously unseen insights from vast data pools. Throughout his career, Oliver has been dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology to address challenges, and today smartR AI is committed to providing safe AI programs within your own secure and private ecosystems. As a serial entrepreneur, he has founded three companies and contributed to two successful exits. Recognized as “Best Global Life Science AI Solutions Provider – UK 2022” by Corporate Vision and “AI Solutions Provider of the Year 2023” by Corporate Livewire, smartR AI, under Oliver’s leadership, has grown to over 20 team members, focusing on integrating sensors and AI to tackle emerging challenges. Oliver holds a PhD in Mathematics from UC Berkeley and an executive MBA from Stanford. He’s an innovator with expertise in Data Visualization, Statistics, Machine Vision, Robotics, and AI. Oliver’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to supporting startups and serving on the Board of Directors for Eco-Panels and Elemental Breath. This presentation showcases how AI can revolutionize supply chain, logistics, and procurement operations by unlocking efficiency gains. By leveraging advanced analytics and natural language processing, AI enables organizations to make sense of complex data, improve forecasting accuracy, optimize inventory management, and streamline procurement processes. Through real-life examples and case studies, this talk demonstrates the tangible benefits of adopting AI-powered analytics in supply chain, logistics & procurement, including reduced costs, improved agility, and enhanced decision-making. AMBER LITHGOW GRADUATE ENGINEER - MALIN MARINE CONSULTANTS "MARILIGHT – THE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR MARINE FABRICATION INDUSTRIES" Speaker Bio Synopsis Amber joined Malin Marine Consultants as a graduate engineer in 2022 after completing university with a Master’s degree in Computer-Aided Mechanical Engineering. Her broad technical experience covers a range of engineering disciplines, which is combined with eleven years of working directly with clients and customers. Amber has worked on a variety of projects - primarily leading MariLight 1 and 2, focusing on lightweighting ship structures using Topology Optimisation coupled with Additive Manufacturing. Malin Marine Consultants have been leading the MariLight projects for the last four years, exploring the potential benefits of introducing advanced manufacturing technologies to our traditional marine fabrication sectors. The presentation will reflect on the current state of Scottish and UK shipbuilding, and describe the opportunities that additive manufacturing and topology optimisation could deliver to the industry. It will predict the practical challenges and regulatory obstacles that are likely to slow down progress in this direction and describe the steps that are being taken to address these, and will conclude by describing the exciting work that has been carried out in the MariLight projects and the transformational results that the projects have delivered. ANDY MCALLISTER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - INFRASTRUCTURE & CAPITAL PROJECTS - DELOITTE LLP "PANEL DISCUSSION: INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES INTO CIRCULAR ECONOMY SUPPLY CHAINS FOR WIND ENERGY" Speaker Bio Synopsis Andy is part of Deloitte’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Team, having previously been part of the investment team of the Scottish National Investment Bank. He specialises in unlocking private finance for the energy transition, delivering policy-aligned investment, and setting up new public sector investment bodies. He has been engaged across government advising on how its interventions can best create a strong investment environment for sustainable industries and the energy transition. The ambitious growth targets for wind energy in the UK open new opportunities for investment into supply chain development. At the same time, the first wind farms are starting to be decommissioned, with lifetime extension and repowering playing a critical role in achieving wind growth targets. Circular economy approaches will be critical to access materials and components that are necessary to meet the demand of the wind industry. This opens new business opportunities with “circular wind” companies emerging and scaling up rapidly. This panel will discuss challenges experienced in business support and growing domestic contents in wind supply chains, and look ahead to solutions for attracting investment for wind supply chains. CHRIS MCCOMB MBA CENG MIET SCOTTISH CONSULTANT - ICONSYS "UK SHORE POWER: MOVING THE DECARBONISATION NEEDLE" Speaker Bio Synopsis Chris is heading up our Scottish office expansion strategy, specifically in the areas of renewable energy solutions and distilling, both predominant and busy sectors in Scotland. He also chairs the non-profit organisation PROFIBUS and PROFINET International (PIUK), in the UK, who specialise in advising and supporting members on all things Industrial Networks. The renewable energy sector is driving a global shift towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. UK engineering and manufacturing are at the forefront, spearheading innovations in wind, solar, and other green technologies. This sector is vital in accelerating the transition to clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, and securing a greener planet for future generations. KAREN MCFADDEN FOUNDER - INNOVATION INSIGHTS T/A MONEY INSIGHTS "FUNDING FOR MANUFACTURING AND WHERE TO FIND IT" Speaker Bio Synopsis Karen McFadden is the founder of Money Insights. An Exclusive Membership Platform designed to do one thing: Find You Money. Karen has worked in the Funding Industry for 6 years and primarily works directly with Accountants, as well as, their end clients. Her goal is to help you find as many ways as possible to put money back in your business. This talk will highlight two things: 1) A brief overview of the Funding Landscape across the UK and EU (I.E Where to find grants?, What is being funded?, How assessors think? etc). 2) Other ways to Maximise your Money (Get a glimpse of the specialist funding topics that Money Insights has to offer) AL PARRA FOUNDER & DIRECTOR - BLOQS "FACTORIES OF THE FUTURE" Speaker Bio Synopsis Driven largely by his desire for social justice and the environmental imperative, it’s Al’s belief that the world needs reimagining. He sits on the MakeUK All-Party Advisory Board that lobbies for manufacturing interests and speaks on many platforms on the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of open access resource distribution. - Shared Economy / Circular Economy - Democratisation of Resource and Opportunity - Sustainability: Intensification of Land Use / Reduction of Footprint and Embodied Energy - Production of Social and Economic Capital FABRIZIO RAGUSA GLOBAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ENERGY - NIKON SLM SOLUTIONS "TRENDS, BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES IN THE ADOPTION OF AM IN THE O&G SECTOR" Speaker Bio Synopsis Fabrizio Ragusa has about 18 years’ experience in the energy sector. Currently in Nikon SLM Solution, he covers the position of Global Business Development Director Energy, in charge of developing additive manufacturing solutions in the field of the energy industry. Before SLM, he worked many years in Chromalloy, a manufacturer of gas turbine critical hot parts, in the position of Sales Director Asia, driving strategy and sales in Asia. Prior to Chromalloy, he was in the senior executive role of Business Development Manager in Ansaldo Energia and ENEL, in Italy / USA and China. He holds a master’s degree in engineering, an MBA from INSEAD Business School and many other certificates of sales and strategy. The presentation is aimed to give an overview of the status of the adoption of additive manufacturing in the energy industry, specifically with focus on the O&G sector. We will give insightful information, with relevant case studies, regarding how the technology is developing and the constraints to full adoption, in the light of materials and process qualification. We will discuss additional topics such as digital inventory and sustainability. JORDAN TASSELL HEAD OF MARINE & PORTS - ICONSYS "UK SHORE POWER: MOVING THE DECARBONISATION NEEDLE" Speaker Bio Synopsis Jordan Tassell serves as the Head of Marine & Ports at iconsys, driving strategic growth across these key industries. His role centres on providing tailored support to both new and existing clients, offering expertise in power, control, automation, and mechatronic solutions, catering to both legacy and new build systems. The maritime sector is embarking on a transformative journey towards a cleaner, greener, and more energy-efficient future. UK engineering and manufacturing are at the forefront, playing a pivotal role in accelerating this transition. KATHERINE THOMAS DIRECTOR - BRIGHTER CAPABILITY "STRATEGY, COACHING AND CULTURE FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY" Speaker Bio Synopsis Katherine Thomas, the founder of Brighter Capability, has a track record with leading brands such as Warburtons, Heinz, and PepsiCo, where she delivered continuous improvement programs. Her expertise extends to small and medium-sized engineering, robotics, and manufacturing companies, where she has successfully delivered growth strategies and driven cultural change through operational excellence frameworks. Katherine is trained in Lean Six Sigma, Management, Leadership, Total Quality Management, and Project Management. As a qualified personal coach with the Association for Coaching, she employs a diverse range of approaches to build capability, helping organisations transform and exceed customer expectations. "The leader is one who, out of the clutter, brings simplicity... Out of discord, harmony... And out of difficulty, opportunity.“ The food industry is changing, it is getting faster, customers want more new products, employees want a better experience and technology is advancing. How do you deliver quicker, smarter, better and ensure that every day you deliver the right quality product, at the right cost, on time and in full with safe products, safe places and engaged people. The food and drink industry have a great opportunity to learn from other manufacturing sectors and engage their teams in developing an effective continuous improvement approach. Understanding how to lead in this environment, empowering your teams to create standards to sustain performance, whilst also working effectively on the next big opportunity is key to your growth. Hear how getting the right strategy, leadership approach and culture enables successful Operational Excellence programmes to deliver performance of the future. ADAM TURNER COUNTRY LEAD - SMART MANUFACTURING DATA HUB "UNLOCKING THE VALUE OF SHARED DATA IN MANUFACTURING" Speaker Bio Synopsis Adam Turner is the Scotland lead for the £54m Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH). He has a background of data, analytics and AI and has a wealth of experience in supporting SMEs to innovate with their data. Adam has championed the SMDH programme from its inception through to its current delivery and has worked alongside colleagues at Scottish Engineering to ensure Scotland is a significant benefactor of this UK-wide activity. Hear how the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub is empowering SME Manufacturing to make data-informed decisions utilising low-cost IOT technologies. DR SALISU UBA FCIPS FOUNDER AND CEO - NATQUEST "REVOLUTIONISING SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: THE POWER OF ON-DEMAND EXPERTISE AND AI TECHNOLOGY" Speaker Bio Synopsis With over 15 years of experience in procurement and supply chain, an FCIPS status, and a PhD in Blockchain and Supply Chain from the University of Strathclyde, I lead NatQuest in providing on-demand expert solutions and driving the future of work in the supply chain industry. I will be speaking on how NatQuest is transforming the supply chain industry through innovative solutions and the integration of AI technology. You will gain insights into the future of work in procurement and supply chain management, the benefits of on-demand expertise, and how these advancements drive efficiency, sustainability, and significant business outcomes. STEVE WILSON ENERGY CONSULTANT - FOCUS ENERGY SERVICES LIMITED "ENERGY UPDATE - MARKET OPTIONS AND STRATEGIES" Speaker Bio Synopsis Steve Wilson is an Energy Consultant and a Scottish Care Member. His business energy companies assist Scottish Engineering, Scottish Care and Care England. He helps businesses navigate the unregulated energy market and source the best available contracts whilst being very open with fees and commissions. Steve Wilson will provide an energy market update and expand on the various options and procurement strategies open to Scottish businesses to secure the most suitable energy contracts for their business. DR MICHAEL ZHANG READER IN INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY - NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY "DEVELOPING RESILIENT MANUFACTURING SUPPLY CHAINS THROUGH BUILDING MICRO-STRUCTURAL PARTNERSHIP TIES" Speaker Bio Michael W. Zhang is a Reader in International Strategy at Nottingham Trent University. He majored in mechanical engineering and graduated from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Upon graduation he joined Tianjin-Daihatsu Motors Group and went to Japan for a technological transfer programme. The Japanese management system inspired him to study his master’s degree in a UK-Japan exchange programme based at the University of Essex. Following the successful completion of the master programme he continued his academic pursuit with a scholarship from the University of Sheffield to conduct a comparative study between China and Japan. Immediately after the doctoral research, Michael was awarded a prestigious United Nations University Postdoctoral Fellowship to work on a project at the Institute of Advanced Studies, UNU in Tokyo, Japan. Thereafter he continued his research interest in business and management and took up research and teaching positions in Manchester and Nottingham. He has since published more than seventy research outputs in the fields of strategic management, international strategy, technological change, and entrepreneurial innovation, and more recently sustainability transitions. He acted as an Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Sustainable Mobility for a term of three years (2014-2016). The research and editorial experience culminated in his editing two books, one on international strategic alliances with Routledge in 2018, and a recent volume on sustainability transitions with Routledge, published in December 2023. He is an experienced presenter and speaker at various venues, both academic and industry, in Asia, Europe and North America. DR JIE ZHAO RESEARCH MANAGER IN DESIGN, MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT - UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE "SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION TRENDS IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY" Speaker Bio Dr. Jie Zhao is a Research Manager in the Department of Design, Manufacturing, and Engineering Management at the University of Strathclyde, UK. She has over 17 years of research experience in materials processing technology, precision engineering, tool and machine design, and digital manufacturing systems technology. Dr. Zhao has served as the lead researcher and project manager for more than twenty large-scale research and commercial projects and has collaborated with over 50 partners globally. She has authored more than 30 high-quality papers, contributed to 2 book chapters, and is the one of the editors of the Micro-Manufacturing Engineering and Technology book (3rd edition). She is the programme manager and lead administrator for the 21st International Conference on Manufacturing Research (ICMR2024) and the 4th International Conference on New Forming Technology (ICNFT2015). Dr. Zhao became a Fellow of The Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in 2014. She is actively engaged in research, teaching, and knowledge exchange. ELISABETTA BATTISTELLA PROJECT MANAGER - PROCESS AUTOMATION LONDON LTD "HARMONIZING HUMANITY AND AI: CRAFTING A SUSTAINABLE BLUEPRINT FOR MANUFACTURING EVOLUTION THROUGH STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND FORESIGHT" Speaker Bio Synopsis Elisabetta Battistella is Innovation Manager with 15+ years of broad and international experience in the full management of complex projects aimed to expand business scopes and innovate internal processes. At Process Automation London Ltd she leads a small team of project managers assisting the manufacturing industry into steering or renewing their operations and manufacturing processes, bringing efficiency and leveraging strategic foresight. In this speech, we delve into the dynamic interplay between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence within the manufacturing landscape, envisioning a future where these forces synergize seamlessly for sustainable growth. We explore how strategic project management serves as the linchpin in orchestrating this fusion, facilitating the alignment of AI-driven innovations with human values and environmental imperatives. By harnessing strategic foresight, we navigate the complexities of tomorrow's manufacturing challenges, anticipating disruptions and seizing opportunities to propel holistic sustainability forward. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, we illustrate how this harmonious integration fosters innovation, efficiency, and resilience, paving the way for a manufacturing renaissance rooted in ethical responsibility and long-term viability. ANDREW BEATTIE MANAGING DIRECTOR - DINGWALL CONSULTANCY SERVICES LTD. "TBA WITH SCOTTISH ENGINEERING" Speaker Bio Synopsis Andrew has had a career in helping Companies to implement software solutions which help to improve efficiency, drive greater insight into business performance and harnessing data to improve outcomes and shape strategy To outline why investing in ERP and data solutions need not break the bank and actually be an enabler for improvements in business delivery and growth JIM BOYD DIRECTOR - UNRAVEL THIS LTD. "WHATDUNNIT? LESSONS FROM A $100 MILLION QUALITY CRISIS." Speaker Bio Synopsis During his earlier career in electronic design and computer manufacturing, Jim developed a curiosity in root-cause analysis. Since 2012, Jim has applied his skills more broadly to help organisations grow and improve performance by making the work easier, safer, better, quicker and cheaper. How would you react in the midst of a $100 million quality crisis? In 2008, Jim experienced the most challenging, stressful yet insightful episode of his working career. With production of their flagship, 'cash cow' product halted, Jim and his team found themselves the focus of a highly unenviable spotlight. With $100 million in quarterly revenue at stake, the questions were coming from every angle: "Why had this happened? Who was to blame? When would production resume?" Join Jim as he retells this exciting case-study and reflects on the list of lessons learned. ELEANOR BRADFORD DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA TRAINING AND CRISIS COMMS - MUCKLE MEDIA "FROM PITCHING TO MEETINGS - THE LOST ART OF PRESENTATION SKILLS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Award winning communications specialist, and former BBC correspondent and Press & Journal columnist. Currently Director of Corporate Comms at Muckle Media and Spey Media, managing external and internal relations for Scottish, UK and global companies. Previously led PR for Gordonstoun, the Scottish school attended by King Charles, winning the PRCA’s Digital Campaign of the Year during lockdown. Prior to this, I was Head of Communications for the University of Aberdeen. I specialise in high-impact communication campaigns across internal and external channels, thought leadership, media training, reputation management, crisis communications and superb storytelling in everything from corporate videos to social media strategies. Presentation skills are important in the business world, whether pitching for business or explaining your performance to the board. In the new era of remote working and online meetings, those with the best presentation skills win contracts, yet there are fewer opportunities than ever to practice those skills and gain confidence in public speaking. Eleanor will share her simple tips for creating engaging presentations and winning that contract. ALAN BURNS GLOBAL PROCESS IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST - MERCK "HOW TO ENGAGE YOUR STAFF WITH CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT - CULTURE, BEHAVIOURS & MINDSETS" Speaker Bio Synopsis I have worked in Continuous Improvement (CI) for over 15 years, leading large-scale improvement initiatives across multiple business sectors from manufacturing to Life Science, and designed and implemented industry specific LeanSixSigma (LSS) Training and CI Ways of Working programs. I am a certified LSS Black Belt from Ohio State University. My talk is centred around how to engage employees that all have preferred styles and methods for learning new skills, mindsets, and behaviours. This talk will focus on how to support people that don’t learn by sitting in a classroom and shown slides full of Japanese terminology, and sales pitches of how it could help. Everyone learns differently and as life gets faster, people want to see and feel real results instantly. I will talk through my experiences and how I have adapted my training & coaching over the years to meet this every increasing for instant implementation of improvement. My talk will have a practical example using an activity that will involve and engage the audience for half the talk. It is used to demonstrate how teaching and learning can be fun and the power of learning by doing gets to the point fast. And it sticks!! GREGG COLLETT INDUSTRIAL ACCOUNT MANAGER UK & IRE - CHG-MERIDIAN UK "AUTOMATION INVESTMENT - MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK!" Speaker Bio Synopsis Gregg leads the Industrial Technology division for CHG-MERIDIAN in the UK & Ireland. CHG are an international asset management company, using creative financial solutions to support its partners with investments in technology across the IT, Healthcare & Industrial sectors. The Industrial division focuses on the Warehouse & Manufacturing sectors, providing affordable & flexible operational lease solutions for investment in the latest technology. One of the biggest obstacles businesses face when looking to invest in automation is the high capital cost, but are there financial solutions out there to make a project more affordable? In this talk, Gregg takes us through the options available to a business looking to invest in an automated solution, & outlines the ways in which a creative financial solution can help a business preserve capital & maximise the value of a technology investment. THOMAS CORNTHWAITE UK OPERATIONS - DIMANEX "THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF SCALING SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSFORMATION THROUGH DIGITISATION AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING" Speaker Bio Synopsis With a background in Product Design and Engineering, Thomas is UK Operations lead for DiManEx, a leading platform-based company that delivers supply chain performance optimisation - from digitisation, analytics, re-engineering to production - through additive manufacturing. Increasingly, additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is used in supply chains to reduce costs, lead times and environmental impacts. Assessing the case for using it and knowing where to begin on the journey can be challenging. Many items are not suitable to be produced through additive manufacturing for technical or economic reasons, and analysing the full catalogue of materials to identify the viable ones is an obstacle for time and resource-stretched organisations. This talk will cover those challenges, describing the steps and analytics tools available to firms, from SMEs to multinationals, to overcome them and to maximise the benefits of using additive manufacturing in their supply chains. ALISTAIR DUNCAN INDIRECT TAX PARTNER & HEAD OF CUSTOMS TEAM - AAB "SAVING MONEY AND ENSURING PEACE OF MIND IN ESG, R&D, AND CUSTOMS DUTIES" Speaker Bio Alistair is an Indirect Tax Partner and Head of the Customs team, based in our Aberdeen office. He specializes in providing comprehensive VAT advisory and compliance services, assisting clients with VAT registration, compliance, supply liability, and navigating HMRC inspections. His expertise extends across a wide range of sectors, ensuring businesses meet their VAT obligations efficiently. In addition to VAT, Alistair advises on other indirect taxes, including Customs Duties, Excise Duties, and Environmental Taxes such as Plastic Packaging Tax, Aggregates Levy, and Landfill Tax. His deep understanding of these areas allows him to support businesses in managing their tax liabilities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Alistair’s extensive experience and sector-specific knowledge make him a trusted advisor to clients, particularly those in the energy, natural resources, and manufacturing industries. He is committed to delivering tailored solutions that help businesses manage their indirect tax risks and optimize their tax position. BRIAN GLENNIE MANAGING DIRECTOR - POWERED BY LTD "QUIET LEADERSHIP" Speaker Bio Synopsis Brian is the Managing Director of Powered By Ltd. He was previously co-founder and owner of The Leadership Factory prior to selling that business. He has worked internationally in Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, Belgium, and the US. Brian has extensive coaching and leadership consultancy experience in all the major economic sectors and spent 12 years working in the manufacturing sector. He is an Accredited Belbin© user and is qualified in a range of other tools including Hogan Assessments, Myers-Briggs, DISC(US) and Traits Based Emotional Intelligence (TEIQue). Brian specializes in the use of neuroscience in coaching and leadership and is currently completing a Masters in Applied Neuroscience at King’s College, London. Leadership in the manufacturing sector is often based on technical credibility, and leaders can often find it difficult and out of character to be ‘charismatic’. There are ways to become a highly effective leader and build on strengths that already exist: quiet leadership. MARK GRAVES INNOVATION TAX PARTNER - AAB "SAVING MONEY AND ENSURING PEACE OF MIND IN ESG, R&D, AND CUSTOMS DUTIES" Speaker Bio Mark Graves is a Partner and key member of the Innovation Tax team, specializing in the technical analysis and preparation of R&D tax claims. He is responsible for developing comprehensive technical reports that substantiate these claims, identifying qualifying expenditures, and collaborating with accounting and tax colleagues to prepare associated tax computations and claims. Mark's extensive experience in managing HMRC investigations into R&D claims is invaluable, although his team’s meticulous approach significantly reduces the likelihood of such inquiries. In addition to his R&D expertise, Mark provides strategic guidance on the technical aspects of Patent Box claims, enabling clients to maximize their tax efficiencies related to innovation. His commitment to delivering precise and robust support ensures that businesses navigate complex tax legislation effectively. Mark’s proactive approach and in-depth knowledge of tax incentives empower clients to optimize their tax positions, driving growth and innovation within their organizations. RICHARD HALES GENERAL MANAGER - SCP UK LIMITED "HOW AI IS TRANSFORMING PROCUREMENT" Speaker Bio Synopsis Richard leads SCP Europe, a technology agnostic, global procurement consulting company. In addition to implementation of various technology platforms, SCP has deep systems integration experience and skills in building procurement related enhancements to address specific challenges faced by organisations. SCP employs specialists across a wide range of procurement disciplines. AI has exploded as a hot topic everywhere and procurement is no exception. This talk explores how various vendors are delivering new AI powered value to their clients. GAVIN HOLMS PRODUCTION MANAGER - R-BIOPHARM RHÔNE LTD. "LEARNING FROM BEST PRACTICE" Speaker Bio Synopsis Gavin Holms Manufacturing Manager with over 20 years of experience in scientific manufacturing. Currently, he leads operations at R-Biopharm Rhone, where he has been pivotal in driving production efficiency and enhancing product quality through innovative process improvements and strategic leadership. With a strong interest in automation, Gavin has successfully implemented methodologies that have resulted in significant cost reductions and increased operational performance. His commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement has empowered teams to adopt best practices and embrace new technologies. Gavin holds a degree in Biochemistry and Immunology from the University of Strathclyde and has spent time in vaccine and cell therapy manufacture, before moving to R-Biopharm Rhone in 2011. Company Case Study who has received SE/SMAS/SmartHub Lanarkshire/SP Automation support who can demonstrate the benefits of: Strong leadership driving continuous improvements. Continuous improvements which make them stand out from other R Biopharm sites. Productivity gains from investing and adopting robotics and automation. STEPHEN LIVERMORE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - GREEN CAT HYDROGEN "THE ROLE OF GREEN HYDROGEN IN DECARBONISING INDUSTRY" Speaker Bio Synopsis Development Manager at Green Cat Hydrogen. Mechanical engineer who has been working in hydrogen for 8 years both in engineering consultancy and project development. Now developing green hydrogen projects in Scotland. Happy to vary content in line with your aspirations but could give a talk covering why hydrogen is a credible means of decarbonising industry, where it is suited (and where it is not suited), the technical and commercial challenges and the overall impact of hydrogen in the future energy system. JILL MACBRYDE ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL - STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITY "BUILDING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE" Speaker Bio Synopsis Associate Principal, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise at the University of Strathclyde and Professor of Innovation and Operations Management. Co-Director (with Jan Godsell) of the InterAct Network (https://interact-hub.org/), part of the UKRI Made Smarter programme. InterAct seeks to address the human issues around the diffusion of digital technology within manufacturing. Panel discussion including Stewart McKinlay, Skills Director NMIS, MaryJane Connelly, Scottish Government Manufacturing Team, Marisa Smith, University of Strathclyde TONY MARLOW SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER - SCHUBERT UK LIMITED "APPLICATIONS FOR AI IN AUTOMATED PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY" Speaker Bio Synopsis Tony is a Sales Account Manager for Schubert – A global leader in providing modular robotic automated packaging systems for diverse industries. Tony has held both technical and commercial roles during a 30-year career to date, working internationally on capital projects relating to automated packaging processes for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. A review of recent practical applications and case studies within the Schubert group, where the application of AI has provided significant benefits to machine performance and efficiency outcomes for the end user. FIONA MCATEER PROJECT MANAGER - LEBRUIN PRIVATE ON BEHALF OF ARIGNA GROUP "A REAL-LIFE TRANSITION STORY FROM FOSSIL FUEL TO ONE OF THE LARGEST BIOCHAR PRODUCERS IN THE WORLD." Speaker Bio Synopsis Project Manager, LeBruin Private Fiona has over 12 years’ experience in portfolio and relationship management roles in the Irish Market. She holds an undergraduate degree in Business and Law from University College Dublin, is QFA qualified with the Institute of Bankers and is currently a candidate for the Master of Science in Sustainable Business Leadership with the University of Leeds. Fiona is responsible for project managing LeBruin’s carbon sequestration projects, primarily the afforestation project and Arigna Group biochar project. Arigna Group is transitioning from a fossil fuel producer to biochar. Arigna Group commissioned two 35k metric tonne biochar machines in 2023 making it one of the largest operating biochar producers in the world. Arigna Group is family-owned business with 75 employees based in County Roscommon, Ireland and also has operations in the UK. The company started life 100 years ago as a coal mining company in Ireland and transitioned to the manufacture of low smoke coal briquettes for the Irish and UK markets. Recognizing the need to move away from fossil fuel, the company began researching biomass-based products and arrived at biochar. Arigna has been producing biochar for biocoal since 2017 and recently purchased and commissioned two 35k mt pyrolysis machines to increase production of both biocoal and biochar. The current focus is on biocoal for industrial use such as cement production and biochar for incorporation into building materials. The presentation will focus on the opportunities and challenges of transitioning from fossil fuels to sustainable fuels and also the end use markets for a large-scale biochar producer. DAVE MCCONACHIE CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER - BELLROCK TECHNOLOGY LIMITED "WOULD WELCOME BEING ON A PANEL" Speaker Bio Synopsis Dave's experience in digital and data transformation has been over 30 years across manufacturing, finance, healthcare and energy delivering innovation solutions through technology. Working with Bellrock Technology driving data innovation, actionable insights and decision support to multiple organisations. Would Welcome being on a Panel AMY MCDONALD FOUNDER & CEO - HEADTORCH "WHY SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN: PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY" Speaker Bio Synopsis Amy has specialised in workplace mental health for ~15 years. She creates the conditions for individuals and teams to grow, ensuring positive change in respect of workplace mental health & wellbeing. She has a background in business, mediation, coaching and theatre - bringing issues to life using drama for safe learning. When we are safe to speak up – we can bring our best selves to work. Importantly, this means we can talk about our concerns and admit mistakes without fear of humiliation. It makes work a place where creativity is nurtured. This could be the difference between success or failure. What’s kind of place do you want to work in – one where you’re expected to be a Know-it-all or where you’re encouraged to be a Learner? Together we’ll explore what steps can be taken to encourage everyone to speak with candour. LINDA MIDDLETON-JONES MANAGING DIRECTOR - INTERNATIONAL TRADE MATTERS LTD "LEAN INTO EXPORT" Speaker Bio Synopsis Linda Middleton - Jones has over 25 years’ experience in international commerce across manufacturing, nuclear and aviation sectors. Manufacturing Europe recognised her as an Expert in Lean Manufacturing when she worked for the Manufacturing Advisory Service. She has created Export House, an offer designed to provide a foundation for international success. Optimisation of resource, supply chain and approach are fundamental to credibility through delivering Quality, Cost, and Delivery in the current volatile and uncertain world: Approaching or consolidating new markets as a growth strategy brings a whole new raft of challenges and risk. Understanding the imperative to trading internationally: Capability – can you invest the budget and time to approach new markets? Capacity - can you scale to match demand? Competency– providing teams with the right skills Competitors – how to find your competitive advantage Credibility – QCD, repeatability, Processes, Value Stream Communications – Critical comms to maintain relationships and orders Country – matching output and ambition to the best markets Compliance – understanding obligations and risks Cost – understanding tariff reduction, Incoterms and Origin Customers – segmentation, approach and voice of the customer The 10 C’s above are based on reducing waste and improving productivity – the tenets of Lean and the drive for Continuous Improvement. LLOYD MILNER CARBON ACCOUNTANT - AAB "SAVING MONEY AND ENSURING PEACE OF MIND IN ESG, R&D, AND CUSTOMS DUTIES" Speaker Bio Lloyd Milner is a Carbon Accountant within our ESG team, based in London. With extensive expertise, he supports businesses across various sectors in developing robust carbon inventories and decarbonisation strategies in line with industry best practices. Lloyd's capabilities span establishing baseline carbon inventories, accounting for complex Scope 3 emissions, and delivering tailored decarbonisation plans to meet sustainability objectives. Lloyd is committed to delivering accurate and insightful carbon reporting, ensuring that clients understand the broader implications of their carbon data. His expertise also includes providing carbon literacy workshops to businesses and their supply chains, embedding sustainability throughout organizational operations. Holding a master’s degree in Carbon Management from the University of Edinburgh, Lloyd combines academic rigor with practical industry knowledge. He is dedicated to staying ahead of emerging trends in the rapidly evolving sustainability space, enabling clients to achieve their environmental targets and strengthen their position in the market. ELAINE MORRISON DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTIVITY - SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE "OPTIMISING CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY." Speaker Bio Synopsis Elaine is an economic development professional working to help Scotland and the companies therein to increase their levels of productivity. With a particular focus on the key drivers of productivity, she engages through partners, stakeholders, business, and policy makers to help companies attract or unlock capital investment that results in increased productivity. Why? Evidence shows that companies with higher levels of productivity typically pay better wages, retain staff longer, and have employees who help us to create a strong wellbeing economy. As part of her broader portfolio of activities Elaine also has responsibility for the Business Support Partnership, a collaboration of 38 public sector bodies across Scotland which aims to provide an effective and easy-to-access public sector business support system, which responds to customer needs and aligns with Government priorities. That remit includes establishing and implementing a new target operating model across public sector providers of business support, ensuring that public organisations providing business support operate in a data driven environment with more effective use of technologies and platforms which enable an enhanced customer experience, establishing a single offering of products and services for Scotland formed under partnership first principles, and supporting people in the public sector who provide advice to business to unlock growth through a common culture of delivery. With more than 3 decades of economic development experience, previous experience has been in the areas of innovation, commercialisation, R&D, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and place-based growth. Providing the context for the session, Elaine Morrison will talk about Scotland’s performance in relation to capital investment and productivity. Outlining the ambitions and opportunities for businesses/suppliers and for economic growth – with a particularly focus on automation and digital adoption and SE’s key area of focus in this space. FRANK NDIATA STUDENT - UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE "DEVELOPING, IMPLEMENTING, AND EVALUATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGIES FOR SMES IN THE FOOD MANUFACTURING SECTOR: A CONTEXT-SPECIFIC APPROACH" Speaker Bio Synopsis Postgraduate student. Passionate about continuous improvement project, operations management, Industry 4.0 & its associated technologies, digital transformation & its associated phases, technology adoption, lean manufacturing, quality control & management, smart factory & flexible manufacturing systems, environmental & sustainable development goals, robotics, business management, engineering management Digital transformation (DT) is becoming increasingly vital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to remain competitive, innovative, and efficient, particularly in dynamic sectors such as Food Manufacturing (FM). Despite the growing body of literature on DT, significant gaps remain, particularly concerning the practical implementation and management of DT tailored to SME food manufacturers' unique needs and challenges. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive Digital Transformation Strategies (DTS) for SMEs in the FM sector, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and competitive advantage. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative data to understand the drivers, challenges, and theoretical frameworks applicable to DT in SMEs. The expected outcomes include context-specific strategies, tailored frameworks, and evaluation tools contributing to theory and practice. NICKI PATERSON CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER - SOLUTIONS DRIVEN "ANYTHING RELATED TO TALENT, HIRING, ATTRITION, BRAND, ATTRACTING & RETAINING, GROWTH" Speaker Bio Lead the SD team of global recruitment professionals working with SMEs and multinational organisations. Hire 500+ mid-senior and executives each year while providing thought leadership content weekly on all the latest hiring topics. MALCOLM PORTER AUTOMATION SALES MANAGER - LINDE MH UK "AUTOMATION – WHERE DO WE START?" Speaker Bio Malcolm has over 8 years within the MHE industry and now specialises in helping customers find ways to integrate automation and automated solutions into their business. Together with his team at Linde Material Handling (UK), they work with companies developing solutions to ensure a reliable, consistent operation whilst reducing labour costs and carbon-emissions through a range of automated materials handling equipment. Malcolm is keen to share how companies can prepare for their automated journey with examples of the types of processes the team have automated. ANGUS ROBINSON EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN - HEADTORCH "THE GOLDEN THREAD CREATING HIGH PERFORMING ORGANISATIONS" Speaker Bio Synopsis Angus is expert in workplace mental health. With an engineering background he has a proven track record in business creation and growth. He previously worked in General Management, Engineering, Technical, and Commercial roles in multi-national companies including in the nuclear, medical, engineering and manufacturing sectors. There’s a proven link between workplace mental health and high performing organisations. Looking at the why and the how, we’ll explore the strategy behind this and the difference it makes. We’ll explore opportunity costs – what are you missing as a result of not taking action? We’ll consider how to turn theory into action. Mental health is the canary in the coalmine – how’s the health of your organisation? PAUL SHEARIN SOLAR DIRECTOR - INNASOL "THE NEW ERA OF SOLAR AND ENERGY STORAGE" Speaker Bio Synopsis I am the Solar Director Of Innasol. With 25 years in Construction with the last 15 in Renewable Energy. I am part of the Innasol Group, a leading Renewable Energy company who has deployed more 500 MW of Renewable heating into the UK. With an Electrical engineering background, I am well placed to drive our Solar business. Having been to this expo last year, there was a huge drive for sustainability and drive businesses in this sector to become net zero. I would like to share with you the benefits that Solar will impact your business. RYAN SHERIDAN OPERATIONAL LEAD - SMART HUB LANARKSHIRE "SMARTHUB LANARKSHIRE" Speaker Bio Synopsis Ryan Sheridan is the Operational Lead at Smart Hub Lanarkshire, and Academic Leader in Engineering at New College Lanarkshire. His primary role within the Smart Hub project, is to support the advancing manufacturing capabilities of Small/Medium Enterprise within Scotland, across all sectors of production, through the use of automated technologies, leading to long-term transformational change. Ryan has always enjoyed helping and educating others, especially within technology driven Engineering disciplines. By the time he was 20, Ryan was already Teaching in the FE sector, passing on Engineering Design knowledge gained through competing at the largest Worldwide Skills Competition, WorldSkills International. SmartHub Lanarkshire, as part of Scotland’s Advanced Manufacturing ecosystem, Ryan will talk about what the facility has to offer local businesses and shine a spotlight on some of the companies they have helped to date – including R Biopharm. A Robotics demonstration facility with six-axis robotic arms with adaptive grippers, controllers and polyscope software. Hub space for manufacturing companies to meet, learn, access industry-specific business support, as well as academic and partner agency expertise. MICHAEL SHORT PROFESSOR (RESEARCH) AND ASSOCIATE DEAN (RESEARCH & INNOVATION) - TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY "IOT, ROBOTICS AND AI FOR SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY" Speaker Bio Synopsis Michael Short is Professor of Control Engineering and Systems Informatics and Associate Dean for Research and Innovation within the School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies at Teesside University in the UK. He is also a visiting Professor at VIT Chennai in India. He holds a BEng degree in electronic and electrical engineering (1999, Sunderland) and a PhD degree in real-time robot control (2003, Sunderland). Michael’s research interests encompass aspects of applied control engineering and systems informatics applied to smart energy systems and robotics. He is PI or co-I on fourteen completed or ongoing funded research and innovation projects, has authored over 180 reviewed publications with over 1800 citations. He has supervised ten PhD completions, has won eight best paper awards and is a full member of the IET, IEEE and fellow of the HEA. The circular economy is an economic model that aims to utilise resources for as long as possible by reducing and recycling waste, and minimizing the consumption of non-renewable/non-sustainable natural resources. It represents a move away from the traditional linear economy model (extract-manufacture-consume-throw away) which creates unsustainable pressure on the environment through intensive use of natural resources, with associated extraction, manufacturing and logistics often powered by non-sustainable energy sources. Advances and innovation in fundamental branches of Engineering (Chemical, Process, Materials, Power) to drive forward circular economy concepts has led to new recycling and sustainable manufacturing approaches in areas such as plastics, metals, and minerals recycling and low-emission product processing. To support practical deployment at commercial recycling scales, efficient process automation, interconnectivity and deployment of AI/Robotics – driven by sustainable/renewable energy sources - is often required. This talk will give an overview of some recent innovations in sustainable robotics, IoT, process automation and energy management for circular economy and sustainable manufacturing applications. The focus areas will include commercial/industrial battery end of life processing for critical minerals recycling, industrial microgrid control and energy-efficient manufacturing. Ongoing work will be described, as well as challenges and open areas for further research and innovation. NIKKI SLOWEY DIRECTOR - FLEXIBILITY WORKS "HOW TO CREATE FLEXIBLE WORKING IN MANUFACTURING ROLES" Speaker Bio Synopsis Nikki Slowey is the Co-Founder and Director of Flexibility Works. She is one of Scotland’s leading experts in flexible working and has dedicated the past seven years to directly supporting and encouraging employers to create flexible workplaces. She is a regular media commentator, public speaker and has contributed to research and books on flexible working. Nikki’s background is in marketing and communications, previously running her own communications consultancy. Her career started in the finance and property sectors but as a true social entrepreneur, Nikki has been drawn to working with, and for, non-profit organizations. Would you like to give staff more flexibility but can’t fathom how when roles are tied to a set location and specific manufacturing timeframes? We’re Scotland’s leading experts in flexible working and together with CeeD (Centre for Education, Engineering and Development) we’ve been sharing examples from manufacturing firms that have introduced greater flexibility and found benefits for their people and their business. Whether it’s annualised hours so staff work more when there’s greater pressure on the production line, more part time roles to retain knowledgeable older staff and avoid skills shortages, or tweaking shift patterns and working hours to better suit people’s lives without impacting productivity, we can give you real stories from real businesses. ALAN TAIT CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER - PELION IOT "UBIQUITY OF CONNECTIVITY" Speaker Bio Synopsis IoT technology exec specialising in building high performance teams to deliver products for complex iot use cases Everything that can be connected, will be connected. This covers things from predictive maintenance to supply chain visibility etc. MARIA TENDERO SOTO MARKETING - CPACT STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITY JOSEPH TRODDEN PROGRAMME MANAGER - POWERING FUTURES "UNLOCKING HIDDEN TALENT IN THE NEXT GENERATION WORKFORCE" Speaker Bio Synopsis Joseph led the creation of the Powering Futures ‘Challenge Programme’, which enables young people aged 16-24 to develop key meta-skills and solve commercial sustainability challenges. Our education programme is in 100+ schools for 24/25, and 135 businesses have been involved in our workplace programme. We are all aware of the Industry reports about skill shortages, but what is sometimes not made clear is that this isn’t about numbers, it’s about abilities. It’s a quality problem, not a quantity problem. At Powering Futures, we've worked with over 2,000 young people and discovered a source of untapped potential, which we call 'hidden talent.' To make the most of this talent, we're developing a systematic approach to connect them industry and speed up the development of these individuals once they join the workforce. In this talk you’ll find out about more about the perspective of young people, the approach we’re developing, and how it can help the industry to find the people it needs. PAUL SHEERIN CEO - SCOTTISH ENGINEERING "SCOTLAND’S MANUFACTURING: A REVIEW AND OUTLOOK" Speaker Bio Synopsis Paul Sheerin has been Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering since 2018 having previously been involved through member companies Polaroid and B&W Diamond Power Specialty Ltd. Paul studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The University of Glasgow and joined Nuclear Electric in 1990 as part of the Sizewell ‘B’ project team. After a period of working in the USA, he returned to Scotland and joined Polaroid at its Dumbarton base in 1996 and became Managing Director in 2005, then VP Global Operations of Polaroid’s sunglass business until 2017. Paul has been a volunteer and supporter of Young Enterprise Scotland, and enjoys opportunities to promote Enterprise, Engineering and Manufacturing opportunities for all. With only a couple of months to go until we reach the first quarter of this 21st Century, join Scottish Engineering’s CEO as he shares the insight they have gained from their extensive membership base though their long-standing industry benchmark surveys, along with their honest view forward based on the forecasts and known opportunities coming for the sector. SPONSORS GOLD NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND Read more The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is a group of industry-led manufacturing research and development facilities transforming skills, productivity and innovation in Scotland helping to make the country a global leader in advanced manufacturing. NMIS is at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland in Renfrewshire. It is operated by the University of Strathclyde and supported by Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Funding Council and Renfrewshire Council. SCOTTISH ENGINEERING Read more Scottish Engineering is the membership and networking organisation for engineering / manufacturing in Scotland, covering all key industrial supply chains. We support our growing membership with expert knowledge, advice and training. We connect them to best practice sharing and supply chain opportunities and represent their interests as the “voice†of engineering. SP AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS Read more From our purpose built facility, SP Automation & Robotics has been designing, building, and installing production and process automated solutions since 1984. Our systems are located mainly in the United Kingdom, spread over England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. In addition to these, we have machines installation across Europe and the USA, all of which are supported by our team of highly skilled and dynamic engineers. SILVER CEED Read more CeeD is a growing community of businesses and academics. They have joined together to pool their talents, expertise, experience and resource in the pursuit of operational excellence within their own organisations and others. In doing so, their aim is to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness – improvements that will impact the bottom line HAAS AUTOMATION LTD Read more Haas Automation is the World’s biggest CNC machine tool manufacturer, producing over 15,000 machines every year. Haas metal-cutting machines are built to exacting specifications in its 1.3 million ft2 facility in California. Haas CNC machines deliver the best performance for the money than any other machine tools on the market. NANOPRECISE SCI CORP Read more Nanoprecise specializes in implementation of Artificial Intelligence and IoT technology for predictive asset maintenance and condition monitoring. Our timely and accurate diagnosis of machine faults provides our clients insights that allow them to make decisions that will save them considerable time and resources SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE (SMAS) Read more Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's national economic development agency and a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. To deliver a significant, lasting effect on the Scottish economy, we work with partners in the public and private sectors to find and exploit the best opportunities. Scottish Enterprise focuses on activities that help Scottish businesses to adapt and better respond to economic opportunities and challenges. Our goal is to create a more productive, resilient, and competitive economy for Scotland. To achieve this, we work to drive business innovation, build international competitiveness, and encourage more investment in companies and infrastructure. These are the areas where Scottish Enterprise can deliver the most value, make the biggest impact, and help unlock Scotland’s economic potential. BRONZE LINDE MATERIAL HANDLING Read more Linde Material Handling is one of the world's leading manufacturers of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment. In Europe, the company is the market leader with the Linde and Fenwick (France) brands. Since 2006, Linde has been part of the KION Group. The KION Group is the world's second largest manufacturer of industrial trucks and one of the leading suppliers of automation solutions for intralogistics. Linde is represented in more than 100 countries worldwide with its own branches. The company's international network includes production and assembly plants in Germany, France, the Czech Republic, the USA and China as well as more than 700 sales and service locations. For its customers, Linde develops high-performance solutions for intralogistics. The basis for this are electric and diesel forklift trucks, warehouse equipment, fleet management software, automation solutions, driver assistance systems, financing offers as well as services around the forklift truck and operator training. Linde's vehicle offer is unique. It comprises around 80 series with up to 20 model variants and around 9,000 equipment options. On the basis of this modular system, Linde manufactures the vehicles and fleets precisely tailored to their requirements for transport, storage, picking and stacking. ASSOCIATIONS & MEDIA PARTNERS PreviousNext CONTACT Click Me! * Home * Agenda * Register * Contact