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Manufacturing Resilience Forum

24 March @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
£35
Please note: This event is exclusively for manufacturers. If you purchase a ticket and are not a manufacturer, you may receive a refund as spaces are limited.
Join us on 24th March 2026 at Nexus Leeds for an industry-led day of inspiring conversation. Manufacturing contributes £217 billion to the UK economy and supports 2.6 million jobs, with the sector climbing to 11th in global manufacturing rankings. Yet high business volatility, economic uncertainty, and emerging technologies present significant challenges for today’s manufacturers. Resilience means being prepared to adapt, diversifying supply chains, and creating workplaces where talent thrives.The Manufacturing Resilience Forum unites leading manufacturers for a day of trailblazing insights from industry titans, inspiring success stories, and energising discussions. This event is meticulously curated for manufacturers, creating a space to voice your opinions, share cutting-edge insights, and forge valuable partnerships.
Chamber Members receive a 25% discount when booking, please contact us for the code. 
09:30 – 10:00: Arrival and Networking
10:00 – 10:10: Keynote Speech from Mandy Ridyard – ASG Aerospace, Mayor of West Yorkshire Business Advisor, Chair of West Yorkshire Business Board & Chair Space Hub Yorkshire
10:10 – 10:50: Panel – Resilient Supply Chains Speakers: Paula Gill (North West Aerospace Alliance), Andy Butt (Reliance Precision)
10:50 – 11:30: Panel: Resilient Sales Pipelines Speakers: Georgia Halston (Halston Group)
11:30 – 11:45: Break
11:45 – 12:25: Panel – Adoption of AI Speakers: Mark Lewis (West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services)
11:45 – 12:25: Workshop – Planning for Exit Speakers: Mandy Ridyard (ASG Group), Alan Henderson
12:25 – 13:15: Lunch & Networking
13:15 – 13:55: Panel – Resilient Factories of the Future Speakers: Luke Appleby (Equilibrium Risk), Paul Roberts (Universal Robots) Mike Maddock (Performance Engineered Solutions LTD)
13:15 – 13:55: Workshop – The Future of Food and Drink Speakers: Nik Watson (University of Leeds) Razan Alsous (Yorkshire Dama Cheese), Holly Kragiopoulos (North Star Coffee)
13:55 – 14:35: Panel – Resilient Sustainability Speakers: Michaela Lindridge (Severfield), Matthew Lambert (AW Hainsworth) Helen McDonald (Solupack)
13:55 – 14:35: Workshop – Textiles for Tomorrow Speakers: Shahban Aziz (Textile Centre of Excellence), Fara Butt (Shire Beds), Angela Augusto (AW Hainsworth) Matthew Tipper (Niri Group)
14:35 – 15:05: Panel – Resilient Talent Pipelines Speakers: Ailsa Anderson (Engineering & Manufacturing Network), Nathan Swinson-Bullough (Imageco Ltd), Mark Lewis (West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services)
15:05 – 15:25: Closing Quiz
15:25 – 16:00: Close & Networking

Already got your ticket? Book a 1–2–1 session with our Business Growth Partners

The Chamber will be offering exclusive 1–2–1 support sessions at the Manufacturing Resilience Forum giving manufacturers direct access to expert guidance on growth, innovation and funded opportunities.

With extensive experience supporting Yorkshire SMEs and deep knowledge of the innovation funding landscape – including Innovate UK and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) grants – the team headed up by Simon Monaghan understands the challenges manufacturers face when navigating support in today’s complex environment.

These sessions are designed to provide clear, practical and tailored advice, helping businesses identify the right funding pathways and unlock opportunities to drive sustainable growth.

Spaces are limited, so secure your ticket and book your 1–2–1 slot here.

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