Make UK’s National Manufacturing Conference, “Inspiring Solutions”, will take place at the QEII Centre in Westminster on Tuesday 7th March. The flagship annual event for 2023 will once again bring together leading politicians, senior industrialists and manufacturing innovators against historic economic challenges.
With energy prices remaining at record highs and global supply chains still under pressure, this year’s conference will look at how companies can adapt their production processes, secure a skilled workforce for the future and look at the benefits of decarbonising their business to save money. A number of high-profile speakers have been signed up including Nusrat Ghani, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade who will look at the current climate and the opportunities to boost the sector, giving a unique perspective into current Government proprieties. The audience will also hear from Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, who will discuss the Labour Party's vision for the economic and industrial landscape. She will outline what manufacturers could expect from a prospective Labour Government while mapping out her party’s plans for the development of a new Industrial Strategy to boost Britain’s businesses.
The keynote political insight speech this year comes from of former Downing Street Director of Communications Alastair Campbell and ex-cabinet minister Rory Stewart, from The Rest is Politics Podcast. They will give an insider’s view on politics home and abroad, as well as looking at the current UK and global geopolitical landscape, together with the likely impact on the economy and manufacturing in the near and medium term.
Once again a series of workshops will run throughout the day designed to help companies find solutions to grow their businesses.
Key themes for this year’s breakout session discussions include Recruiting Outside the Box – giving manufacturers ideas on how to snap up the best talent amid the chronic labour shortage. Digitise to Decarbonise looks at how companies can use technology to improve energy efficiency, reduce consumption and therefore cost. Finally, Global Britain vs Make it Britain interrogates the benefits of bringing manufacturing back onshore into the UK against looking to expand the sector globally.
The conference will be chaired by broadcaster Steph McGovern, herself a former engineer who will guide us through the line-up for the day.
The final speaker on the agenda is Vicky Austin, Associate Professor of Social Justice and Innovation and CEO of GDI Hub CIC. Previously Head of London 2012 Paralympic Legacy, Vicki brings over 20 years’ experience of working on disability and social justice on major international projects and will give insight and inspiration on how to deliver inclusivity within the sector and take advantage of the best talent available.
The Conference will conclude with a celebratory manufacturing dinner at the QEII Centre, with after dinner speaker Beth Rigby. The Political Editor and Presenter (currently seen on Sky News) will deliver her unique political knowledge and insight gleaned from her wide political contacts.
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