Partner Article

Advancing manufacturing futures continues to drive success

West Yorkshire’s manufacturing sector came together in force for Advancing Manufacturing Futures 2025, an event that showcased the region’s strengths, sparked new ideas, and connected industry leaders with exciting opportunities.

With over 160 delegates in attendance and 13 exhibiting companies, the event was a resounding success, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, investors and innovators within the manufacturing sector.

Made possible by headline sponsor Lloyds Bank alongside the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the event was delivered by RTC North with marketing and planning support from Halston Group and was packed with insightful discussions, hands-on workshops, 1-2-1 discussions, and ‘Meet The Buyer’ sessions.

The event was opened by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, who reinforced the region’s commitment to manufacturing excellence. Attendees also heard from Mandy Ridyard, Financial Director at Produmax and Mayor’s Business Advisor, who shared her expertise on business resilience and the vital role of innovation in shaping the future of Advanced Manufacturing.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Advanced manufacturing and engineering is one of the priority sectors at the heart of our Local Growth Plan to support the creation of well-paid jobs.

“With world-leading sector strengths, we’re harnessing our expertise and innovation to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.

“I look forward to further collaboration with businesses and key partners to boost this important sector and grow our regional economy.”

Fara Butt, chair of The West Yorkshire Manufacturing Advisory Board and business wwner at Shire Beds Limited, added: “The inaugural summit entitled Advancing Manufacturing Futures Summit on February 26 exemplified West Yorkshire's leadership in manufacturing. 

“Our region's commitment to manufacturing growth was evident in the mayor’s keynote and the attendance of over 150 manufacturing businesses, industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators.

“This event not only highlighted our rich heritage but also our commitment to shaping a dynamic future for manufacturing.”

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in six different workshops, exploring supply chains, investment, net zero ambitions, innovation, productivity and skills development.

Each session was buzzing with new ideas, enthusiasm, and valuable takeaways for businesses.

One of the main highlights was the Meet the Buyers session, where industry primes Adderstone Living, Cummins, and Morrisons took to the stage to offer invaluable insights into supply chain opportunities and what they look for in suppliers, giving businesses an excellent overview of what collaboration could look like in the future.

Steve Gregory, strategic supply chain development manager at RTC North, added: “This event is just one example of the incredible initiatives supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

“RTC North is proud and committed to delivering these events, creating opportunities for businesses, driving industry growth, and providing a vital platform for companies, suppliers, and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and learn.

“Events like this, along with past successes such as Supply Chain West Yorkshire Showcase 2024, STEMFest Yorkshire, and our continued involvement in the West Yorkshire Innovation Festival, are a testament to our ongoing commitment to the region.

“These impactful events not only highlight the strength of the local manufacturing and supply chain network but also reinforce the momentum building across the sector, something that we are proud to be a part of.

“It’s been fantastic to see such a positive response and to read the encouraging feedback across social media.

“I think it’s safe to say businesses in the West Yorkshire Region can continue to expect great things from the ongoing partnership between West Yorkshire Combined Authority, RTC North, and our valued collaborators such as Halston Group.”

Advancing Manufacturing Futures 2025 was a huge success and an excellent showcase of the forward-thinking, innovation and potential present in the West Yorkshire region.

The momentum and connections made throughout the day will continue to drive the sector forward, reinforcing the region’s position as a leader in UK manufacturing and RTC North will continue to support the region alongside the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by RTC North .