Run by manufacturers for manufacturers

Re-thinking Supply Chains and opportunities in rail: Time for change?

Over the last 2 years the world has changed. The global supply chain has broken and political ideology at home and abroad, together with crises such as the war in Ukraine and Covid-19 have disseminated the global market and relatively free trade as we knew it.

Is it time to review your business strategy?

  • Where in the world to manufacture – the UK or the rest of the world?
  • Is outsourcing right for you and your business model/products?
  • Have you seriously checked out increasing capacity or outsourcing within the UK first?
  • Should you consider re-shoring to UK companies?
  • If outsourcing – how to manage contracts, specifications, communication and relationships, IP protection, tooling etc

Join us for table discussions and to hear from experts who have valuable experience and knowledge supporting directors in reviewing global sourcing strategy and also in finding potential suppliers in the UK linking larger companies with smaller, quality suppliers nationally.

PLUS an update on opportunities in the rail sector through the Rail Industry Association North and how to engage with the Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance Research project at the University of Huddersfield.

Charles Firbank from Elite Sourcing and Manufacturing

With decades of experience across various types of manufacturing and 20 years of experience building close links with manufacturers in China, Vietnam, and Taiwan not only is Charles China savvy he also has other contacts in Europe and America.  He has a reputation for meticulous detail and is trusted by his clients, including some CKMA members.

Peter McDowell from the Supply Chain Programme, University of Huddersfield

 

With strengths and expertise in manufacturing, engineering, strategy, aerospace, sales and supply chain Peter completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Leeds University and joined British Aerospace (now BAE SYSTEMS) as a Manufacturing Engineer. After 20 years with the big corporate player, he worked for several fastener and metal suppliers to the Aerospace industry in various supply chain and sales roles, culminating as the Head of Global Strategy at thyssenkrupp Aerospace.

Richard Carr from the Rail Industry Association

RIA North is the voice of the rail supply community in the North of England, representing RIA members across the region. Richard will speak about opportunities in rail through the ERDF LCR Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance Research Facility which offers the following:

  • Gain access to multi-disciplinary railway engineering research, development and testing –free until June 2023
  • Understand and remove barriers to entry & innovation within the railway sector
  • Build collaborations and consortiums, putting you in touch with the right railway people
  • Identify railway industry and government funding opportunities to drive innovation forward
  • Develop your business process, building the best business plans and route-to-market strategies for your concepts.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL to secure your place! Joining instructions will be sent near the date.

Date: Weds 28th September

Time: 5.30pm for 6pm prompt start

Venue:  North Huddersfield