30 Inspiring Women in Manufacturing

Diversity of ideas, perspectives, thoughts and agendas is integral to innovation to deliver positive impact. This is at the core of KTN as an organisation. We work to help people collaborate. We are obsessed by how knowledge transfers and evolves and grows and we want to foster environments and communities where impactful innovation is inevitable.

Gender is just part of the puzzle. It just so happens that we are inspired by a collective of women who are innovative and collaborative. We pulled together an initial consortium of 30 women that inspired our team and were already known to us.  We know there are many more truly inspirational women out there that we want to include and so we have plans to extend this series. The series was picked up by The Manufacturer magazine who published the advice of these women on their online channels with a view to setting a stake in the ground marking our commitment to do more to promote and celebrate diversity. Our aim is to stimulate awareness of the necessity of diverse thinking and inclusiveness and to showcase the wealth of interesting careers that exist in manufacturing.

Manufacturing involves innovation, problem solving, technical knowledge, management skills, strategic expertise, collaboration and communication skills and financial acumen. As a Manufacturing Professional, you’ll most likely be working with products that have potential to have significant impact on society and the environment. Many manufacturers work with cutting edge technologies, employ workforces that impact local economies and influence the lives of many.

I hope you are as inspired by these women and manufacturing as we are. Watch this space as we do more to promote diversity in manufacturing in 2021 and please, get in touch with your ideas and suggestions.

Kate Barnett, Global Operations Director, ThermoFisher Scientific

“No guts, no glory: nudge yourself out of your comfort zone and try things out safely by assembling a trusted team around you who can give you honest feedback. Aim high. Be authentic. Give credit where it is due.”

As a qualified engineer, Kate leads as Global Operations Director in ThermoFisher Scientific, a $25Bn Medical Devices multinational that’s extremely busy contributing to the solution to the global pandemic. She runs plants in the UK, Europe and the US, specialising in transforming underperforming sites to dynamic businesses. As a strong advocate of Continuous Improvement/Kaizen/Lean Six Sigma Kate has been responsible for confidential high-security examination printing to worldwide markets, managing 700 staff in the commercial wing of Cambridge University. Previously she worked at Crown Holdings (CarnaudMetalbox plc) manufacturing a million tin cans a day for the food industry as the 1st female General Mgr in the company’s 75 year UK history. Kate has a patient husband whom she met at college in Oxford, two gorgeous teenage daughters and a fluffy kitten. In 2018 she completed the Global Executive MBA at INSEAD based in Paris and Singapore – highly recommended for lifelong learning!

Dolores Sanders, Co-Founder, Total Control Pro

“You are never too young, and you are never too old, or too female or too busy, don’t buy your own excuses or others, stay curious on the journey and open to opportunities.”

Innovate UK Woman in Innovation Award winner, Dolores grew up in manufacturing, starting her own printing business at 18. Overcoming obstacles as a single mother at 21 Dolores graduated in Psychology, trained in direct sales, founded Ground Bass Limited, resulting in award-winning technology. Dolores raised funds to value the company circa £2mill. Boom and bust period post 2001, while raising 2 children, Dolores worked part time, built a network of health coaches, became a fitness leader and nutrition coach for Northampton FC, imported wine and built a rental property business. In short, she has a breadth of experience in many areas of industry and business. 2013 returning to the executive board room at Total Control Pro Ltd bringing skills and experiences together to serve manufacturers’ by joining the dots between the state-of-the-art technologies and creating solutions that make a difference.

Dr Lee Caroline Kenny, CEO, Chase Research Cryogenics

“Reflecting back on my own career, being the only woman in a team feels lonely and isolating. It’s important for women to stick together and to support each other to secure the changes we need.”

I am a physicist and began my career as a research leader in aerosol science, just five years after the Equal Pay Act was passed (yes, I really am that old). During my time in aerosol science I published widely and led many multi-partner collaborative projects, including EU and international projects. I have been lucky to work with many diverse and enlightened colleagues both in the UK and abroad, people who mentored me, valued my skills and respected my contribution. Now, as CEO of a manufacturing company I am determined to ensure that our women engineers, scientists and crafts people feel valued, stretched, and are given the right opportunities to grow into our top team.

Jillian MacBryde, Professor of Innovation and Operations Management, University of Strathclyde

“Be yourself, be honest, be respectful of others and finally be confident in your own abilities”

Jill has been involved in manufacturing research and education for more than 20 years. Jill is delighted to have been involved in the education of many of today’s leaders in industry and academia. Today her research focus is around innovation, performance and improvement. Much of Jill’s academic career has involved researching and supporting manufacturing firms in periods of change. Having recently completed a project funded through the Productivity Insights Network looking at productivity in manufacturing firms in the UK, she is currently starting a new project seeking to understand the impact that the Covid-19 crisis has had on UK manufacturing and to identify priorities for renewal through innovation. Jill has enjoyed senior leadership roles within UK universities including being Director of Research for the Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management at Strathclyde, Deputy Dean at The York Management School, and Vice-Dean of Strathclyde Business School, responsible for Knowledge Exchange.

Sarah Black-Smith, Head of Factory Operations, Siemens

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, then you’re right’ (Henry Ford) – Believe in yourself” 

Sarah Black-Smith is passionate about Manufacturing and has led the Factory Operations at the Siemens Digital Industries factory in Congleton since December 2016, having previously been Head of Manufacturing. Sarah has worked for Siemens for 18 years and has held several Operational positions within the Siemens Energy business. Sarah graduated from Loughborough University in Manufacturing Engineering and Management. Sarah completed an MSc in Operations Excellence from Cranfield University in 2016 and will begin a Global MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School in 2021. Sarah loves Manufacturing and working with people. She is passionate about manufacturing in the UK and believes that diversity is key to unlocking our potential in Engineering and Manufacturing industries in order to drive new ideas and ways of doing things.

Rachel Eade MBE, Director, Red Ltd

“Top advice: 1. listen, look and learn – every day is a school day; 2. never say no to an opportunity, especially those that push your boundaries, talking and presenting helps you learn and grow and present women as equals in the world of business.”

Rachel Eade has over twenty years’ experience in business support and development, specialising in the automotive and transport manufacturing supply chain, awarded an MBE in the 2014 New Year’s Honor’s list for services to the automotive industry, and in May 2015 receive the ISME Gold Medal Award. Rachel played a pivotal role in evolving the SME business support offer and has assisted more than 5000 companies, worked with and supported in excess of 50 supply chain development programmes, along with more than 250 SME supply group networks. Currently working both independently and with the Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education at three University of Birmingham to promote innovation and growth opportunities across the transport supply chain, Rachel enjoys acting as a judge for manufacturing and supply chain awards. She is a passionate commentator on transport manufacturing issues and as a go-to spokesperson for local, regional and national media.

Dr Yan Wang, Principal Lecturer – Remanufacturing, University of Brighton

“Be determined towards your goal in your career”

Dr. Wang’ research direction is remanufacturing which adds value to the waste stream by returning items to working order with case studies on automotive, machine tools, rolling stock etc. She has published 50+ journal papers and been granted 10 patents. She is a committee member of BSI technical group (BS8887 which provides remanufacturing protocols), was involved in the standard writing of BS8887-part 3, and she is an initiator and a member of the China-UK Remanufacturing Standard Working group who is working toward joint ISO remanufacturing standards. Dr. Yan Wang has rich experiences in engagement with policy makers in remanufacturing, including G7, BEIS, Innovate UK and Chinese government. e.g. her engagement with policy makers in China and the UK has been listed as one of the policy outcomes of 9th UK-China economic and financial dialogue (Item 57).

Charlotte Horobin, Region Director, Make UK

“Take every opportunity that comes your way to train, develop yourself and broaden your interests, you have to invest in and back yourself”

Charlotte’s role as Region Director is to engage manufacturers and assist them in advancing their business by providing bespoke introductions, providing industry insight, attendance at events & networking, promoting their business and ensuring their views are heard. Charlotte also is a Trustee of the WMG Academy for Young Engineers business led schools for 14-19 year olds who are interested in a STEM career, she is a Careers and Enterprise Advisor in Lincolnshire and has recently been appointed as a Senior Industrial Fellow at Aston University. She gained her undergraduate degree from The University of Leeds in Biomedical Science before completing her Masters at The University of Nottingham. Before joining Make UK (formerly EEF) in 2013, Charlotte worked in food manufacturing where she focused on business development and food safety management.

Eser Torun, Chief of Staff, Everledger

“Don’t be content with the status quo, be resilient. Career is a marathon not a sprint. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, ask questions, and take risks.”

Eser is the Chief of Staff at Everledger. She is the force-multiplier and strategic thought partner to the CEO and the Executive team. Her mandate also includes investor and government relations at Everledger. She was previously a Senior Relationship Manager at Barclays Investment Bank in London, where she was responsible for growing business partnerships with the biggest UK insurance and asset manager clients of the Bank. She has 20 years of experience across Investment Banking, Relationship Management and Business Management. Eser holds an MBA degree from Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University in the Netherlands. She is also a CFA Charterholder (Chartered Financial Analyst). She is part of the Executive Team for the Inclusion & Diversity Network of the CFA Institute, where she plays an active role to help increase diversity across professional services.

Dr Sara Ridley, Project Director, Autocraft Drivetrain Solutions

“The piece of advice I would give to other women is to not doubt yourself, mistakes are fine as long as you learn, you must believe you have a right to be where you are because you do.”

Dr Sara Ridley is the Project Director of Autocraft Solutions Group. Inspired by WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), Sara put her enthusiasm for problem solving to good use, completing a manufacturing apprenticeship. This led to a first-class BSc Engineering degree at the University of Northampton. Whilst studying, Sara began working for Caterpillar Remanufacturing in engineering and operations eventually working at sites across Europe. This led to Sara being awarded an Industrial Fellowship for her research from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. Her award-winning research has been published in both remanufacturing and production journals. Sara’s aim is to encourage young people to see value in the inspiring range of engineering and technological careers. Sara is concerned about the image of engineering that she feels contributes to the lack of diversity in the profession. She regularly engages with schools and universities to develop strategies to counter this.

Professor Jan Godsell, Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick.

“Even if you only fulfil 80% of the criteria for a role you really covet, apply”

Jan Godsell is a Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Strategy at WMG, University of Warwick. Her work focuses on the pursuit of more responsible consumption and production through the alignment of product, marketing and supply chain strategy with consumer needs. In particular Jan’s work focuses on the design of end-to-end supply chains to enable responsibility, sustainability flexibility and productivity. As a chartered engineer, Jan has more than two decades of combined industry experience in product development, innovation, supply chain strategy, and process improvement working for ICI, AstraZeneca and Dyson. She has advised government and industry on supply chain strategy and its relationship to industrial and business strategy. Jan is currently a member of the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) supply chain resilience advisory group. Jan is also a member of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) advisory groups.

Jenny Holloway, Development Director, Fashion Capital 

“To be successful; everyone has to be busy all of the time so there’s no bottlenecks. This means every day is different and there are times when you’re a detective to find out what part is going wrong and why. You may enter that floor with 70 pairs of eyes watching you so remain calm, develop that ability to scan the floor quickly and cut to the chase. It’s the best environment to work in!”

Jenny Holloway has over thirty-five years in the fashion industry. Initially she worked for Littlewoods, M&S and a senior buyer for the Arcadia Group before opening her own label Retro. For almost ten years Jenny was Director of her successful international brand Retro UK Ltd .In 2000 Jenny commenced a consultancy business, took on the role of an Industry Advisor to Government and Project Manager for the London Fashion Forum from 2001-2006. In April 2006 Jenny incorporated Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL), a not for profit social enterprise. Today FEL employs over 100 people and produces 12,000 – 15,000 quality garments a week for multinationals such as ASOS, Tesco F&F and Coast; provides a sampling service for independent brands and created the UK’s first SFA approved Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) offering accredited qualifications for fashion and production skills Level 1 – 5.

Sarah Jardine, Chief Operating Officer, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland

“In a world where you can be anything, just be yourself.”

Having gained a BSc (Hons) in Laser Physics and Optoelectronics and an MSc in Laser Engineering from the University of Strathclyde and Heriot Watt University respectively, Sarah’s career began as a Laser Engineer with Thales Optronics in 1993.  After seven successful years, she moved to medical device manufacturer, Optos, as a Senior Optical Engineer.  Sarah held various roles within the company, including Senior Director of manufacturing from 2017 until her move to the National Manufacturing Institute (NMIS) in early 2020.  Sarah joined the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Board (SMAB) in 2013 and chaired the Board from 2015 to December 2019. She was awarded Strathclyde Alumna of the Year in 2018 and received a Top 100 award from The Manufacturer magazine in 2016.  Sarah has had the privilege of being a Career Ready mentor and enjoys working with children to encourage them to pursue careers in manufacturing, engineering and science.

Katie Murray, Technical Director, Astrazeneca

“Invest time in your own development and work with a mentor. There are lots of experienced people who find mentoring very rewarding and would be happy to help, but you have to ask.”

Katie is a chemical engineer with over 25 years; experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She started her career in process development and scale-up roles with both Merck and Co. in the US and AstraZeneca in the UK, before moving to technical leadership roles in the deployment of technology into large capital projects, also at AstraZeneca. Her expertise covers both drug substance and drug product development and manufacture. A year ago Katie joined the Centre for Process Innovation’s Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC). This is a cross industry-academia-UK government collaboration to drive the adoption of more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly technology to increase patient access to medicines and reduce the manufacturing carbon footprint, through the execution of ambitious, transformational Grand Challenges. As the Technical Director for MMIC, she is responsible for leading the development and delivery of the technology strategy and has accountability for the Grand Challenge portfolio.

Netty England, Consultant, BioIndustry Association

“Don’t underestimate the value of networking and collaboration – I have been lucky to meet and work with many amazing people over the years, which has led to a happy, fun-filled career so far”

Over the last 30+ years Netty has enjoyed being part of the UK bioprocessing community. After graduating from Birmingham University with a Masters Degree in Biochemical Engineering, Netty spent 15 years in industry before setting up as a bioprocessing consultant. She has been involved in the successful bioProcessUK Conference since the outset. Through the BIA she was part of the Advanced Therapies Manufacturing Taskforce, and was instrumental in getting funding for and helping deliver the Advanced Therapies Apprenticeship Community (ATAC) programme, through the CGT Catapult. As well as her regular role as secretariat for the BIA Manufacturing Advisory Committee (MAC), this year she has also been part of the BIA Covid-19 Vaccine Manufacturing Taskforce and recently formed Expert Advisory Group, working with the collaborative bioprocessing community to support existing vaccines and prepare for any potential new vaccines that may be manufactured in the UK.

Tracey Dawson, Managing Director, Daletech

“Be open to Innovation in all areas of our businesses promoting and role modelling flexibility – which will be key to success in the face of new challenges.”

I was appointed Managing Director in August 2016 (after the sudden death of my husband who had been the Managing Director since 1992) and set out to build a strategy for growth.  In July 2017 I graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10KSBUK programme which has been pivotal in helping us on our growth trajectory. Daletech was established in 1987 as an electronic manufacturing company focussing on high quality, diverse,  niche products. My journey has opened the doors to the marvellous world of manufacturing!  And my love of manufacturing has driven my passion to open the doors of manufacturing to the next generation through the Leeds Manufacturing Festival bringing manufacturing alive to young people.

Abigail Levin, Operations Director, Abigail Levin Consulting

“Always be true to yourself. If you are good at what you do, you will gain the respect, trust and friendship of male colleagues. You should never try to alter who you are to fit in. If you don’t feel you fit in – move do not change who you are”

Abigail Levin Bsc (Eng), ACGI, CEng, MBA – I graduated in 1986 from Imperial College with a degree in Electrical Engineering and immediately joined the Chemical Giant (as was) ICI, as a Control Engineer. I had a fantastic 11 years with them working all over the UK and in Germany, becoming chartered in 1990 and obtaining an MBA from Durham University in 1994. Armed with good solid engineering and project management experience I changed track and joined Accenture in South  Africa as a strategy consultant – amazing experience and the opportunity to see a range of companies, a new country and learn new skills, but I missed engineering. In 2000 I set up a company, in the UK, to provide consultancy to SMEs, predominantly manufacturing companies in Yorkshire and I have never regretted it.

Dr Carmen Torres-Sanchez, Reader in Multifunctional Materials Manufacturing, Loughborough University

“The UK is a knowledge-driven economy and women possess the skills to thrive in a working environment where both technical and soft skills are crucial to bring the most out of people. Women should not shrink from the opportunity to come forward and leverage their enormous potential to make the UK a competitive global leader in digital manufacturing”

Dr Carmen Torres-Sanchez is a Reader in Multifunctional Materials Manufacturing, leader of the MMM lab at Loughborough University, Executive Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Embedded Intelligence incorporating her brainchild Doctoral Transition Zone™ Training ethos. Her research interests are on design and manufacture of materials and structures with more than one function, e.g porosity tailored to meet specific structural, thermal, biochemical requirements. This has driven her to develop a technology to adjust cellular structure of polymeric and metal foams via controlled ultrasonic irradiation that has seen applications in transport, regen-med, and in the food & drink industries. Aided by computational thinking approaches and digital representations of both the final product and the manufacturing process that evolves with it, she aims to accelerate the innovation cycle that will produce novel, high-value and bespoke materials, and bring science and manufacturing closer to improve productivity.

Dr Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc

“Don’t keep doing things the same way just because it works and is comfortable. Women often bring a different way of thinking, so consider how you can improve and experiment with new processes. Occasionally, take time to try things differently and see what happens.”

Sarah has over 25 years’ experience in innovation and commercialisation. In her previous role as Innovation and Commercialisation Manager with Scottish Enterprise, she focussed on the life sciences sector and enjoyed working to help it to grow and develop. Subsequently she supported innovation activities across a range of industries including Food and Drink, Creative Industries, Data and Chemicals. This involved the creation of collaborative ventures, new companies and working with existing companies to support their growth, product development and innovation ambitions. Sarah is responsible for all innovation activity at MSIP. As well as working with our academic partners and other innovation parks, she will explore opportunities for collaboration across industry, academia and government, creating a dynamic environment for our Innovation Campus and partners. Her role is to enable industry and academic partners to secure further sources of funding from external sources such as Innovate UK and the European Union.

Andrea Wilson, Director, Hone-All Precision Ltd

“My one piece of advice for Women in the industry is to ensure they experience every aspect of the business they’re working within in order to understand, question and improve processes and performance. Women bring a fresh perspective to many engineering and manufacturing businesses and the most successful of companies embrace this fresh approach and are more flexible, responsive and adaptable as a result.”

Andrea Wilson is a Director of Hone-All Precision, an SME specialising in deep hole boring, drilling, honing and CNC turning. Hone-All is recognised throughout the industry and regularly cited as an exemplar business for continuous improvement and regular investment in both their teams and technology. Andrea has been active in influencing the Government’s focus towards long term manufacturing success for over 20 years, through the EEDA Manufacturing Panel, the Automotive Academy and NSAM / SEMTA skills Council and has spoken at a large number of manufacturing launch and promotional events. Andrea has been Chair of the Make UK Eastern Regional Advisory Board for over 10 years and is a passionate campaigner for better quality training provision; for improved Government support which suits a wider variety of business sizes and specialities; and also improving the recognition and image of engineering and manufacturing within the UK.

Coreen McCubbin, Senior Aerospace Consultant, Leading Edge Consulting

“I often hear female engineers talk about how they need to change to fit in better and be stronger. Your strength is in your existing personality, capability and skills please believe in yourself and stay true to your moral compass. Diversity is key to innovation and you are one of the guardians for the next generation to hear their voices and allow them to become a truly diverse and equal workforce.”

Coreen McCubbin a Senior Aerospace Consultant with Leading Edge Strategy Consulting Ltd. has over 20 year’s industry experience 13 of which are at the cutting edge of Research and Development in the aviation sector with Spirit Aerosystems. Coreen has delivered through collaborative funding and pioneering technology strategic growth recognised by the First Minister of Scotland visiting sites to announce government support for composite production manufacturing and increased composite innovation footprint securing Scotland within the ecosystem developing world class composite manufacturing in the UK. Coreen is now consulting for multiple clients in the aerospace sector and embarking on a new manufacturing start-up venture. Coreen has a balanced career and family life with two teenage daughters now looking to start their journey on chosen career paths.

Suzanne Farid, Professor of Bioprocess Systems Engineering, University College London

“In academia, we meet many students and colleagues who strive for excellence and build up great accomplishments and so it can be surprising to discover that behind this success many of us let imposter syndrome rear its head occasionally to downplay our achievements. It helps to notice our mindset and reframe subconscious limiting beliefs that hold us back from achieving our full potential. We all have the capacity to reach new heights and can inspire others along the way while contributing positively to our diverse society”.

Suzanne Farid is Professor of Bioprocess Systems Engineering at the Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering at University College London (UCL) and Deputy Head of Department (Education). She is Co-Director of the Future Targeted Healthcare Manufacturing Hub in collaboration with industrial and academic consortia to revolutionise the delivery of cost-effective stratified protein-based and personalised cell-based therapies to patients. She is also Director of the UCL-AstraZeneca Centre of Excellence. She leads research on ‘Decisional Tools’ to facilitate cost-effective bioprocess design, capacity planning, R&D portfolio management, root cause analysis and manufacturability assessments for biopharmaceuticals ranging from monoclonal antibodies to cell and gene therapies. She sits on the UK BioIndustry Association Manufacturing Advisory Committee, ISCT Business Models and Investment Sub Committee and is a Fellow of the IChemE.  She obtained her Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemical Engineering from UCL. 

Phillipa Glover, Managing Director, CNC Robotics

“Like many people working in manufacturing, I don’t just work in this sector because I have to; I work in this sector because I am insanely passionate about manufacturing. Whether you are working as an operator on the shop floor, leading a team of engineers or running a business, you must do what you love. Have courage, speak with conviction and most importantly, always be you. Surround yourself with individuals who continue to empower, inspire and encourage you to grow. Never stop learning.”

Philippa is the Managing Director of CNC Robotics Ltd, a leading robotic integration company based in the Liverpool City Region. She started her career studying a Masters in Chemistry with a year in industry at the University of Sheffield and has worked in manufacturing ever since. Philippa is responsible for the strategic development of the business and its people. She is a member of the Institute of Directors, and sits on several advisory boards including MAKE UK Regional Advisory Board and the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Manufacturing Made Smarter Advisory Board. In 2019 Philippa featured in Insiders 42 under 42 NW list celebrating the strength of the region’s brightest business talent who will form the next generation of successful business leaders and business owners. She is passionate about working closely with the broader manufacturing community to address critical challenges that will shape our future.

Steph Locke, CEO, Nightingale HQ

“The need for change is very clear to manufacturers but change is hard due to a relatively low digital savviness inside manufacturers and how new AI is. Overcoming this skills gap, if you have it, helps you boost your own productivity, foster a culture of innovation, and steer strategy. Digital & AI solutions have never been easier to access and there is so much support out there to help gain these critical skills. Investing in AI tools and skills will help you and your business.”

Nightingale HQ – helping manufacturers to innovate through AI – Steph is an AI Expert, Data Scientist turned Entrepreneur who is passionate about helping businesses use their data more effectively and adopting AI. After running her own data consultancy successfully for several years, she wanted to scale this impact so she co-founded Nightingale HQ. At Nightingale HQ they are developing a ‘Trusted Marketplace for AI tools and services where manufacturers can access expertise and quickly improve critical areas like the supply chain, ops management, inventory, and downtime with the help of AI. Steph has also written two books on data science and is one of four people in the world who is a Microsoft Most Valued Professional (MVP) in Data Platform and AI technologies. She has recently been selected to join the European Commission’s SME Focus Group on AI and will help shape policy and inform how AI is a key driver of digital transformation.

Julia Moore, CEO, GTMA (Gauge Toolmakers Association)

“To take your team with you on the journey and not to allow anyone to divert your focus”

I have enjoyed a career which has provided me with an opportunity to grow personally and reach my potential, through common sense, enthusiasm, and determination. I have experienced difficult challenges but by retaining focus the end results have been so rewarding. The opportunity to lead on new challenges and to map out a strategy, has meant new boundaries along the way. But from my first Trade Mission to New Zealand followed by others to Malaysia and Brazil to joining the GTMA over 20 years ago as CEO it has been extremely exciting and diverse. The early years of 2000 involved GTMA working on Six European Research & Development engineering and developing a Supply Chain strategy. Today the GTMA has a strong technical focus, digital marketing programme and a collaborative supply chain platform lto promote to manufacturers the engineering skills available through Reshoring.UK

Claire Holt, Business & Partnership Consultant, Hosokawa Micron

“Be true to yourself :- Keep your individualism, innovation , USP and work ethic.”

Claire is the Business and Partnerships Consultant at Hosokawa Micron Limited , responsible for innovation, development and data driven manufacture. Her Career has spanned Pharmaceutical, Food and Chemical industry sectors and within SMEs, start-ups and in global blue chip organisations through academia and associated spin outs. With extensive experience in process design, commissioning, production, operations, supply, capital expenditure, new product, technology and business development, commercialisation business strategy, planning and evaluation, and multi-functional general business management. Claire has a BSc (Hons) in Chemical Engineering and is a Member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers and a Chartered Engineer.

Camilla Wigmore, Director, Newton Europe 

“My advice for others is make sure you enjoy your work. Engineering and manufacturing careers can present fantastically stimulating, rewarding and fun environments to work in. Do more of what you enjoy, be kind, have fun and make the most of every opportunity that presents itself.”

Camilla Wigmore is a Director at Newton Europe, an organisation working with some of the UK’s largest manufacturers to deliver lasting change and address issues like the UK ventilator challenge and multi-billion-pound defence manufacturing programmes. After studying Manufacturing Engineering at Cambridge Camilla worked first at Rolls-Royce, then as an Operations Consultant at PwC. Over her career she has worked with Engineering and Manufacturing clients in Nuclear, Aerospace, Automotive, Oil and Gas and Medical device manufacturing sectors to optimise their workforce productivity. Moving into industry she then led a manufacturing business in the Midlands as Managing Director. Whilst Camilla managed the organisation it delivered a significant improvement programme, won national awards, and increased the proportion of domestic sales as well as increasing service revenues. All of this achieved before turning 30 and whilst raising two wonderful daughters, Camilla is a passionate advocate for and supporter of women in STEM and business leadership positions.

Philippa Oldham, Strategic Engagement Director, Advanced Propulsion Centre

“You are entering a time of transition when the world is your oyster. Manufacturing is the heart of everything that we use and dispose of – ideally in a sustainable way. Improving the efficiencies of these processes and retaining the value within our products is paramount. However, never feel trapped in one sector – always move when you start to feel comfortable or bored, as other sectors will need your wealth of knowledge and experience to improve and grow their businesses.”

A Chartered Engineer with a wealth of experience gained from motorsport, defence, aerospace and policy development. Philippa thrives on working with a wide range of stakeholders from government, industry and academia to create visionary solutions, with the ability to challenge existing silos across the sectors. Her experience allows her to offer oversight into the challenges faced both locally and internationally within the manufacturing and transport realms. Joining the Advanced Propulsion Centre in January 2018 she uses her experience and knowledge of the UK’s transport modes and infrastructure to support the development of strategies that incubate collaborations. This joining of the dots will help ensure that the UK can develop solutions, and attract the right investment to create, develop and sustain UK supply chains that drive both job creation and exportable products and services to enable the UK to fulfill its net-zero ambition.

Kadine James, CEO & Founder, The Immersive Kind 

“Companies can’t afford to lose women leaders – Everything we do during and after this crisis must be with a strong focus on building more equal, inclusive and sustainable economies and societies that are more resilient in the face of pandemics, climate change, and the many other global challenges we face” 

The Immersive KIND is an interdisciplinary collective working with artists, crafting machine intelligence, we work with 3D designers, neuroscientists, AI engineers, data scientists and bio architects. Our model is both fresh and exciting in the arts and in the history of digital counter culture. We are an art and advanced technology organisation that’s focused on providing opportunities for emerging artists, diverse, underrepresented voices, and queer communities to exercise their ideas and their voices. We foster collaborations and have built a 24/7 URLxIRL online community of artists, 3D designers, creatives, and technologists from around the world who use emerging technologies such as, game engine software (Unreal Engine 4, Unity), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and robotics. We are an ecosystem for extended reality (XR) innovation and XR artists that look beyond the immediate environment of contemporary art and pursue tangible impacts elsewhere, setting new standards of technological advancement, sophistication and innovation.

Helen Anderson, Head of Business Improvement, TMD Technologies Limited

“With the digital revolution, the opportunities within Engineering & Manufacturing, to have a fulfilling and continually evolving career that also shapes the future, have never been greater.”

Helen provides technical leadership, vision and experience to identify and implement digital, process & culture improvements, which underpin TMD’s operational efficiency and business goals. Helen championed TMD’s adoption of the prestigious Sharing in Growth programme; an ambitious transformation programme which raised capabilities across the UK aerospace supply chain. Helen has spent her career at the forefront of technology. Initially as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer developing products for leading brands Sony, Nokia, Psion & Sanofi Aventis. Helen has extensive experience of leading diverse teams including 18 months’ in Germany and 18 months’ in the Far East with PA Consulting. Helen is passionate about harnessing ‘Lean’ thinking & technology to design, develop & deliver innovative products to Customers.