Manufacturing NI

Managing Change in a Challenging Economy
2025-01-30 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Paris) | Online
Stephen Kelly from Manufacturing NI was joined by Rachel Richardson, Director (Employment) DWF and Jenny Rankin, Associate, Employment, DWF to look at various components of employment law.
Business continuity is a priority and as the economic climate remains challenging, many more employers are having to make difficult decisions. During this session there are tips providing an outline of the legal parameters when implementing a redundancy procedure, including:
How to identify a redundancy situation
The redundancy process
A closer look at consultation – individual and collective
Other key considerations: Alternative employment and trial periods and redundancy pay
What if an employer gets it wrong?
Alternatives to redundancies: Short time working and lay offs
To discuss this more you can talk to the panelists- Rachel Richardson Rachel.richardson@dwf.law Jenny Rankin Jenny.rankin@dwf.law

Directors Duties & Corporate Governance with Mills Selig
2025-02-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Watch the recording of our insightful webinar on Directors’ Duties and Corporate Governance, led by Glenn Watterson, Partner (Corporate) at Mills Selig, and tailored for members of Manufacturing NI. In this session,
Glenn explores:
✅ Key responsibilities of Directors
✅ The importance of corporate governance practices
✅ Practical tips for compliance and effective leadership
The webinar also includes a Q&A session, providing valuable insights for:
🔹 Business Owners
🔹 Directors
🔹 Senior Managers
This recording will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate corporate responsibility with confidence.
📌 Watch now and enhance your leadership and governance skills!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more expert insights.

The Value of Understanding Claims & Record Keeping
2025-02-26 14:00 - 15:00
Manufacturing NI were joined by DWF Law to look at the importance of Understanding Claims and Record Keeping
This session is aimed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to protect your commercial interests effectively.
Register today for your opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the dynamic field of contract management and claims.
Slides are available to download here- https://www.manufacturingni.org/wp-co…

Legal Essentials with Mills Selig- Navigating Fatal Workplace Accidents Webinar
2025-03-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
We were joined by Kirsten Magee, Partner, Litigation at Mills Selig for a webinar, Navigating Fatal Workplace Accidents – Legal Obligations and Best Practices.
Tailored for Manufacturing NI members, this session discussed the complex legal framework surrounding fatal workplace incidents, including compliance requirements, risk management strategies and best practices for responding effectively in the aftermath.
Having the right legal advice at the right time is crucial – Mills Selig’s expert team of Solicitors offer clear, concise and problem solving legal advice
For further information on our expert legal services and how we can help your organisation, click: http://www.millsselig.com/Expertise

Mastering Employee Ownership Trusts Practical Strategies for Business Continuity and Tax Efficiency
2025-03-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Gain valuable insights from James Morrison (Partner, Corporate), Scott Kennedy (Partner, Corporate), and Jon Stevens (Partner, Global Head of Tax & Private Capital) from DWF Law as they discuss the benefits, challenges, and practical considerations of Employment Ownership Trusts (EOTs) in business succession planning.
Key takeaways from this session:
✅ What is an EOT? Understanding the structure and key components.
✅ Why consider an EOT? Exploring tax efficiencies and business advantages.
✅ How to implement an EOT? Practical steps for structuring and executing the transition.
✅ Future developments – How EOTs and their qualifying conditions are evolving.
With changes to CGT and BADR, shareholders are increasingly looking at tax-efficient exit strategies. This webinar provides expert guidance to help you assess whether an EOT is the right solution for your business. Watch now to stay informed and ahead in the evolving business landscape.

Succsession Planning for Business Owners
2025-04-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
Help prepare for the future with Mills Selig’s webinar on Succession Planning for Business Owners.
We were joined by Fiona McFall, Partner & Head of Private Client and Darren Marley, Partner, Corporate for a session, tailored for Manufacturing NI members, that covered the key steps to ensure a seamless transition of leadership or ownership, addressing legal, financial and practical considerations.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, growth, or unexpected changes – this webinar offers expert guidance to protect your business legacy and secure its long-term success. Perfect for business owners and senior leaders looking to safeguard their organisation’s future.
Having the right legal advice at the right time is crucial – Mills Selig’s expert team of Solicitors offer clear, concise and problem solving legal advice
For further information on our expert legal services and how we can help your organisation, click: www.MillsSelig.com/Expertise

Preparing for the Windsor Framework: Parcels Movement
2025-04-16 16:30 - 18:00 | Online
This recording features a webinar with HMRC, focused on helping businesses get ready for upcoming changes under the Windsor Framework.

From 1 May 2025, new arrangements will apply to the movement of goods – including parcels – between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This session is especially relevant for anyone involved in sending or receiving parcels across the Irish Sea.

In this session, we cover:

What the new parcels arrangements are
How to send and receive business-to-business parcels
Sending parcels under the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS)
Sending parcels deemed “at risk”
Duty reimbursement schemes
Q&A with HMRC

Watch now to stay informed and ensure you’re prepared for the changes ahead.

A Look at the Markets with Barclays
2025-05-12 11:00 - 12:00
As part of Manufacturing Month, we take a deep dive into the current economic landscape and its impact on the manufacturing sector. Featuring expert insights from Barclays, this session will explore key market trends, financial outlooks, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today. Whether you’re a business leader, investor, or industry professional, this is a valuable opportunity to gain strategic perspectives and ask your questions live. Thank you to our panellists Gavin Campbell, Jai Pandit and Will Hobbs for their insights.

Anchor High Summit 2025
2025-05-30 09:00 - 18:00
Over 150 of Northern Ireland’s senior and aspiring manufacturing leaders gathered at the Anchor High Leadership Summit on May 29 at the Hilton Hotel, Belfast, bringing a powerful and purposeful close to Manufacturing Month for 2025.
Delivered by Manufacturing NI, the flagship event convened business leaders, policy makers, and economic experts for a day of insight, inspiration, and industry ambition. From navigating the global economic landscape to exploring emerging models of business ownership, and green supply chains to what the factories of the future might look like, the Summit offered a platform for forward-thinking leadership and bold ideas, featuring an ‘in conversation’ style keynote with former Tánaiste, Simon Coveney.
Stephen Kelly, CEO, Manufacturing NI, said:
“This year’s Manufacturing Month has been a huge success, and we are delighted to conclude it with our best-attended Anchor High Leadership Summit to date.”
“Throughout the month, we have ensured manufacturing’s importance to the Northern Ireland economy is understood, with the sector accounting for 13.4% of total economic output and directly employing over 100,000 people.”

“Manufacturing already boxes above its weight in Northern Ireland, but there’s no reason why it can’t go even further with the right leadership across the sector. We hope Summit attendees will go away from today inspired to embrace new ideas and take on new challenges.”
As the Summit concluded, celebrations carried into the evening with the prestigious Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame Awards Dinner – recognising those whose leadership, contribution, and legacy have shaped Northern Ireland’s manufacturing landscape and enriched local communities.
The 2025 Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame Inductees were:

Patricia Clements, Managing Director, Bradfor
Joanne Liddle, Managing Director, IPC Mouldings
Brian McConville CBE, Chair, MJM Group / Rathbane Group

Stephen Kelly continued:
“The Hall of Fame represents the very best of Northern Ireland manufacturing – leaders who have not only built outstanding businesses, but who have lifted those around them, created opportunities, and contributed meaningfully to their local communities.”
Manufacturing Month 2025 was sponsored by some of Northern Ireland’s leading companies and organisations including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), Barclays, KPMG, Mills Selig, Reliance, Vickerstock, Carbonfit, Go Succeed NI, and Belfast Harbour.

The Energy Opportunity - Unlocking Savings, Resilience and Compliance
2025-09-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Webinar slides and recording: “The Energy Opportunity: Unlocking Savings, Resilience and Compliance”
Following our webinar with Carbonfit, many businesses may be considering their next steps, particularly with pass-through cost changes arriving in October and winter pricing kicking in from November.
One practical step discussed is reviewing your energy data to identify areas for improvement. The ability to track and report on actions taken can help demonstrate ROI while supporting compliance and procurement requirements.
To assist with this, Carbonfit is offering a free Energy Health Check for Manufacturing NI members and webinar attendees.
This involves a review of your recent electricity and gas bills to assess:

Whether you’re eligible for any rebates

If you can switch to a lower-cost green tariff

How to reduce your exposure to rising prices

📲 [Click here to upload your bills.

03.09.25 Carbonfit Manufacturing NI Webinar1

Sustainable Engineering Wins in Manufacturing
2025-09-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Reliance NI, in partnership with Manufacturing NI, recently hosted “Sustainable Engineering Wins in Manufacturing”, a webinar exploring how energy efficiency delivers both financial and environmental benefits. With motors consuming 46% of global electricity, efficiency is no longer just about cutting costs, it’s a critical strategy for building sustainable and competitive operations. Case studies highlighted payback in as little as 3–6 months, with annual savings of up to £37,000 and reductions of 73 tonnes of CO₂.

Key Takeaways

Smart sustainable technologies that are easy to install typically save at least 10% on energy costs.
Beyond savings, these solutions also enhance maintenance programs and operational performance.
Site application audits are available by Reliance on request.

Some Proven technologies include:

Invertek Optidrive™ variable frequency drives (VFDs)

Optibelt Red Power V Belts

View slides: MANUFACTURING.NI.WEBINAR.23.09.25

As operating costs and carbon pressures grow, energy efficiency is emerging as one of the fastest ways to cut expenses and future-proof operations. To explore how these solutions could benefit your facility, contact Reliance NI:

Pat Walsh, Engineering Manager

E: patwalsh@reliance.ie

W: www.relianceni.uk

What is AMIC going to do for my business?
2025-10-01 13:00 | Online
The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100 million initiative led by Queen’s University Belfast under the Belfast Region City Deal, is transforming Northern Ireland’s manufacturing landscape. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and skills development, AMIC is helping local businesses tackle both productivity and sustainability challenges.
In our recent webinar, we explored how AMIC supports companies through:

Innovation & Collaboration – Access to cutting-edge technologies including automation, Industry 4.0, smart design, polymers, nanotech & photonics.

Productivity & Sustainability – Practical projects, like with White’s Oats, cutting waste and costs (77 tons less cardboard per year).

Funding & Skills – Support through innovation vouchers, KTPs, training, and apprenticeships to develop future-ready teams.

Flexible Access – Open facilities, consulting, and tailored SME and sector-specific support.

Businesses interested in exploring AMIC’s capabilities or initiating projects are encouraged to contact AMIC directly or visit their website to learn about available programs, funding, and collaborative opportunities.

Succession Planning: Preparing Future Manufacturing Leaders
2025-10-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
In our recent webinar, Darren McVicker, Managing Director of Vickerstock, shared practical insights on how manufacturers across Northern Ireland can future-proof their business through effective succession planning.
With 30-35% of the manufacturing workforce aged between 50 and 65 and a potential loss of up to 6,000 skilled professionals within the next five years, the sector faces a significant challenge.
To remain competitive, manufacturers need to identify critical roles – the positions that keep operations running – and create a critical skills organisational chart to map expertise and highlight areas requiring development. A proactive approach to knowledge transfer is key. Encouraging employees to understand 20–30% of the responsibilities of the role above them promotes learning, strengthens continuity, and protects valuable expertise. Combined with clear progression pathways, transparent communication, and targeted development plans, this approach helps minimise recruitment costs, boost retention, and build a culture of adaptability and growth.
Practical Steps for Manufacturers –

Conduct a workforce age and skills analysis to anticipate future gaps.
Develop a critical skills organisational chart to prioritise key roles.
Identify potential leaders and provide stretch assignments or project opportunities to build capability.
Invest in internal talent to sustain long-term succession pipelines.
Extend succession planning beyond senior leadership to every level of the organisation.
By investing in people today, manufacturers can secure the talent, skills and leadership needed to thrive tomorrow.

For more information, contact Darren McVicker: Email: d.mcvicker@vickerstock.com Tel: 028 9031 3720
Vickerstock – Succession Planning Presentation[23]

Start, Grow or Scale your business with support from Go Succeed
2025-10-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
In our recent webinar, we explored how Go Succeed, delivered in partnership with all 11 local councils, offers free, tailored support designed specifically for businesses across Northern Ireland.
Panellists Grainne O’Neill (Mid & East Antrim Borough Council), Ruth Robinson (Full Circle Management Solutions), and JB Dobbin (Demanu) shared how manufacturers are using Go Succeed to overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities – whether they’re just starting out, ready to scale, or planning for the future.

Through the programme, manufacturers can access:

Up to 21 hours of one-to-one mentoring with experienced business advisors.

Grants of up to £3,000 to support digital transformation, productivity improvement, or market growth.

Expert guidance on sales, marketing, strategy, financial management, productivity and new product support.

Practical help with product development, process efficiency, and export potential.

One standout success story came from JB Dobbin, who launched his own design and manufacturing business in 2023. With Go Succeed’s mentorship and networking opportunities, he was able to scale quickly and build a strong foundation for growth.

The key message from this session? Take the first step.
Go Succeed’s support is flexible, practical, and focused on real results. Whether you’re refining operations, innovating products, or exploring new markets, this programme can help you build a stronger, more resilient business.

Find out more and register for free support at: go-succeed.com
Slides are available here: Go Succeed master slidedeck

E-DATA Project Co-Design Workshop- North West
2025-11-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Waterfoot Hotel, Caw Roundabout, Clooney Road, Derry, BT47 6TB, United Kingdom
We need your voice! Are rising costs, manual processes, and slow technology holding your business back?
The new E-DATA project is investing in digital support to help SMEs in NI and the border region overcome these challenges, but we’re starting by listening to you.
We are running a series of 90-minute, high-impact workshops across the region to help us:
1. Define Your #1 Digital Hurdle: What’s costing you the most time right now?
2. Prioritise Solutions: Should we focus on cost-saving through data, or market expansion through automation?
3. Build Our Roadmap: Tell us what tools and mentoring you need to compete globally.
This is your chance to directly shape a major new PEACEPLUS-funded support programme.

Boost Innovation & Retention Through Inclusive Hiring In Manufacturing
2025-11-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Discover how embracing inclusivity and diversity can transform your workforce, boosting innovation, performance, and retention across your manufacturing operations.
In this webinar, we’ll be joined by Sean Hanna from NOW Group and a panel of leading manufacturers as they share real-world success stories and proven strategies for building inclusive, high-performing manufacturing teams.
📅 Thurs, 27th Nov
🕛 12.00 – 13.00
🔗 Register now

Why Attend
✅ Learn from industry leaders who have unlocked the business benefits of inclusivity.
✅ Gain actionable insights to attract, retain, and support neurodivergent employees across engineering, production, and operations.
✅ See the ROI of inclusion — from greater creativity and productivity to reduced turnover and stronger culture.
✅ Access expert guidance and resources to make your workplace more inclusive and future-ready.
Meet the Panel

Sean Hanna, Chief Services Officer, NOW Group
Laura Adams, Performance & Development Business Partner, Wrightbus
Lindsay Colton, Digital Transformation Manager, Terex
Connor Martin, Founder, Essence Vault / The JAQ Group

In a sector defined by precision, creativity, and problem-solving, diverse minds are your greatest asset.
In 2024 alone, NOW Group helped 138 individuals secure paid roles in manufacturing – demonstrating the power of inclusive hiring in action. This session will show you how to do the same.

Energy, Emissions & Export: What Every Manufacturer Needs to Know
2025-12-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Join Manufacturing NI and the team from Carbonfit for an informative webinar on the EU’s upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and what it means for NI manufacturers.

From January 2026, CBAM will require EU importers to declare and pay for the carbon embedded in certain goods – including aluminium, steel, fertilisers, cement, hydrogen, and electricity.
📅 Tues, 2nd Dec
🕛 12:00 – 13:00
🔗 Register now: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2eaa33c4-73ac-4c60-8c02-a81a48a1b31f@78a5ea4a-88af-4c7a-aeb2-b0a3d9dc328f

✅ Understand CBAM and its impact on your business
✅ Learn the reporting steps to take now
✅ Discover how emissions data can boost customer trust and tender success
✅ Hear the latest EU simplifications for SMEs

Don’t miss this opportunity to cut through the complexity and position your business to compete with confidence in the EU market, sign up now –
🌐 Register here
