Manufacturing NI

Succession Planning: Preparing Future Manufacturing Leaders
2025-10-15 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/Paris) | 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
