Anchor High Summit 2025
2025-05-30 09:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris)
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.

Inclusive Employment in Manufacturing: Building a Future That Works for Everyone
2025-11-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Our recent webinar, “Inclusive Employment in Manufacturing” delivered in partnership with NOW Group, explored how diverse employment can transform both lives and workplaces. The session focused on fair access to good jobs in our sector and the positive impact this has on workplace culture, retention, innovation and creativity.

Sean Hanna (NOW Group) outlined how their team supports people with learning difficulties, autism and other neurodivergent conditions into sustainable work, and how they partner with employers to develop roles, recruitment, training and mentoring support. In 2024, NOW Group has helped 400+ people into employment, including 138 into paid roles in manufacturing, with 93% still in work after six months. Their academy and in-work support model is also helping hundreds more build skills and confidence for future roles.

Real experiences shared by Lindsay Colton (Terex) and Genevieve Martin (The JAQ Group) who partner with NOW Group, showed that when we remove barriers and recruit diverse talent, we gain stronger cultures, better retention and more innovative teams – a future that genuinely works for everyone. Key outcomes were clear: diverse and inclusive employment isn’t just good for individuals, it’s good for employers, employees, workplaces and manufacturing as a whole.
Slides are available here: NOW Group – Manufacturing NI webinar
To find out more visit: https://www.nowgroup.org or email: sean.hanna@nowgroup.org

Energy, Emissions & Export: What Every Manufacturer Needs to Know
2025-12-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Our recent webinar with carbonfit walked NI manufacturers through the practical steps needed to prepare for both EU CBAM and the UK’s forthcoming CBAM, and what these changes mean specifically for businesses operating from Northern Ireland.

Because NI trades into both the EU Single Market (for goods) and Great Britain, manufacturers need to understand two parallel systems:

EU CBAM – already live in its transitional phase and moving to full financial obligations from 1 January 2026. This affects NI businesses only when exporting CBAM-listed goods directly into the EU, or when supplying goods that ultimately form part of an EU export.
UK CBAM – a new carbon tax applying from 1 January 2027, covering imports into Great Britain. This affects NI manufacturers importing CBAM-listed materials from outside the UK or those exposed to cost pass-through within their UK supply chains.

Key topics covered:

The difference between EU and UK CBAM, who is in scope, and which products are affected under each regime.
Why accurate, verified emissions data is essential to reduce costs under EU CBAM and influencing UK CBAM liability once rates go live.
Supply-chain readiness: how NI firms can proactively engage suppliers (especially outside the UK/EU) to ensure emissions data is available and avoid delays or default values.
Managing energy use at site level through sub-metering, bill analysis and procurement to improve competitiveness in both CBAM systems.
Practical actions for 2025/6: confirming CN codes, checking import/export volumes, mapping suppliers, and preparing data flows for both EU and UK reporting are audit and verification ready.

Carbonfit is offering a free energy bill health check to help manufacturers identify potential carbon savings, cost reductions and efficiency opportunities, supporting wider CBAM preparedness. They are also on hand if you want to discuss more end to end support for complete CBAM assurance.

For more information contact Ben Craig, Head of Partnerships at Carbonfit: ben@carbonfit.online
Slides are available here: 2-12-25 Carbonfit – Energy Emissions Export Webinar

Union Rights & Recognition in Your Workplace- The Good Jobs Bill
2025-12-03 12:00 - 14:00
Townhall Meeting
12pm – Wednesday 3rd December
Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown
Wide ranging changes which will fundamentally alter the world of work are being prepared by the Department for the Economy with new legislation planned to be presented to the Assembly by the Economy Minister in the New Year.
The Good Jobs and Employment Rights Bill and other legislative tools could establish new law and rules on:

Terms of Employment
Pay and Benefits
Voice and Representation (including beefed up Union rights)
Work Life Balance

The way forward/plan is summarised here:
https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-05/The%20Good%20Jobs%20Employment%20Rights%20Bill%20-%20The%20Way%20Forward%20-%20Final%2022.5.25.pdf
Most, as good employers, already operate many of the proposal and will welcome these being put into law. However, as manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of this legislation, many are expressing concerns around the Voice and Representation plans, the summary of which is:

To make Unions more accessible for workers by reducing barriers to union recognition.
Unions will have the right to request access directly into a workplace (for instance, the production floor or the canteen), including digital access (internal email systems, screens), to recruit membership where it does not currently exist.
Union recognition will be reduced from 21 to 10 workers.
Supporting moves towards collective bargaining (across industries, job roles) with the unions on wages, conditions etc.
To permit e-balloting systems as an alternative to postal ballot.
Reduce the percentage of employees from 10% to 2% required to make a request for an ICE agreement (to be informed about the business’s economic situation and about decisions likely to lead to changes in work organisation or contractual relations) and reduce the minimum number of employees required from 15 to 10.

It is vitally important that manufacturers have sight of and understand what changes may be coming and potentially prepare for all these changes.
We are very pleased that the Economy Minister has agreed to attend and introduce in person this legislation to our manufacturing community and to stay and listen to contributions from employers.
Therefore, being represented at this event in important.
Lunch will be provided.

5 Production Line Mistakes Costing Manufacturing Businesses
2026-01-21 12:30 - 13:15
🌐 Register here: ergoandwellbeing.com/webinar
Is worker discomfort, rising absence rates or quality issues impacting your production line? The root cause might be hiding in plain sight.
We’re pleased to host Julie Rainey MSc C.ErgHF MCIEHF MIHFES, Chartered Ergonomist & Human Factors Specialist and Director of Ergo & Wellbeing, for a practical webinar on production line Ergonomics.
Julie brings extensive manufacturing experience from Aston Martin (Human Factors Ergonomist) and Airbus UK (Ergonomics Specialist).
She’ll cover:

→ Why “one size fits all” workstations fit nobody properly
→ The hidden danger of “it’s only 2kg” (spoiler: multiply that by 400 lifts per shift)
→ How poor layout wastes energy and creates strain
→ Why generic training doesn’t transfer to real tasks
→ The true cost of waiting for injury before taking action

More importantly, Julie will share practical fixes including quick wins you can implement immediately and how modern assessment technology is changing what’s possible for comprehensive risk identification.
The context:
543,000 UK workers suffer from work-related MSDs annually, costing employers £21.6 billion and resulting in 33.7 million working days lost every year.
This session is relevant for:

→ Production Managers
→ Operations Directors
→ Health & Safety Professionals
→ Engineering Managers
→ Continuous Improvement Leads

Whether you’re in food production, engineering, manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals or aerospace, if you’re experiencing worker discomfort complaints, efficiency issues, quality issues, absence rates or productivity challenges, this webinar will provide actionable insights.

📅 Wednesday 21st January, 12:30-1:15pm
🌐 Register here: ergoandwellbeing.com/webinar

Menopause Matters at Work Webinar - Take Action in Your Business
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00
Does your business have a menopause strategy in place?
As government direction and employer expectations continue to evolve, business leaders can no longer ignore the impact menopause can have on their people and performance. Continuing the theme of inclusivity in the workplace, Manufacturing NI has partnered with WorkLifePeople to equip business owners, senior leaders and HR professionals with practical tools and advice to take action in their business – building a well-thought-out menopause strategy that supports an inclusive culture.
In this webinar, we will hear from Karina Todd, Founder and CEO of WorkLifePeople, who will share how businesses can take clear, practical actions to get ahead of legislation, demonstrate responsible leadership and build environments where both people and businesses can thrive.
Agenda:
Why Menopause Matters Right Now
A look at why providing menopause support at work is no longer a ‘nice to do’ but a pressing workforce, wellbeing and retention priority.
The Changing Landscape: Policy, Risk & Leadership Responsibility
What the new government direction means for employers – and why leaders need to get ahead of the incoming legislation.
Awareness: What HR & Leaders Need to Know
A clear, practical overview of menopause, its impact at work and the realities your employees may be facing.
Allyship: Creating a Culture Where People Can Thrive
How leadership behaviours and team culture can remove stigma and build genuine psychological safety.
Action: Preparing for Menopause Action Plans
The steps organisations must start taking now to meet future requirements and create menopause-inclusive workplaces.
Why attend?

Discover why menopause is now a strategic business issue, not just a wellbeing topic.
Get ahead of the incoming legislation regarding Menopause Action Plan requirements and compliance requirements.
Find out what meaningful support actually looks like, beyond awareness sessions or outdated policies.
Build confidence in shaping strategy, supporting managers and creating an inclusive culture.
Protect talent, reduce absence and support the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce.
Gain clear, practical insights you can take straight back to your organisation.

Join us online:
📅 Wednesday 28th January 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 13:00
🌐 Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/82679fec-98b0-44ad-92a2-b4b55108b881@78a5ea4a-88af-4c7a-aeb2-b0a3d9dc328f?mc_cid=bdb93865f3&mc_eid=UNIQID

E-DATA Winter Roadshow- Derry
2026-01-30 09:30 - 23:00 | Waterfoot Hotel, Caw Roundabout, Clooney Road, Derry, BT47 6TB, United Kingdom
Accelerate Your Digital Journey with E-DATA
In the 2026 competitive landscape, digital transformation has shifted from a luxury to a matter of survival for SMEs. To help you manage costs and meet rising market demands, the E-DATA SME Workshop offers a clear, actionable path to modernising your business.
Digitalisation isn’t just about technology; it’s about measurable growth.
Research indicates that digitalised SMEs experience:

A 30% average increase in annual revenue.
A 25% boost in overall productivity.
Operational cost reductions of up to 20-30% through automation and better resource management.

Join us to see how your peers are already winning:

Retail: One local retailer saw a 40% sales increase and a 25% cost reduction via e-commerce.
Manufacturing: IoT integration has helped firms reduce downtime by 30%.
Service & Efficiency: Companies are saving over 1,000 man-hours annually by adopting digital workflow tools.

Your Tailored Path to Growth
We recognise that every business is at a different stage. Our 75-minute session breaks down the flexible E-DATA support tracks designed for your specific digitalisation maturity level. During the session we will help you identify your most critical area for digitalisation within your business and how you can gain access to 1-to-1 expert guidance. Learn about our free support services and how we can help you with your digitalisation.
🗓️ Workshop Details:
Date: Friday 30th January 2026
Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
Location: Waterfoot Hotel, Derry~Londonderry
Cost: FREE
REGISTER HERE

Director’s Duties and Corporate Governance Webinar – Protect Yourself and Your Business
2026-02-04 12:00 - 13:00
Manufacturing directors operate in an environment of increasing scrutiny, heightened regulatory expectations and evolving governance requirements. Understanding your legal duties and adopting robust corporate governance practices is essential to protecting both yourself and your business.
Manufacturing NI has partnered with Mills Selig to deliver this practical and informative webinar, designed for company directors, senior leaders and business owners.
The session will provide clear guidance on:

Directors’ statutory duties
Recent compliance changes introduced by Companies House requiring mandatory identify verification of directors
Insolvency considerations
Director disqualification risks
Best practices in corporate governance, covering effective board meeting procedures, accurate record-keeping, shareholder engagement and director independence.

Attendees will leave with practical insights to strengthen governance, reduce risk and ensure their organisation is well-positioned to meet current and future obligations.
Join us online:
📅 Wednesday 4th February 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 13:00
🌐 Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1bed63ef-8236-4b0a-848b-c336738195bc@78a5ea4a-88af-4c7a-aeb2-b0a3d9dc328f?mc_cid=bdb93865f3&mc_eid=UNIQID

Restructuring and Insolvency Webinar - How to Protect Your Business
2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:00
In a changing economic landscape, having a clear understanding of restructuring and insolvency can help businesses strengthen resilience and plan confidently for the future. Knowing the options available and when to act, enables leaders to make informed decisions that protect value and support long-term sustainability.
Manufacturing NI has partnered with Mills Selig’s expert legal team to deliver this practical and informative webinar, designed for company directors, leadership teams, finance professionals and advisors.
The session will provide clear guidance on:

An essential overview of insolvency from both the creditor’s and debtor’s perspective
Key insolvency concepts explained through a practical jargon-buster
Effective restructuring options available to businesses
Practical steps businesses can take to protect themselves when facing financial pressure

Why Attend?
Attendees will leave with increased confidence, practical insight and a clearer understanding of how to navigate financial challenges while safeguarding their business.
Join us online:
📅 Wednesday 4th March 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 13:00
🌐 Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d6d4db38-8e3b-4400-ae22-f6df86eb3f21@78a5ea4a-88af-4c7a-aeb2-b0a3d9dc328f?mc_cid=bdb93865f3&mc_eid=UNIQID

Made in NI Awards 2026
2026-05-20 18:30 - 23:00
Insider’s flagship celebration of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and engineering excellence returns in 2026 with an expanded and updated awards programme. Now in its 11th year, the event features new and enhanced categories that reflect the sector’s innovation, growth and evolving impact on the regional economy.
For the first time, the awards will be hosted as a gala black-tie evening on Wednesday 20th May 2026 at the Titanic Museum, Belfast. Category winners will also go on to compete on the national stage at the Insider Made in the UK Awards.
Online entries are now open, with an independent judging panel – chaired by Insider’s Northern Ireland business editor, Philip Cunliffe – selecting the finalists.
The list of award categories are:

Food & Drink Award
Bio-tech Manufacturer of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
Automotive Supply Chain Award
AI Tech Innovation of the Year
Engineering Manufacturer of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
Newcomer of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
Sustainable / Ethical Manufacturer Award
Export Award
Product Innovation of the Year
Investment Project of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
Collaboration of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
Engineer of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
Apprentice of the Year
Manufacturer of the Year (under & over £25m)
Outstanding Contribution to Northern Ireland Manufacturing (NEW FOR 2026)

Why enter?

Free PR exposure
Complimentary ticket for all finalists
Build business connections
Automatic entry for winners to the Made in the UK Award
