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Speaker images-Jun-09-2026-02-06-49-8972-PM

Agenda: How manufacturers stay competitive during instability

The people, technologies and ideas helping manufacturers do more with less.

10:00 – 10:10

Welcome

Setting the scene for the day and introducing the key themes shaping manufacturing competitiveness.
10:10 – 10:30

KEYNOTE: Competing Through Uncertainty: The State of Manufacturing

Has the sustainability profession lost control of its own story, and how do we get it back? Is ‘net zero’ still a useful goal, or has carbon become a false proxy for progress? What needs to change, in policy, markets, or mindset to make sustainability truly competitive?
10:30 – 10:40

Roundtables explainers

Each hosts gives a 30 second overview of their proposed conversation, so you can choose your best fit!
10:40 - 11:10

Discussion Round Tables Session 1

Choose from a range of peer-led discussions covering manufacturing performance, operational excellence, supply chains, energy, AI, digitalisation and leadership.
11:10 - 11:40

Discussion Round Tables Session 2

Choose from a range of peer-led discussions covering manufacturing performance, operational excellence, supply chains, energy, AI, digitalisation and leadership.

Discussion Tables

(Please click + to read the full description)

Round Table 1 - Improving Productivity Without Increasing Headcount
 Discussion points:
  • Where are manufacturers finding productivity gains today?
  • Which improvement initiatives are delivering measurable results?
  • How can leaders drive continuous improvement when resources are stretched?
Round Table 2 - Turning Operational Data Into Better Decisions

Discussion points:

  • Why do manufacturers still struggle with visibility despite having more data than ever?
  • What separates useful insight from information overload?
  • How can organisations improve confidence in operational data?
Round Table 3 - Building Supply Chains That Can Adapt to Change

Discussion points:

  • How are manufacturers improving resilience without increasing cost?
  • What are the biggest risks emerging across modern supply chains?
  • How can supplier collaboration improve visibility and responsiveness?
Round Table 4 - Reducing Cost Through Better Energy Management
Discussion points:
  • Where are manufacturers finding the biggest opportunities to reduce energy costs?
  • How can energy data support better operational decision-making?
  • What practical strategies are helping organisations manage volatility?
Round Table 5 - Making AI Useful in Manufacturing
Discussion points:
  • Where is AI delivering genuine operational value today?
  • What foundations need to be in place before AI can scale?
  • How can manufacturers avoid investing in technology that fails to deliver? 
Round Table 6 - Why Do So Many Improvement Projects Fail to Scale?
Discussion points:
  • Why do successful pilots often fail to deliver business-wide impact?
  • What barriers prevent new technologies and initiatives scaling across sites?
  • How can leaders prioritise the improvements most likely to deliver measurable results?
Round Table 7 - Stuck With Legacy Systems: Now What?

Discussion points:

  • How are manufacturers improving visibility and performance without replacing core systems?
  • Where should organisations focus when data sits across multiple disconnected platforms?
  • What practical steps can reduce complexity without creating another transformation programme?
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Round Table 8 -Improving Material Efficiency & Reducing Waste
Discussion points:
  • How can sustainability initiatives strengthen competitiveness?
  • Which projects are generating both business and environmental benefits?
  • How are organisations securing internal support for long-term programmes?
Round Table 9 - Too Many Priorities, Not Enough Resource
Discussion points:
  • How are leadership teams deciding what deserves attention and investment?
  • Which initiatives are delivering the greatest competitive advantage today?
  • How can organisations avoid spreading limited resources too thinly?
Round Table 10 - How Do You Grow When Everything Costs More?
Discussion points:
  • How are manufacturers protecting margins in an increasingly expensive operating environment?
  • Which investments are continuing to receive board-level support?
  • Where are organisations finding opportunities for growth despite ongoing uncertainty?
11:40 - 12:10

Refreshment & Networking Break

12:10 - 12:30

KEYNOTE: Using Data, AI & Technology to Improve Manufacturing Performance

12:30 - 13:00

Discussion Round Tables Session 3

Choose from a range of peer-led discussions covering manufacturing performance, operational excellence, supply chains, energy, AI, digitalisation and leadership.
13:00 - 14:00

Networking Lunch

14:00 – 14:20

KEYNOTE: Building Resilient Operations in a Volatile World

14:20 - 14:50

PANEL: TBC

14:50 - 15:20

Refreshment & Networking Break

15:20 - 15:40

PANEL: Leadership Decisions That Create Competitive Advantage

15:40 - 16:00

Open Q&A - Synthesis Of The Day’s Key Takeaways And Next Step Actions

16:00

That's A Wrap - Time To Take Action!