Industry 2Day

Nuclear is no longer a legacy sector - it’s one of the UK’s biggest industrial opportunities. The question is: are manufacturers ready to act?
In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew Bowfield from MTC to explore the current state and future potential of the UK’s civil nuclear sector - and why now is the moment for businesses to engage.
We unpack the complexity of the nuclear landscape, from global pressures and financing challenges to supply chain readiness and long-term opportunity. 
We also explore how the UK can strengthen its manufacturing capability, attract new entrants into the nuclear supply chain, and capture more value from major programmes.
This episode challenges outdated perceptions of nuclear and highlights the scale of the opportunity ahead - particularly for organisations willing to think long-term and act early.
We discuss:
The current state of the UK nuclear landscape
Why now is a critical moment for manufacturers to engage
Supply chain readiness and capability gaps
The shift from process to delivery following the Fingleton Review
The UK’s global position and attractiveness for investment
What an “industrialised approach” to nuclear really means
Why nuclear represents decades of opportunity for UK industry
🎧 Listen or watch Industry 2Day wherever you get your podcasts, or visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Nick Leeder, CEO of INCIT UK, to explore how the UK measures progress in manufacturing - and why visibility, leadership and collaboration are essential to turning industrial strategy into real-world impact.
Nick shares insights on the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the need for neutral and scalable measurement frameworks, and how manufacturers can move from fragmented regional initiatives to full supply chain maturity. This conversation also previews Nick’s upcoming sessions at the National Manufacturing Summit, where he’ll explore industry perceptions of national policy and the role of practical measurement in accelerating transformation.
Key Topics Covered
Why the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy feels fragmented - and what’s missing
The case for a unified, neutral measurement framework across manufacturing sectors
INCIT’s frameworks and how manufacturers can use them to prioritise transformation
Bridging the gap between strategy and implementation on the shop floor
How measurement can drive smarter investment across entire supply chains
Leadership and coaching gaps in manufacturing - and how leaders can become “orchestrators of tomorrow”
Creating a culture of innovation between the boardroom and the shop floor
What Nick hopes to uncover at the National Manufacturing Summit 2026
One change that could transform the UK’s industrial strategy approach
About the GuestNick Leeder is CEO of INCIT UK and Founder of Nick Leeder & Co., working with manufacturers and policymakers to improve industrial performance, leadership capability and strategic execution through data-driven frameworks and coaching.
Catch Nick at the National Manufacturing Summit 2026 at the MTC, Coventry, on Thursday 26th February. Find out more and register to attend for free: https://www.nmsummit.co.uk/

What does it really take to go from apprentice to founder - and disrupt a traditional industry along the way?
In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Tom Flude, Co-founder of Engineers Insight, to explore his journey into entrepreneurship and how he’s rethinking the way engineers access information, opportunities, and inspiration.
Tom shares the real story behind launching a start-up in a highly traditional sector, the challenges of breaking away from legacy trade media models, and why visibility, storytelling, and community are critical to closing the skills gap in engineering.
We discuss:
Tom’s journey from engineering apprentice to tech founder
The realities of start-up life - highs, lows, and lessons learned
What it means to be a disruptor in a traditional industry
How Through the Factory is inspiring the next generation
Why modern engineering needs better storytelling and visibility
The role of digital platforms in connecting education, industry, and opportunity
What gives hope for the future of engineering talent
🎧 Listen or watch Industry 2Day wherever you get your podcasts, or visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

Cyber security has become one of the most talked-about risks in manufacturing - but too often, the conversation is driven by fear rather than facts.
In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Jonathan Sword, Director at Agility Cyber, to break down what cyber security really means for manufacturers today. 
From resilience and culture to AI-driven risks and supply chain vulnerabilities, Jonathan shares how businesses can take meaningful, cost-effective action without getting overwhelmed.
We discuss:
      Why cyber security matters more than ever - without the panic
      The danger of fear-based messaging in driving inaction
      People, process and culture vs. technology - what really makes the difference?
      How SMEs can strengthen defences without huge budgets
      AI and data: new risks, new opportunities
      Supply chain threats and shared responsibility
      Practical steps manufacturers can take now to build resilience
🎧 Listen or watch Industry 2Day wherever you get your podcasts, or visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

The skills gap in UK manufacturing has been a persistent challenge - but what if the solution lies not in policy, but in people?
In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Will Bridgman, Managing Director at Warren Services, to explore how proactive and innovative SMEs can lead the way in shaping the future workforce. 
From inspiring the next generation through early engagement with schools, to redefining apprenticeships and continuous learning, Will shares his insight into how manufacturers can turn a skills challenge into a competitive advantage.
We discuss:
Why the skills gap persists - and what’s needed to fix it
How Warren Services has built a thriving apprenticeship programme
Engaging local schools and inspiring the next generation-
Measuring success in workforce development
How investing in people drives both growth and resilience
Future-proofing manufacturing through a skills-first mindset
Explore past episodes of Industry 2Day by visiting www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

In this episode of Industry 2Day, we’re joined by Anni Toner, Group CEO of The Data Shack, to explore how manufacturers can move from AI theory to practical action.
This conversation provides a clear, grounded, and insight-led look at what it really means to implement AI and digital tools in manufacturing today. We dive into AI trends, share real-world case studies, and explore the human and technical challenges that businesses need to overcome to make meaningful progress.
In this episode, Anni discusses:
Where are UK manufacturers on the AI adoption curve?
What are businesses wanting - longer term AI strategy or a quicker ROI?
People vs. tech vs. mindset - what are the biggest barriers to entry facing UK businesses
The Data-Shack’s approach to supporting clients with AI adoption 
Workforce readiness and the STEM skills shortage 
Rhino syndicates: How AI can help for the greater good 
What does ‘good’ look like for AI in a factory setting?
Digital Manufacturing 2Day 2025: what to expect and why you should attend
One piece of advice for businesses moving from AI theory to action
Anni is just one of the expert speakers taking to the stage at Digital Manufacturing 2Day at the MTC in Coventry on Wednesday 22nd October. Registration is free - to learn more about the event, visit www.digitalmanufacturing2day.com.
Explore past episodes of Industry 2Day by visiting www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

This episode of Industry 2Day features Kristin Baker, Vice President of Industrial & Process Automation at Schneider Electric, and explores the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and how it supports critical goals around digitisation, decarbonisation and skills development.
We unpack the relationship between policy and practice, looking at Schneider Electric’s own investments in the UK, what it means to remain competitive in a challenging global landscape, and how the sector can prepare its people and infrastructure for the energy systems of tomorrow.
In this episode, we discuss:
How the Modern Industrial Strategy will support UK manufacturing
Digitisation and decarbonisation 
Ambition vs. affordability - what needs to be done to make the UK more competitive?
What Schneider Electric is doing to show its commitment to UK manufacturing
How can we attract more investment into the UK?
Clean energy landscape - the biggest opportunities and responsibilities 
End connection infrastructure in the UK - is enough being done to support UK businesses?
The Industrial Strategy and the UK skills gap - how do we better connect with underrepresented groups?
To learn more about the podcast, visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day

In this episode, Nathan Sweeney - Microsoft AI Lead for KPMG UK, discusses AI agents – what are they, how are they impacting UK manufacturing and how can businesses benefit from AI adoption?
We will also look to dispel some of the misconceptions around AI and its impact on the workforce, sharing examples of how and where businesses have deployed AI effectively. 
In this episode, we explore:
How does AI impact the workforce? Should we be repositioning it?
How can AI support wider business objectives?
Where should businesses start on their AI journey 
Deterministic vs. non-deterministic systems
The human in the loop: how important is the role of the individual in applying AI?
AI in manufacturing - where can it be applied?
How will AI evolve in the future?
What’s the one thing that manufacturers should be planning for now when it comes to AI?
To learn more about the podcast, visit www.mtcevents.co.uk/industry-2day 

In this episode, guest host Daisy McAndrew sits down with one of the foremost thinkers of our time - Professor Henrik Von Scheel, the originator of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 
With decades of strategic insight and a deep understanding of industrial transformation, Henrik shares why now is the most exciting and critical time to be in manufacturing. From decoding powerful global trends to uncovering the hidden forces shaping the future, this conversation explores how businesses can thrive in an era of disruption, digitalisation, and reinvention.
In this episode, Henrik gives his expert insight into:
Why manufacturing is entering its most innovative and opportunity-rich era
Understanding pattern literacy – the skill of spotting and decoding trends before they emerge
Two ways to understand trends: Drivers vs. Forces – and how they shape your strategic outlook
The impact of a middle management skills gap on UK manufacturing 
What businesses can learn from Apple’s strategy and how to define your competitive edge
Insights from Strategy in the Age of Disruption – Henrik’s handbook for thriving in chaotic times
Megatrends in manufacturing: what they are, and how to apply them for growth and advantage
Why so many businesses are failing at AI and digitalisation — and how to avoid those common pitfalls
The unexpected role of failure — and why embracing it is critical to innovation and survival
This episode was recorded at the National Manufacturing Summit, hosted at the MTC on 27th February 2025.
To rewatch the conference sessions from National Manufacturing Summit 2025 and to find out more about being involved with NMS 2026, visit www.nmsummit.co.uk. 

This episode of Industry 2Day was recorded at the National Manufacturing Summit, hosted at the MTC on 27th February 2025.
Guest presented by event host Daisy McAndrew, this episode welcomed Alice Conway - Associate Director, Sustainability Advisory at Lloyds, for an open and honest discussion about the transition to net zero and how businesses - big and small - can be embarking on their own net zero journey. 
In this episode, we explore:
What does net zero mean for businesses?
The opportunities and challenges 
Where do businesses start to think about their own net zero journey?
How to access guidance and financial support, including how the Lloyds and MTC partnership can benefit your business 
The importance of people and skills in businesses getting the best ROI 
SMEs vs. larger manufacturers - what support is available for bigger businesses?
ESG data for customers - what should you be disclosing and the importance of transparency
The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)’s ‘Rewiring the Economy’ report and the four actions for businesses 
Benefits of collaboration 
The role of manufacturing in the UK’s drive towards net zero 
Learn more about how Lloyds is supporting British businesses with their sustainability journeys: https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/sustainability.html  
To rewatch the conference sessions from National Manufacturing Summit 2025 and to find out more about being involved with NMS 2026, visit www.nmsummit.co.uk.