Manufacturing Biz #6 - Magazine - Page 29
“The programming of machines,
automation systems and digital tools are
shifting the focus from physical strength
to technical, problem-solving work,
opening up the industry to a much wider
range of people.”
of machines, automation systems and
digital tools are shifting the focus from
physical strength to technical, problemsolving work, opening up the industry to a
much wider range of people.”
“It also helps close the gap between a
factory and an office. Data capture and
analysis bridge what used to be very clear
levels of working. Compared to when I
entered the industry, the opportunities are
far greater thanks to technology.”
That view is echoed by Fiona Conor, CEO
of Leeds-based Trust Electric Heating,
who argues that digital integration has
strengthened both operational clarity and
leadership confidence.
“As we’ve modernised our factory,
integrated digital systems and embraced
data, I’ve seen how technology removes
guesswork and empowers decisionmaking,” she said. “Digital tools bring
transparency, and transparency builds
confidence.”
For Conor, modern manufacturing is far
removed from outdated stereotypes.
“It’s not just production lines. It’s
research and development, sustainability,
artificial intelligence integration, digital
optimisation and export growth.”
Bryony Richardson, Founder of
clothing manufacturer Palava, based
in Northallerton, says access to digital
frameworks has increased confidence
in growing a values-led manufacturing
business.
“Programmes like Made Smarter, and
the growing focus on digital tools and
smarter production, have helped level
the playing field, particularly for smaller
businesses and for people who haven’t
come through traditional routes,” she
said. “Having access to support, shared
language and clear frameworks has
increased my confidence when navigating
how to grow our manufacturing unit.”
Anna Buckley, Co-founder of Mindful
Memorials, a fourth-generation
stonemason business based in East
Yorkshire, sees digital tools as enabling
innovation within traditional craft.
“Technology and smarter systems have
opened up enormous opportunities.
They’ve given confidence to innovate and
modernise traditional industries, while
still honouring craftsmanship.”
Techbuyer LtoR - Leila Graham, Penny
Taylor, Sophie Petch, Danila Borghese,
Melinda Kovacs, Becca Henshelwood
(Techbuyer)
Representation rising
Respondents also described clear cultural
improvements compared with 15 or 20
years ago.
Leila Graham, Drive Test Operative
at Techbuyer in Harrogate, has seen a
noticeable shift during her 16 years in the
industry.
“Back then, I saw unconscious and
conscious bias all the time,” she
said. “There was little to no female
representation, and I often felt judged on
my gender before my attributes. Today,
a lot of that has changed. Women are
being offered the same opportunities and
considered for the same roles as their
male peers.”
Brown agrees that representation has
strengthened and become far more
visible.
“I’ve seen more women in director roles,
on the shop floor and in engineering
positions, which is great to see.”
Conor believes greater visibility of
female leadership is also helping shift
perceptions.
“When women see other women leading
successful manufacturing businesses, it
normalises ambition and shows what’s
possible.”
Leading the change
The insights also highlight the
importance of leadership development in
accelerating progress.
Brown says leadership training has played
an important role in building confidence
and capability in modern manufacturing
environments.
“Completing leadership and coaching
qualifications deepened my selfawareness and emotional intelligence,”
she said. “Organisations at every level
would benefit from embedding these
principles into leadership development.”
At Trust Electric Heating, Conor embeds
coaching and development across the
business.
“Skills development and technology have
absolutely strengthened my confidence
as a leader,” she said. “Leading a
manufacturing business isn’t just about
product knowledge. It’s about resilience,
communication and long-term vision.”
Pipeline and perception remain key
barriers
Despite visible progress, school-level
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