Manufacturing Leaders
Currently the Number 1 Manufacturing Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Mark Bracknall, Founder of Theo James Recruitment is the host of Manufacturing Leaders.
The UK is still a powerhouse in Manufacturing & Engineering. We speak to those who are helping to make those firms a success. By motivating, inspiring and managing teams.
Are you new to management? Are you keen to hear from those who are dealing with the same day-to-day challenges you are facing?
In this podcast we get inside the minds of the Managers in Manufacturing & Engineering, and understand how they get the best our of their teams and make Manufacturing & Engineering great.
Episodes
118 episodes
How Leadership is Evolving in Manufacturing
In the latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders podcast, we sit down with Gary Sheader, the driving force behind the Manufacturers Alliance, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, personal growth, and what it really takes to lead ...
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Season 12
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Episode 8
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51:27
The Data Driven Decisions Transforming Operational Efficiency in Manufacturing
This week on the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast we welcome Stephen Mitchell, the CEO of SQCDP, a company dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency in manufacturing environments through innovative software solutions. With over 30 ...
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Season 12
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Episode 7
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54:14
The 5 Fundamental Processes Every Successful Business Gets Right
In this episode, we explore practical leadership that prioritises speed of decision-making, honest risk, and shared accountability - while empowering true experts to lead within their domain. Graham dives into how dual career tracks...
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Season 12
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Episode 6
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50:42
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Big Announcement! Manufacturing Leaders Summit!
Big news for our community: we’re taking the energy from 100+ conversations and turning it into the Manufacturing Leaders Summit, a purpose-driven day dedicated to real progress in UK manufacturing. On 30 April 2026, we’re gathering at N...
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Season 12
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Episode 5
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2:56
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4 - Day Week Webinar
In this episode, we share how the 4-day working week went from idea to reality across multiple manufacturing sites. You’ll hear how we trialled the shift with people-first thinking, data-driven decisions, and flexibility at the heart of the pro...
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Season 12
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Episode 4
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53:36
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Lessons From 55 Years In Industry
In this episode, Paul Stockhill, Managing Director of Agemaspark, shares insights from his 55-year career in UK manufacturing. A passionate advocate for apprenticeships, Paul believes developing young talent is the key to solving the sector’s s...
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Season 12
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Episode 3
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41:55
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How Authenticity Drives Operational Excellence in Industry
From administrative temp to Head of People at Expanded Metal, Jo Lloyd shares her 12-year journey of transforming leadership in manufacturing. She explains how the industry has shifted from command-and-control management to a people-first appro...
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Season 12
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Episode 3
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46:34
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Diversity Fuels Innovation in Manufacturing
When a manufacturer doubles its workforce in just seven years despite industry-wide skills shortages, you know they’re doing something right. In this episode, Lorinda Lackay, Operations Director at Minicam, shares the strategies that have trans...
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Season 12
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Episode 3
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42:57
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Manufacturing T-REX Leather
Dinosaur leather, lab-grown meat, and replacement corneas might sound like science fiction, but they’re happening now in Newcastle at 3D BioTissues. Adam Crosby, Director of Operations, shares how this Newcastle University spin-out is developin...
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Season 12
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Episode 2
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33:31
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From Syria to the UK: Founding an Award Winning Cheese Brand
Razan Alsous shares her journey from fleeing conflict in Syria to founding Yorkshire Dama Cheese, now one of the UK’s most celebrated artisan cheese brands.In this episode you will learn:How Razan started the business ...
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Season 12
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Episode 1
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47:33
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The Impact of Early Industry Exposure on Future Talent
Declan Middleton, Engineering Manager at Perry Process Equipment, shares his journey from reluctant work experience student to respected leader and details how one summer placement changed his career trajectory forever.In this episode...
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Season 11
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Episode 9
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54:04
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Don't wait for your boat to come ashore, swim out and reach it - from Apprentice to M.D
Matthew Pemrick, Managing Director of Cicor, shares his journey from apprentice to business leader and how endurance sports like Ironman have shaped his approach to resilient leadership.In this episode you will learn:H...
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Season 11
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Episode 8
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58:30
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Building Resilient Supply Chains in a Volatile World
Peter Cottle, Head of Supply Chain at Walker Filtration, shares insights on leadership and innovation in modern supply chains.In this episode you will learn:How accountability, emotional intelligence, and trust form th...
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Season 11
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Episode 7
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49:26
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How to Unlock Your Teams Full Potential
Daniel Stanway, transformational business coach and former manufacturing leader, shares how real change begins with identity, mindset, and trust. Learn how to create a culture where people don’t just comply, they commit.In this episod...
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Season 11
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Episode 6
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49:57
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How To Win UK Defence Manufacturing Contracts
Kelly Maddison, UK Membership Director at Make UK Defence, shares insights on how SMEs can access opportunities in the defence sector.In this episode you will learn:How the MOD aims for 25% of its spend to go directly ...
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Season 11
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Episode 5
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39:11
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David Yodaiken: The Importance Of Communicating Your Vision In Manufacturing
David Yodaiken shares his journey from working at the ground level in his father’s electronics company to becoming CEO of Cyclops Electronics. He explores how experience, communication, and culture shape effective leadership.In this e...
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Season 11
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Episode 4
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45:40
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Matthew Stephenson M.D of Sweetdreams Ltd: Key Lessons from Building & Selling a Manufacturing Business
Matthew Stephenson, Managing Director of Sweet Dreams, shares his 18-year journey from launching a quirky confectionery brand to selling it successfully to Sugar Rich. He reflects on the highs, lows, and leadership lessons learned along the way...
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Season 11
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Episode 3
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1:07:10
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10 Years of Leading the North East Automotive Alliance
Celebrating the 100th episode of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast with Paul Butler, CEO of the North East Automotive Alliance, who shares insights on the strength and future of the region’s automotive sector.<...
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Season 11
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Episode 2
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45:16
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Building a Manufacturing Legacy: Inside Egger's 40-Year Success Story
🎙️ Elfie, Director at Egger Hexham, shares how strong values and bold leadership have built one of the North East’s most respected manufacturers.🔹 Family values & respect shape a culture where generations choose to work 🔹 1,...
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Season 11
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Episode 1
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44:11
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Valda Goodfellow: Leading The Way for the Next Generation of Manufacturing Entrepreneurs
Valda Goodfellow the co-owner of Goodfellow and Goodfellow, was this weeks guest on the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast. Valda had a dream from the age of 8 years old of building a UK manufacturing factory. She shares her bold journey...
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Season 10
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Episode 9
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52:30
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Carole Williamson: Creating a work environment where neurodiverse people can thrive
Carole Williamson, In-Work Support and Training Officer at Durham County Council, explains why embracing neurodiversity in the workplace benefits everyone.Key Points:Neurodiversity reflects the natural variations in hu...
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Season 10
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Episode 8
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59:23
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Data Driven Strategies to Minimise Cost and Quality Issues
Ian Brown, Managing Director of Excelpoint Limited, shares insights on no-code technology and its transformative impact on the manufacturing and engineering sectors through data utilisation, process improvement, and technological innovation. Hi...
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Season 10
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Episode 7
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45:46
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Kieron Wood: Harnessing Data for Supply Chain Success
Kieran Wood, General Manager of Tiger Lifting, explores how data is reshaping supply chain management.🚀 The shift from relationship-based decision-making to data-driven strategies 🔍 Why understanding processes is crucial ...
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Season 10
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Episode 6
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46:16
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Building High Performing Teams Through Authentic Relationships
What makes an effective leader in today's complex manufacturing environment? Scott Lowrie, Operations Director at Fujifilm, reveals that authentic relationship-building trumps traditional command-and-control approaches every time."It's ...
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Season 10
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Episode 5
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36:04
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Mark Cholmondeley: Emotionally Intelligent Leadership is the Key to Building a Positive Culture, a Founders Journey!
Mark Cholmondeley the Managing Director of Libellum, shares his journey from contractor to business leader, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. The episode centres around the importance of business culture, l...
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Season 10
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Episode 4
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50:08
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