With 25 years’ experience in manufacturing, from shop floor to leading companywide transformation initiatives Alison has extensive experience across the industry, particularly in FMCG, biosciences, and big pharma. Her recent experience is working with SME’s on strategy deployment, digital deployment with technical change management and process problem solving.

She holds 2 x MSc degrees in Lean Enterprise and Operational Excellence where she focused on how to apply lean to the unique attributes of liquid processing and the latter on digital deployment and has published research on the application of gamification and user experience (UX) in industrial systems.

Alison is adept at integrating digital technologies to drive efficiency and productivity and is a regular commentator on UK panels on Digitalisation/AI and Automation.

Currently, she is developing a start-up boutique consultancy focused on business and process improvement with digital and AI as well as traditional methodologies. She is focused on the synergy of how human and machine collaboration is changing approaches to leadership and continuous improvement to tackle complex challenges.

Angela is a manufacturing professional with a strong background in process improvement, risk analysis and business transformation. During her career, she developed an innovative initiative to re-use redundant assets from discontinued production lines, saving her business £8 million in just 12 months.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Angela recognised a growing challenge facing UK manufacturing – a widening skills gap and too few young people entering the sector. She founded Marvelous Manufacturing to help manufacturers engage with schools and inspire the next generation, while supporting educators to better understand the exciting careers available in engineering and manufacturing.

Building on this work, Angela founded UK Manufacturing Festivals, organising the Shropshire & Telford Manufacturing Festival and the West Midlands Manufacturing Festival. These events bring together local manufacturers and hundreds of local students, giving young people the opportunity to explore careers in engineering and manufacturing through hands-on experiences and direct engagement with employers.

Passionate about strengthening the future manufacturing workforce, Angela continues to champion collaboration between industry and education, helping to raise awareness of the sector, change perceptions and create opportunities for the next generation.

Anish Varkey is a business transformation leader specialising in automotive and advanced manufacturing. With over 14 years' experience spanning OEMs, global consulting and operational leadership, he helps organisations bridge strategy, technology and delivery to create sustainable business value.

A member of The Manufacturer Top 100 and previous Smart Factory winner, Ben is passionate about digital transformation in manufacturing. Having worked in IT in Consumer Goods for over 20 years, Ben has significant experience in setting strategy and delivering value with digitalisation in the sector. Currently leading the IT product organisation for manufacturing at Pernod Ricard, Ben is accountable for the systems strategy across spirit management, bottling, and sustainability in over 120 industrial sites worldwide.

A dynamic business leader, entrepreneur and strategic marketer specialising in technology markets Chris has proven experience establishing early stage businesses and taking them through initial concept to patent development and establishing sustainable sales. His background in the Engineering sector as a Chartered Engineer has encompassed developing business in markets from Aerospace, Medical and Electronics to Oil and Gas. He worked internationally in several blue chip global companies.

Chris started his career at GEC Avionics on their graduate development program working on radar systems for the EFA and Tornado Aircraft programs after graduating from Cardiff University with an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then moved to The Timken Company where he worked in various Sales, Marketing and Product Management Roles throughout Europe gaining post graduate qualifications in Marketing.

He has overseen the establishment of new companies in Italy, Israel and Switzerland and gained a broad knowledge of general management in an international environment. He has specialised knowledge of establishing relationships between blue chip companies and early stage technology businesses to exploit new innovations.

Currently CEO of Diamond Hard Surfaces Ltd, a high growth SME in the Engineering Sector who export 60% of their business.

Claire Umney is the Managing Director of Alwayse, a Birmingham-based global leader in ball transfer units and solutions.

Since joining in January 2024, Claire has been pivotal in steering the company through a new phase of innovation and international growth, focusing on delivering high-impact and cost-effective solutions that enhance productivity and employee well-being across diverse industrial sectors. 

She actively engages with industry across the West Midlands through her role as Vice Chair for the MakeUK West Midlands Regional Advisory board, as a member of the West Midlands Logistics and Distribution Cluster Advisory Board and as a member of the Training and Manufacturing Group (TMG) advisory board. 

Claire holds a BSc in Logistics and Transport Management from the University of Huddersfield and has over two decades of experience in logistics, automation, supply chain technology, cross border trade and engineering. 

Claire previously served as Managing Director at Breathe Technologies. There, she led the integration of advanced warehouse automation and proprietary software solutions to drive operational efficiencies for major clients. 

Claire's earlier career includes senior roles at AEB International, CEVA Logistics, and TNT, where she specialised in implementing strategic IT initiatives and logistics solutions across various industries, including Automotive, aerospace, retail, and pharmaceutical."

Craig is an Operations Improvement Manager at Hanson Springs Ltd with over 15 years' experience in manufacturing across multiple sectors including automotive, textiles, construction, oil & gas. Specialising in Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence and Six Sigma, helping organisations improve productivity, reduce waste and build stainable improvement cultures.

As Founder and Director of Westbury Operational Excellence, Craig works alongside manufacturers to deliver practical improvements rather than theoretical consultancy, supporting business with Lean implementation, leadership development, OEE, SMED, TPM and continuous improvement programmes.

Craig is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and has led projects delivering significant improvements in productivity, quality and operational performance. He is passionate about developing people, sharing best practice and supporting the future of UK manufacturing, making him proud to serve as a judge for the TMMX Awards.

Fiona is Regional Director for the South of England at Make UK, bringing nearly 20 years of experience across the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Recognised as part of the Class of 2023 in The Manufacturer Top 100, Fiona is a passionate advocate for diversity within STEM and is committed to creating more inclusive pathways into industry. Throughout her career, she has championed programmes and initiatives designed to attract more diverse young people into manufacturing, engineering, and apprenticeship routes, helping to address skills shortages and broaden participation across the sector. Fiona is particularly passionate about using technology and innovation to enhance education, improve accessibility, and bridge the skills gap between education and industry. Her work continues to focus on building stronger connections between employers, educators, and future talent across the South manufacturing landscape.

With 43 years in advanced automotive manufacturing, I began as an Engineering Apprentice, progressed through production roles, and spent 15 years as Section Manager in Learning and Development at an automotive OEM. In 2022, I supported the setup and launch of a GIGA factory in Blyth as a Learning Specialist and was appointed Professor of Practice for Electrification Skills at Newcastle University. Actively promoting education and skills, I was awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to Apprenticeships and STEM education, and recognised as Regional and National Apprenticeship Ambassador Champion in 2021. In 2018, I was named a Top 20 Exemplar in the Manufacturing Top100. I am passionate about raising aspirations, ensuring social, economic, or gender barriers do not limit young people’s opportunities in the sector.

With 43 years of experience at Leonardo Helicopters, Jon has held roles spanning Engineering, Programme Management, Business Planning and Development, Strategy, and most recently, Digital Service Development in Customer Support. Appreciated for his innovative approach and problem-solving skills, Jon has consistently focused on end-user needs and cost-effective solutions. During his final six years, he specialised in Digital Service Development, leading the adoption of Design Thinking, Road Mapping, and Agile methodologies to co-create digital solutions that enhanced customer support efficiency. Jon collaborated with user, developer, and contractor teams, always prioritising user experience and operational improvement. To accelerate the business’s digital transformation, he partnered with the Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing and actively engaged with industry thought leaders, attending events hosted by The Manufacturer to stay abreast of the latest market insights, technologies, and best practices. Jon retired in June this year, leaving a legacy of innovation and value delivery.

Kat Dixon is Group Head of Sustainability Data & Reporting at Babcock International, a leading defence and aerospace organisation. With more than nine years' experience in data and reporting, including over three years focused on sustainability, she leads the collection, management, analysis and reporting of sustainability data across Babcock's global operations. Kat is responsible for delivering high-quality sustainability disclosures aligned with leading frameworks and legislative requirements, as well as supporting Babcock's Annual Report. She successfully led the implementation of the company's environmental data management system, significantly enhancing data quality, governance and reporting capabilities. A recognised industry leader, Kat was named in the Manufacturer Top 100 for Sustainability and previously received the Institute of Analytics' Data for Social Good Award. She is also a regular speaker at Smart Manufacturing Week and is passionate about integrating environmental and social sustainability to create long-term business and societal value.

Katherine Thomas is a professional leadership coach and founder of Brighter Capability, working closely with UK manufacturing organisations to strengthen strategy, culture and leadership for operational excellence. She partners with businesses across the sector, from early‑career talent and emerging team leaders to functional heads, CEOs and owners, helping people grow the confidence, capability and clarity needed to lead well. Katherine believes coaching is a powerful accelerator at every career stage, enabling individuals and teams to unlock performance, improve collaboration and build healthier, more resilient cultures. Deeply committed to the future of UK manufacturing, Katherine champions organisations that balance people, profit and planet. She supports leaders to embed sustainability into core strategy, recognising that long‑term success relies on inclusive cultures, empowered workforces and responsible decision‑making. Her blend of strategic insight, human‑centred coaching and sector experience makes her a thoughtful, credible and values‑driven judge for Inspiring Leader and People & Culture awards.

Over my 30 years at Siemens I have worked in multiple functions within Manufacturing, Service, Design and Supply Chain. I remain fascinated about how we can create and develop great people, great teams and great organisation through Systems, Strategy, Culture and Excellence. Over 5 years of my 30 years have been working in Germany and I have spend much time in many different countries, this has taught me that diversity of thought and diversity of approach leads to better outcomes. I am currently the Managing Director of Siemens in Congleton. With a brilliant team of 500 people, we make 500,000 AC Drives per year which are sold globally to pump air and water, to move food, baggage and boxes, and control manufacturing machines. As part of a network of Siemens factories we are trying to harness the opportunities of Industry 5.0, whilst remembering that all we do is built on LEAN principles.

Rohit joined Autodesk in November 2019. He has a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and Chartered with the Industry of Mechanical Engineers. Prior to Autodesk, he spent 10 years with Industrial and Automotive organisations having roles across the entire product development cycle; from early concept development through to production, gaining a deep understanding on the key challenges the industry face on a day-to-day basis. At Autodesk, Rohit is Global lead for Mobility & Transportation and Digital Factory strategy. Through analysis of market, social, economic, and technological forces, he is responsible for developing and driving the execution of key go-to-market strategies.

A proven track record of leading multi-site manufacturing, supply chain and R&D organisations across diverse industries. Specialising in Lean transformation, operational excellence. digitalisation and optimising enterprise-level business processes for sustainable growth. Expert in building world-class manufacturing teams and processes, from high-precision machining to high-volume PCB production, championing innovation, automation and efficiency. Led current team to win the Manufacturer of the Year Award (2023) by The Manufacturer for delivering industry-leading advancements and operational excellence.

Dr Yagmur Atescan Yuksek is a Research Fellow at Cranfield University Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre. Prior to joining Cranfield University, she was a Research Assistant in Advanced Composites and Engineered Materials Group at the Pennsylvania State University.

Dr Atescan earned a PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on Magnetically Responsive Smart Materials from the Pennsylvania State University in USA, and a MSC degree in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on Application of Nanomaterials on Composite Aerospace Structures from the Istanbul Technical University in Turkey. She also received her BSc degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Istanbul Technical University.

Dr Atescan's current research focus is on the sustainability of manufacturing systems and processes with a specific focus on the environmental and social life cycle assessment of metallic and composite structures. She is currently a Research Fellow on the Metallic Aerospace Structures Technologies for Eco-Social Returns (MASTER ATI) Project. She also supervises MSc students group projects and individual research projects in areas related to life cycle assessment.