Leadership in Manufacturing Conference

Are you a leader or manager working in manufacturing, engineering or processing?

Join us for the Leadership in Manufacturing Conference, exploring how strong relationships, employee commitment and effective management can help businesses and their people thrive.

Featuring expert speakers, interactive breakout sessions, panel discussions and plenty of networking opportunities, this free event is not to be missed by manufacturers across Hull and East Yorkshire.

The conference will provide an opportunity to:

• Hear insights and practical advice from expert speakers
• Explore approaches to leadership and management
• Learn how to build stronger workplace relationships
• Encourage commitment and engagement across your workforce
• Take part in interactive breakout sessions and panel discussions
• Connect with fellow business leaders and industry professionals

We’d like to introduce our first confirmed speakers:

Paul Sewell OBE — Chair of Sewell Group and Hull Kingston Rovers, award-winning business leader and author with extensive experience in leadership, employee engagement and developing successful workplace cultures.

Benjamin Drury — author, keynote speaker and creator of the RAW Leadership framework, specialising in leadership, workplace culture and high performance.

Mark Greenhouse, MEng, MIET, MCMI — manufacturing consultant with 30 years’ management experience across sectors including engineering, food and drink, fabrication, plastics and machining.

Jessica Williams — Founder and Managing Director of Just Williams – The SME Agency, speaker, leader and facilitator with extensive experience in communication, relationship development and sustainable business growth.

Professor Dhaval Thakker — Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things at the University of Hull, specialising in responsible and explainable AI, edge intelligence and practical AI solutions for manufacturing.

Richard Cooper — Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Business School and Programme Delivery Lead for the Made Smarter Leadership and Management programme, specialising in leadership training and skills development.

Neil Harriman MBA — Co-Founder and Director of Productivity People, with more than 35 years’ experience helping manufacturers and SMEs improve productivity, supply chains, operational performance and sustainable growth.

Further details about the speakers, sessions and full conference programme will be announced closer to the event.

Who should attend?

This event is aimed at business leaders, managers and representatives from manufacturing, engineering and processing businesses. The event organisers reserve the right to cancel bookings made by individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria.

Places are limited, so book now to secure your place.

This event is delivered in partnership by Invest Hull, Invest East Yorkshire and the HEY Growth Hub.

Date
24 September 2026, 8.30am – 2.00pm

Location
MKM Stadium, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 6HU