Manufacturing & Engineering Forum
Driving Innovation, Productivity and Growth in Sussex Manufacturing
Join us at Roffey Park Institute, Horsham, West Sussex, for the Sussex Chamber's flagship Manufacturing & Engineering Forum, bringing together manufacturers, engineers, technology specialists, business leaders and industry stakeholders from across the region.
This engaging and interactive morning event will explore the opportunities and challenges facing the manufacturing sector, from digital transformation and technology adoption to productivity, skills, growth and resilience. Whether you are looking to future-proof your business, improve operational efficiency or connect with fellow manufacturers, this forum will provide practical insights, valuable discussion and meaningful networking opportunities.
We are delighted to welcome Made Smarter South East as our official event sponsor. Made Smarter supports manufacturing businesses in adopting digital technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness and growth, making them the perfect partner for this important industry event.
Throughout the morning, attendees will hear from expert speakers, contribute to interactive roundtable discussions, share experiences with industry peers and gain actionable ideas that can be implemented within their own organisations.
Confirmed Speakers
Ana Christie
Chief Executive Officer, Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Ana will provide an overview of the current manufacturing landscape across Sussex and the wider UK economy, highlighting key opportunities and challenges facing manufacturers.
Drawing on intelligence gathered through the British Chambers of Commerce network, Ana will share insights into business confidence, investment, workforce challenges and the role manufacturing continues to play in driving economic growth across the region.
Keith Russell
Technology Adoption Specialist, Made Smarter South East
Keith helps manufacturing SMEs adopt digital technology to improve performance, productivity and growth through the Government-backed Made Smarter programme.
With a background spanning engineering and manufacturing within the aerospace and Formula One sectors, Keith has extensive experience in advanced manufacturing technologies and digital transformation. His expertise includes CAD/CAM systems, augmented and virtual reality, 3D graphics and emerging manufacturing technologies.
Keith's session will explore how manufacturers can embrace technology to become more efficient, competitive and future-ready.
William Alexander Wilsnagh
Technology Adoption Specialist, Made Smarter South East
William brings more than 30 years of business experience, including over 20 years in business ownership and executive leadership positions across information technology, cybersecurity, manufacturing, recruitment and gaming sectors.
Beginning his career in electrical engineering before moving into technology leadership, William has held positions including Managing Director, CEO and Non-Executive Director across organisations operating in the UK, Europe, the Americas and South Africa.
Now supporting manufacturers through the Made Smarter South East programme, William will share practical insights on technology adoption, business improvement and how manufacturing businesses can utilise digital tools to support sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Event Schedule
9:30 am – Registration, Refreshments & Networking
9:45 am – Welcome & Manufacturing Update
Ana Christie, CEO, Sussex Chamber of Commerce
10:00 am – Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
Keith Russell, Made Smarter South East
10:30 am – Technology Adoption for Growth & Productivity
William Alexander Wilsnagh, Made Smarter South East
11:00 am – Industry Discussion & Peer Learning Session
- Sharing Challenges
- Best Practice Exchange
- Future Opportunities for Sussex Manufacturers
11:15 am – Networking & Refreshments
12:00 pm – Event Close
What You'll Gain
- The latest manufacturing insights from Sussex Chamber and industry experts
- Practical guidance on adopting digital technologies within your business
- Opportunities to discuss current manufacturing challenges with peers
- Access to support available through the Made Smarter programme
- New connections with manufacturers, engineers and sector specialists
- Ideas and strategies to improve productivity, efficiency and business growth
- A stronger understanding of the opportunities shaping the future of manufacturing
Who Should Attend?
This event is ideal for:
- Manufacturers
- Engineers
- Operations Directors
- Production Managers
- Managing Directors & Business Owners
- Supply Chain Professionals
- Innovation & Technology Leads
- SMEs looking to improve productivity and competitiveness
Venue
Roffey Park Institute
Forest Road
Horsham
West Sussex
RH12 4TB
Set within beautiful grounds just outside Horsham, Roffey Park provides an excellent environment for learning, collaboration and high-quality business networking.
Sponsored by Made Smarter South East
Sussex Chamber is pleased to welcome Made Smarter South East as our official event sponsor. Through expert advice, technology support and funding opportunities, Made Smarter helps manufacturing businesses embrace digital transformation and unlock their growth potential.
Book your place today and join fellow manufacturers from across Sussex for a morning of insight, innovation and valuable industry connections.
