What Is The Future Of Manufacturing Conference 2025 At Hull's MKM Stadium?

Running a business in the manufacturing world can feel a bit like spinning plates. There's always something to think about, from keeping up with new technology to worrying about the ever-rising cost of energy. For the thousands of people working in the manufacturing sector around Hull and the East Riding, these challenges are very real. But what if there was a way to get ahead of the curve? Actually, there is. A big event is coming to the MKM Stadium that’s all about tackling these problems head-on, and it’s completely free to attend.

What's the big idea?

On Thursday 23 October, The Future of Manufacturing Conference is setting up shop at the famous stadium. Think of it as a massive brainstorming session for the entire region. The event, happening in 2025, is a team effort between Invest Hull, Invest East Yorkshire, and the HEY Business, Growth and Skills Hub. They’ve put their heads together to create a day focused on two huge topics: making businesses more productive and cutting down on energy costs.

One of the main talking points will be digital transformation. That might sound a bit techy, but it’s really just about using modern gadgets and clever software to make work easier, faster, and better. Imagine a factory floor where machines can predict when they need a repair, stopping them from breaking down at the worst possible moment. That’s the kind of thing emerging digital technologies can do. It’s all about achieving a serious productivity gain, which means getting more done without having to work twice as hard. The conference will explore these future trends in detail.

Who's on the mic?

You can't have a conference without people who really know their stuff, and the line-up of expert speakers here is pretty impressive. The main keynote speaker is Professor Juergen Maier, who is the chair of Great British Energy. He’s a big name in UK manufacturing, having been the boss of Siemens UK, and he even led a government review into how the industry can use new tech to boost its productivity gain. He's a leading voice on the future of energy and manufacturing.

But he’s not the only one sharing his knowledge. The event will also feature a whole host of other industry leaders. Here’s a look at who else is confirmed:

• Jo Young: She's the vice-chair of The Yorkshire and Humber Made Smarter Advisory Board and the MD of a company called Additive X, which is all about 3D printing and advanced manufacturing.
• Michael Riding: As the director of special projects at the Eltherington Group, he has loads of hands-on experience in the manufacturing sector.
• Dr Sean Casey: An expert in all things energy, Dr Casey is the lead energy engineer at Environmental Strategies Ltd. He'll be diving into the practicalities of energy efficiency.

And that's not even the final list! More guest speakers are set to be announced, making this a must-attend conference for anyone in the business of making things.

A chat with the experts

The speakers are not just there to talk at the audience; they're bringing some big ideas to the table. Professor Maier is passionate about the mission of Great British Energy and its role in the country’s future. He's a big believer in a proactive approach to the green energy transformation.

Prof Maier said:

“Great British Energy’s mission is to invest and develop green energy projects - energy engineered in the UK. Quite simply, we dismantle the anti-net-zero narrative by getting on and doing.”

“Hundreds and thousands of jobs have already been created by net-zero and we will help create thousands more in supply chains up and down the country. Great British Energy will work to ensure that manufacturing stays in the UK as much as possible, so that communities don’t get left behind in the green energy transformation.”

This isn't just a national issue; it's a local one too. The manufacturing sector in Hull and East Yorkshire is massive, employing nearly 40,000 people across more than 1,400 businesses.

Jason Speedy, the chief operating officer at Groupe Atlantic and chair of the local Business Board, stressed just how important this conference is for the region:

“Hull and East Yorkshire’s manufacturing sector is a vital component of the region’s economy, employing nearly 40,000 people. As chair of the region’s Business Board, I am delighted to see the fantastic line-up of speakers and breakout sessions on offer at the conference and would strongly encourage all of regional manufacturers to attend this free event. As a manufacturing business ourselves, the team at Groupe Atlantic are very much looking forward to the conference.”

More than just talks

An event like this isn’t just about sitting and listening. The Future of Manufacturing Conference has been designed to be interactive. There will be panel discussions where experts debate the big questions, and a series of smaller, interactive breakout sessions. These sessions are a brilliant chance to get into the nitty-gritty of topics like digital transformation or energy efficiency with people who have already put these ideas into practice.

There will also be a marketplace area where organisations that offer support and funding for businesses will be exhibiting. It's a fantastic opportunity for a manufacturing business owner from Hull or the East Riding to find practical help. And, of course, there's the networking. The conference runs from 8:30 am to 2 pm on Thursday 23 October, which leaves plenty of time to chat with other people in the industry. To make things even better, a free buffet lunch is included, so there's no need to rush off.