Monahans Quarterly Manufacturing Breakfast set in the scene!
Monahans, one of the largest accountancy firms in the west of England held its inaugural Quarterly Manufacturing Breakfast at the STEAM Museum, Swindon, on Thursday 10 October 2013. The event was held in an appropriate setting of Caerphilly Castle within Swindon's STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, to which Monahans catered for 43 delegates, all with a background and passion for the manufacturing industry.
The event offered members of the manufacturing community an opportunity to hear from leading figures in the engineering sector, including Ian Lloyd, Relationship Partner at Monahans, Dr Gareth Neighbour, Head of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at Oxford Brookes University and Raphaël Caillé, Managing Director of Swindon Engines. The speakers each presented in front of a Great Western Express Locomotive built in Swindon in August 1923 - setting the background for the event.
Presentations included:
Ian Lloyd, Relationship Partner, Monahans
"Business growth and improvement in the manufacturing sector"
Ian positively presented an overview of the growth of the manufacturing sector, confirming that the sector employs 2.3 million people in the UK.
He also suggested four key areas of focus for Manufacturing businesses to grow and improve including: processes, products, promotion and people along with his expertise and tips in this area.
Ian said, "It was great to see so many leading figures from the manufacturing industry in the room. We had some amazing feedback and guests were delighted to hear from our speakers; offering valuable questions and proving that the manufacturing industry is still alive! We are looking forward to our next event to be held in February 2014"
Dr Gareth Neighbour, Head of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University & UTC Swindon Director
"Employer Facing Education"
Dr Neighbour explained what a University Technical College is and what it would mean for Swindon and the engineering industry in general. He encouraged people to get involved with UTC Swindon in any way they possibly can whether it be providing apprenticeships or giving their input on the curriculum. He confidently explained how Oxford Brookes University and Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells are sponsoring the College and what they are able to offer.
Dr Neighbour stated that UTC Swindon is, "A college for students aged 14 to 18 which will specialise in engineering supported by business, enterprise and entrepreneurship. It will be sponsored by Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and Oxford Brookes University. It will offer full time courses which combine practical and academic studies. Employers are involved from the start in shaping the curriculum."
If anyone wishes to find out how they,as a company,can be involved with UTC Swindon,please make contact withinfo@utcswindon.co.uk.
Raphaël Caillé, Managing Director, Swindon Engines
"Experiences of growing a manufacturing company"
Raphaël presented his takeover of a struggling company during a financial crisis and how he used drive and confidence in order to turn it around. He explained in depth some of the challenges and obstacles he faced along with some of the positive company case studies, including the design and development of a 450kW twin turbo engine for a GT3 (known technically as Cup Grand Touring Cars).
Swindon Engines supplies high performance engines and components and manages cutting edge development projects in the automotive and the motor-racing industries.
Monahans held the event in support of UTC Swindon, the new University Technical College opening in September 2014. Its vision is to be a college where engineering and innovation can flourish. UTC Swindon will cater for 600 students, aged 14 to 19, interested in pursuing a career in engineering.
Monahans works with many clients in the manufacturing sector and recognises the huge importance of manufacturing to the UK economy. As a partner of UTC Swindon, the firm is committed to developing manufacturing and engineering in the UK.
The next Monahans Quarterly Manufacturing Breakfast is set to be held on Thursday 6 February 2014. The Quarterly Manufacturing Breakfasts offer an excellent opportunity to network with fellow business people in the manufacturing sector. To secure your place for the next event, contact Clare Way at Monahans on telephone 01793 818300 or emailmarketing@monahans.co.uk.
For more information visitwww.monahans.co.uk.
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