Democratising Technology for Mid-Market Manufacturers Cover

Democratising Technology for Mid-Market Manufacturers: Where to Start for Maximum Impact

by Nick LeederBeyond the BuzzwordsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Democratising Technology for Mid-Market Manufacturers: Where to Start for Maximum Impact Every day, manufacturing leaders face intense competition, rising costs, and fast-changing customer demands. For mid-sized manufacturers, these challenges can feel even more acute. Yet, democratising technology for mid-market manufacturers through strategic adoption of affordable technologies can significantly level the playing field, delivering impactful productivity …

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From Factory Floor to Lighthouse Leader: What Mid-Market Manufacturers Can Learn from the 2025 WEF Global Lighthouse Network

by Nick LeederBeyond the Buzzwords, White PapersPosted on Comments are Disabled

The 2025 WEF Global Lighthouse Network highlights how 189 factories have achieved operational excellence through strategic digital transformation. They emphasize investing in workforce capabilities, integrating technology across operations, and localizing change. Mid-market manufacturers can adopt these principles to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and successfully implement digital solutions without exorbitant budgets.

giving back to manufacturing leaders

Giving Back to Manufacturing Leaders on my Birthday

by Nick LeederCoPilot, ManufacturingPosted on Comments are Disabled

As I celebrate a milestone birthday, I reflect on my career in manufacturing and wish to give back. To support senior leaders, I’m offering 50 free coaching sessions focused on operational improvement. This annual initiative aims to foster real conversations and practical guidance within our global manufacturing community.

The National Manufacturing Summit: An Echo Chamber or a Catalyst for Change?

by Nick LeederEvents, ManufacturingPosted on Comments are Disabled

The author reflects on the disconnect between UK manufacturing discussions at the National Manufacturing Summit and the pressing real-world challenges faced by manufacturers. Despite covering key issues like the skills gap, digitalization, and supply chain resilience, the summit’s focus on abstract ideas and jargon overshadowed practical solutions, highlighting the need for urgent, reality-based conversations to foster meaningful change.

7 Deadly Digital Transformation Failures in Manufacturing

Seven Deadly Sins of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing—And the Road to Redemption

by Nick LeederBeyond the BuzzwordsPosted on Comments are Disabled

The article discusses the Seven Deadly Sins of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing, emphasizing common mistakes that hinder progress and waste resources. It outlines the importance of engaging frontline workers, aligning technology with business objectives, having a clear strategy, being patient, focusing on actionable data, customizing solutions, and prioritizing change management to ensure successful digital initiatives.

Manufacturing Cost Pressures in 2025 - Key Trends & Risks

Manufacturing in 2025: Growth, Risk, and the Strategic Path Forward

by Nick LeederManufacturing, White PapersPosted on Comments are Disabled

The Make UK Executive Survey 2025 reveals that manufacturers are facing significant cost pressures, particularly from rising employment costs. Many are shifting to technology-driven efficiencies rather than expanding their workforce. Despite financial strains, nearly half are prioritizing product innovation and sustainability, suggesting a proactive approach to long-term growth amid volatility.

Manufacturing Mouse Trap

The Manufacturing Mouse Trap: Lessons for Digital Transformation

by Nick LeederBeyond the BuzzwordsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In the “Manufacturing Mouse Trap” blog, the analogy of the classic mousetrap illustrates the importance of simplicity in digital transformation for manufacturing. Companies often overcomplicate solutions, losing sight of operational efficiency. By prioritizing functionality, intuitive design, and scalability, organizations can achieve measurable success and avoid the pitfalls of excess complexity.

🎄 Elves, Efficiency, and a Dash of Digital: Santa’s Workshop Gears Up for 2025 🎁

by Nick LeederBeyond the BuzzwordsPosted on Comments are Disabled

The North Pole has always been a magical place of tradition, wonder, and unparalleled efficiency—until recently. As the world around Santa’s Workshop embraces digital transformation, the toy-making elves have faced challenges keeping up. We sat down with the Head Elf to discuss how the iconic operation is modernising, the resistance they’ve faced, and their ambitious …

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WEF Building Resilience Over Cutting Costs in Manufacturing Title

Rethinking Manufacturing – Building Resilience Over Cutting Costs

by Nick LeederBeyond the Buzzwords, White Papers, World Economic ForumPosted on Comments are Disabled

For years, manufacturers relied on cutting costs to stay competitive, but recent challenges have exposed the need for building resilience over cutting costs. Global supply chain disruptions, geopolitical shifts, and growing sustainability demands have made resilience, adaptability, and innovation critical for survival. It’s time to rethink manufacturing strategies for a stronger future. The World Economic Forum’s …

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Breaking Through the Digital Transformation Bottleneck: Reflections from the Digital Manufacturing Summit UK 2024

by Nick LeederBeyond the Buzzwords, Events, IGNITEit!Posted on Comments are Disabled

Last week, I had the honour of delivering the keynote at the Digital Manufacturing Summit UK 2024 from Transform Industry. I was invited by Ryan —a company dedicated to helping businesses unlock funding for innovation—and it was a whirlwind of insights, debates, and, let’s be honest, more than a few buzzwords. While the summit showcased …

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