JUDGES

Dr Alan Arthur is the Chief Executive Officer of the GTMA, a trade association representing the UK Manufacturing Supply Chain. With 300 member companies working in all sectors and tiers of industry the GTMA promotes members and actively works to generate business opportunities.

Alan is a Chartered Engineer, embracing a range of technical disciplines across manufacturing, mechanical, and civil engineering.  Over 40 years Alan has worked on a wide range of products and services, with international experience in project delivery and supply chain management.  He is an experienced tutor and mentor and has previously worked with other manufacturing trade associations.

Journalist and editor, with extensive editorial experience in print and digital platforms working across the B2B (aviation, air cargo, logistics, manufacturing, and engineering), and B2C markets, and public relations experience working in content management and account management.

With over 20 years’ experience, Nandini focuses on accelerating the adoption of innovative digital technologies within UK industry and supply chains. With her expertise spanning a diverse range of technologies such as AI, modelling & simulation and data sciences, Nandini’s work helps organisations use emerging technology to maximise their impact, improve efficiency and boost productivity.

A senior manager at global materials science company 3M, and Vice Chair of the Corporation Board at Farnborough College of Technology, Sarah was described as a natural dancer growing up. She initially pursued a career in ballet, but an inspirational chemistry teacher led to a change of direction, and she has since held various roles in science and engineering. A dedicated advocate for flexible working and diversity, Sarah has received multiple awards for her work as a STEM volunteer and her passion for driving innovation through diversity has led her to speak publicly on platforms like the BBC and TEDx.

Since joining BAE Systems in 1991, Jon has held many roles across manufacturing and project management. His early career was on Tornado, Airbus and T35 Goshawk before progressing to executive roles on Typhoon starting with the transformation for initial and rate production and culminating with handover across Europe.

More recently, he has been involved with Customer Change Programmes, workload repatriation to site and running the Typhoon & F35 detail businesses and then as Head of Operations for F35 Assembly at Samlesbury site. This role focused on moving a 1-a-week delivery system to 3-a-week ramping a multi-functional and multi shift team from 140 to 600 over a 4 year period. Jon spent 12 months “transforming” the Airframe Procurement function at Samlesbury. This involved Organisation Design, Business Process definition/re-design, introduction of an Order Book Planning Spine, Supplier Strategy/selection and the generating of a cultural shift. 

Jon’s current role since January 2019 is that of Manufacturing & Manufacturing Engineering Director in the Chief Technology Office. Key focus areas are establishing common policies and processes (develop once, use many time), developing Manufacturing Engineering as a key enabler, identifying and sharing best practices, developing Manufacturing Systems strategy & architecture, rolling out a Cyber Policy for Industrial Control Systems and connecting the various areas of expertise across the organisation as well as “helping out” in sectors that have specific problems. Jon also support several Life Cycle Management reviews as Manufacturing assessor/Chair and supports the Be the Business and Productivity Through People Mentoring programmes with external companies.

I am a science, technology and business journalist and editor with experience of sourcing and writing news, features, and analysis, as well as managing a team of reporters and production staff. In my current role I am the editor of The Engineer, a fortnightly magazine and website. Specialties: Engineering, Manufacturing, Technology, Science

A technical magazine editor for more than 20 years, Paul has spent much of his career in the engineering press, with spells covering most aspects of the sector. He first became editor of Eureka! in 2010 and was part of the team that launched the Engineering Design Show. In 2018, Paul added to his role on Eureka! when he was appointed editorial director of MA Business.

Adrian Haller is Managing Director of Bruderer UK and Chairman of the (MMMA) Metalforming Machinery Makers’ Association, a trade association representing the interests of the UK’s power press makers. The MMMA has over 50 members, spanning hydraulic, high speed precision presses ,superplastic forming presses to circular saws, press feeding equipment and fully integrated coil handling and tooling lines.

Adrian is a fully trained`electro- mechanical engineer  a provider of high-speed precision  presses, together with ancillary and tooling equipment to the manufacture sector providing full turn key solutions.

Strategic leader with over 15 years' experience of advocacy, research, funding and activities to improve STEM education and outcomes across the UK.

Fiona has worked in the Manufacturing and Engineering sector for nearly twenty years. Her passion is increasing diversity in the sector and raising awareness of the variety of careers and apprenticeship routes to Next Gen.

As a Chartered Engineer with extensive experience and knowledge in the UK's transport modes and infrastructure, she contributes to the development of strategies that foster collaboration. The Advanced Propulsion Centre has invested over £1.5 billion in the automotive sector to support their shift towards net-zero emissions. This investment has protected or created more than 58,000 high-value jobs and has resulted in savings of over 410 million tonnes of CO2. Philippa, in her role as Stakeholder Engagement Director, facilitates the connection between government, academia, and industry to devise solutions and attract investments. These efforts aim to establish, develop, and maintain UK supply chains, thereby promoting job creation and the growth of products and services that contribute to the UK's net-zero emission goals. Her significant external positions include serving as a Board Member of the Zemo Partnership and Chair of their Members Council, Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Manufacturing Industries Division and Automotive Division and Co-Chair of the Industry Advisory Group for the Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge.

At Innovate UK Business Connect, my role is to establish and promote Business Connect as the UK’s leading catalyst for innovation in the Industrial Technologies and Manufacturing Sectors to grow the UK economy. I support the Industrial Technologies and Manufacturing team in leading a large portfolio of projects including the Made Smarter Innovation Network, Driving the Electric Revolution and Analysis for Innovators (A4I).

I lead on our diverse network across the manufacturing landscape by engaging and building relationships with key stakeholders including industry, the High Value Manufacturing Catapults, Universities, Trade Associations and Regional Stakeholders to understand how we can further align to support UK manufacturing.

My career has been characterised by my passion for the UK manufacturing sector and my enthusiasm to connect research with industry for innovation. My academic background has focused on understanding UK manufacturing in the 21st Century through its competitive landscape, business strategy and skills agenda. I have a keen interest in UK textiles industry and technical textiles, where I champion UK brands via @meganmanufacturing on Instagram.

A highly-experienced journalist, Neil has been covering developments in the electronics industry for more than a decade. Editor of New Electronics since 2014, he has also worked across a variety of industries including: telecommunications, automotive, business systems, banking technology and finance.