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.

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.

Gareth Edwards is Programme Director of the new £22m AMPI which is being led by the National Physical Laboratory (NPI). The AMPI will be a Rochdale-based institute focused on developing world-leading machinery innovation, advanced materials, automation and production capabilities.

Gareth has worked at the NPI for more than 13 years, where he was previously Strategy Lead for Industrial Digitalisation and Head of Advanced Manufacturing and has vast experience in and a passion for innovation, technology and engineering.

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.

Adrian Haller is Chairman of the Metalforming Machinery Makers’ Association, a trade association representing the interests of the UK’s power press makers. The MMMA has over 40 members, spanning hydraulic and superplastic forming presses to circular saws, press feeding equipment and fully integrated coil handling lines.

Adrian is a trained mechanical engineer and is also Managing Director of Bruderer UK, a provider of high-speed stamping presses, where he was previously technical sales director and sales manager.

Strategic leader with over 10 years' experience of advocacy, research, funding and activities to improve STEM education and outcomes across the UK.

A Chartered Engineer who is experienced and knowledgeable on the UK’s transport modes and infrastructure, she works to support the development of strategies that incubate collaborations. The Advanced Propulsion Centre has committed over £1.4bn investment into net-zero and low carbon automotive innovation, with the resulting products reducing carbon emissions and providing lasting economic benefits from jobs and inward investment. As Stakeholder engagement Director Philippa is Key external roles include being a Board Member of Zemo Partnership, as Chair of Members Council and the Co-Chair of Industry Advisory Group for 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.

Currently Head of Communications at Make UK, Mark has worked in a variety of communications and public affairs toles within industry for over 30 years. Prior to Make UK, previous roles included spells at T&N plc, GKN Westland, the Manufacturing Technologies Association and a spell as a Naval Officer.