Director Development Peer Group Launch Day Event
23rd Sept 2025
The Manufacturers' Alliance are excited to be launching our new Director Development group which will focus on supporting ambitious managers in making the leap into senior leadership. In an insightful and pragmatic way, we will provide you with the knowledge and tools to shift from being a good manager to become great leader.
Join us on the 23rd Sept for the official launch day of peer group. Whether you're already on the senior leadership path or preparing to take that next step the session will give you a taster of the insight support and challenge the group can offer you.
This is more that a networking event, you will get the chance to:
✅See what it takes to make the shift into senior leadership.
✅Connect with like-minded people with similar aspirations and challenges to you.
✅Experience the power of peer learning and strategic reflection.
✅Discover how this group can support your leadership journey.
Agenda
- 09:45 – Arrival, teas and coffees
- 10:00 – Introductions & Purpose of the New Group
- 10:45 – Speaker – John Cole, General Manager, Heatrod – My Warts & All Journey into Senior Leadership
- 11:45 – Break
- 12:00 – Peer Learning Circle
- 13:00 – Lunch
- 13:45 – Leadership Workshop – Influencing Beyond Authority
- 14:45 – Break
- 15:00 – Visioning the Journey
- 15:30 – Feedback & Commitments
- 16:00 – Meeting Close
My Warts & All Journey into Senior Leadership
John Cole, General Manager, Heatrod
We’re thrilled to welcome John Cole, General Manager at Heatrod, as our guest speaker for the taster session. John’s leadership journey is a powerful example of what’s possible with vision, resilience, and a commitment to growth. His inspiring story—from early career challenges to leading a thriving business—will offer aspiring leaders a real-world glimpse into what it takes to step up and succeed at senior level. Expect honesty, insight, and a few “wow” moments that will leave you motivated to take your next big step.
Strategic Influence Beyond Authority Workshop
The Manufacturers' Alliance
This high-impact workshop will support you in strengthening your ability to lead without relying on formal authority. Providing you with the tools to create influence through relationships, credibility, and strategic insight. The session will explore influence mapping, real-world scenarios, and actionable techniques to help you navigate complex environments and align others around shared goals.
Event Details
📅Date: 23rd September 2025
⏲️Time: 9:45am - 16:00pm
📍Location: Carrs Pasties, 458 Manchester Road, Bolton
About the Manufacturers' Alliance
Established in 2013, the Manufacturers' Alliance is an independently owned business, with an overarching passion to support the manufacturing community at the heart of our economy.
We are the go to organisation for business leaders in the manufacturing sector that want to develop modern leadership skills, lead a high performing team and be a force for good in the world.
Business owners and leaders that join the Manufacturers’ Alliance are lifelong learners that want to continue to develop themselves in order to remain effective. They are progressive and have a strong desire to continue to improve. They love be around like-minded manufacturers, and share challenges and ideas with each other. And most importantly, they don’t have big egos. They are humble, supportive and open to doing things differently.
When you join the Manufacturers’ Alliance, you are joining a like-minded community that will support and encourage you on your journey towards sustainable business growth and leadership excellence. You will be part of a cause that makes a positive difference in the world.
"The MA has helped me to feel more confident and ready to take on the world. I'm trying to steer the company and when you see others doing it well, that's very valuable"
Rachael Baker, Managing Director, JJ Smith
"You feel you are a part of something where everyone cares about your business. I always take away a piece of gold."
Alex Grace, Managing Director, Banana Moon Clothing
FAQ's
Who can attend the event?
The event is for ambitious managers looking to step up into senior leadership.
Do I need to be a member of the Manufacturers’ Alliance to attend?
No, the event is open to both members and non-members.
What is the cost to attend?
There is no cost to attend and is free to both members and non-members.
Who else will be attending the event?
The event will be attended by managers looking to make the shift into senior leadership.
Yes, the event will be held in a manufacturers only environment.
Register Your Interest
