Modern Leadership Event: Finance & Robotics Automation
15th July 2025
Imagine a community of like-minded ambitious manufacturing leaders who show up, openly share ambitions and challenges to push themselves to break through the boundaries of possibility… Would you join them?
Join us on the 15th July for an exclusive event hosted by JJ Smith Woodworking Machinery, designed specifically for modern manufacturing leaders, where we'll be exploring Robotics Automation and Key Financial Challenges Faced by SME's.
Whether you're looking to explore leveraging robotics automation in your business or gain clarity and control of your finances this event promises to provide you with new insights, fresh perspectives and ideas.
Robotics & Automation in Manufacturing
Mark Lee, Head of Robotics Automation at JJ Smith will be sharing insights into what makes robotic automation successful in the real world. He will share how to build a process around the robot, and the reality behind buzzwords like “cobots, AI, and vision systems.”
Mark will also highlight why simpler often means better (KISS principle), and why working closely with your automation partner, especially when it challenges your current processes, can lead to far better outcomes. He will also share a case study on this and how client demands has limited full potential.
Common Issues in the Finance Function of an SME Manufacturer
Steven Atherton is an experienced Finance Director with a background of working full time roles in SME manufacturing.
In this session he will be delivering a workshop focusing on the key financial challenges faced by SMEs. The workshop will cover crucial topics such as cash flow management, including dealing with irregular cash flow patterns and maintaining adequate liquidity, the importance of accurate budgeting and financial forecasting, and understanding margins to make informed pricing decisions.
Participants will gain insights into creating comprehensive financial plans, conducting regular financial reviews, and analysing market trends to anticipate financial needs. The session will conclude with a discussion and Q&A, providing attendees with the opportunity to address their specific financial concerns and seek expert advice.
Agenda
- Share your Manufacturing Business Challenges and Aspirations.
- Workshop: Robotics & Automation in Manufacturing.
- Workshop: Common Issues in the Finance Function of an SME Manufacturer.
- Collaborate to Solve Your Most Challenging Problem.
Event Details
📅Date: 15th July 2025
⏲️Time: 8am - 4pm
📍Location: Kirkby, Liverpool, L33 7DR
Why Attend?
✅Connect with like-minded peers who are on a similar journey to you.
✅ Share your challenges and ambitions in a safe and confidential space with others who have already been there.
✅ Develop your skills as a leader through professional development workshops and shared experiences from peers.
✅ See what other manufacturers are doing and gain new inspiration from best practice shared by the group.
✅ Learn new business ideas, tools and techniques to help you better influence business performance.
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 Managing Directors and Owners of manufacturing businesses.
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 manufacturing Directors and Owners.
What if I would like to attend an event but can’t make the date?
Don’t worry, we’ll be holding more events throughout the year, register your details and a member of our team will be in touch with you to share details of upcoming events we have.
Yes, the event will be held in a manufacturers only environment.
Register Your Interest
