National Online Meet-up with Nylacast Group, Optimised & Barkers Security Engineering

Join our National Online Meet-up!

Join us for a captivating virtual event where industry experts, thought leaders, and professionals gather to share knowledge, insights, and best practices. Our mission is to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and drive growth within the manufacturing community.

Our industry Meet-up event series features engaging talks from renowned speakers, focusing on key themes that shape the future of manufacturing. This online event covers a wide range of headline topics, including: Future Factories, Sustainable Manufacturing, Growth Strategies, and People & Skills.

Join us for this powerful and inspiring 75-minute event that will ignite your passion and creativity!

Novembers's lineup of speakers and Roundtable Session subtopics includes:

• James Reeves, CEO, Nylacast Group

Too Busy to Innovate? How to Treat R&D Like a Customer Project (Future Factories)

In this talk, James will explore how internal innovation can be managed with the same focus, discipline and accountability as customer projects. Drawing on his experience across startups and established manufacturing businesses, he will share practical insights into clear ownership, protected capacity and cross-functional collaboration.

Using a current Nylacast example, James will explain how combining startup urgency with established manufacturing capability can turn technical ideas into commercial opportunities, without losing sight of today’s customers and operational commitments.

• Allan Binstead, Managing Director, Barkers Security Engineering

Breaking into Data Centres: A Manufacturer’s Route to Growth (Growth Strategies)

Through the story of Barkers’ expansion into data centres, Allan will explain how the company developed its position in high-security perimeter protection, building relationships and securing specifications across a complex network of customers, consultants and contractors.

He will explore how a sharper focus, a simpler product range, stronger project management and investment in people have helped Barkers respond to growing demand. Drawing on that experience, Allan will share practical lessons on identifying specialist opportunities, demonstrating value beyond price and aligning the business behind growth.

•  Corinne Boddy, Head of Business Development, Optimised

Could Your Factory Cut Its Electricity Bill by Up to 25%? Last Call for BICS (Sustainable Manufacturing)

With the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) application window closing on 30 November, time is now very tight. For manufacturers who haven’t yet applied, this session will explain a realistic route to submitting an application - and what needs to happen immediately. Corinne will explain who could qualify, what the potential savings could mean and what manufacturers need to do to prepare an application. She will outline the key eligibility checks, the information required and what can realistically be achieved before the deadline. If you haven’t started, or aren’t sure whether your business qualifies, this session will help you understand the opportunity and take the next step.

Agenda

9:00 AM – Members join the virtual meeting
9:02 AM – Official welcome and event start
9:02–9:10 AM – Community updates and announcements
9:10–9:38 AM – Best Practice Talks from Made Community speakers (1, 2 & 3)
Topics include people & skills, growth strategies, smart factories, and sustainable manufacturing
(Each talk: 5–8 minutes)
9:40 AM – Member Virtual Roundtable Sessions
Members join their chosen session via the Made Platform events page
10:10 AM – Return to the main room for final remarks and goodbyes