About this Event
South East Meet the Manufacturer:
Hosted by - Paul Mason, Nordell
Facilitated by - Peter Shafe, Onmatec
ConeX Regional SME Roundtables
ConeX brings together SME manufacturers across the UK to share knowledge, explore opportunities, and strengthen the manufacturing supply chain.
Our Meet the Manufacturer regional sessions are small, informal roundtable discussions designed specifically for SME manufacturing leaders.
Rather than presentations or formal networking, these sessions focus on open conversation, shared experience, and practical insight from businesses operating in the sector every day.
Each session brings together around 10–15 manufacturing leaders from the local region.
What to Expect
Each session is designed to be relaxed and conversational, with discussion topics shaped by the group in the room.
Typical areas explored include:
• Supply chain challenges and opportunities
• Growth strategies for SME manufacturers
• Productivity and automation
• Workforce and skills development
• Collaboration opportunities between manufacturers
The goal is simple: create valuable peer-to-peer discussion between manufacturers who rarely get the chance to share ideas openly.
Special discussion: The Budget and what it means for manufacturers
Alongside our normal regional conversation, this session will include a practical discussion about the Budget and its implications for UK manufacturing SMEs.
Supported by insight from Crowe UK, we will explore areas including:
- Energy and operating costs
- Investment and capital expenditure
- Employment, skills and workforce pressures
- Innovation and business-growth support
- Diversification into sectors such as defence
- The need for clearer routes from government policy into genuine commercial opportunities
A Crowe manufacturing representative will join the discussion where regional availability allows. This will be an open and practical conversation rather than a formal Budget presentation, giving attendees the opportunity to raise questions and share what the measures mean for their own businesses.
Additional South East session
The Nordell event will also include a short practical session led by Claire MacPherson. Further details about the topic and format will be added once confirmed.
Who Should Attend
These sessions are designed primarily for:
• SME manufacturers
• Engineering and production leaders
• Managing directors and founders
• Supply chain specialists
Spaces are intentionally limited to maintain a small, high-quality discussion group.
Locations & Hosts
Each region is hosted by a manufacturing business, providing an opportunity to see local capability and meet fellow manufacturers operating in the area.
Other regions include hosts across the UK manufacturing community.
Event venue & nearby stays
Nordell Limited, Dominion Way, Worthing, United Kingdom
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