Manufacturing Leaders – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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In the latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders podcast, we’re joined by Mark Greenhouse - a highly experienced manufacturing consultant who’s spent years working hands-on in the industry.

Mark’s career spans from high-speed food production to advising factories across a wide range of manufacturing environments. Along the way, he’s built a deep understanding of how factories really work - from improving productivity and efficiency to getting business models and operations properly aligned.

In this episode, Mark shares practical strategies that can seriously lift factory performance - in some cases by as much as 40%! 

We dig into how to spot bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and why the way a business is set up can have a huge impact on manufacturing efficiency.

We also talk about the everyday challenges manufacturing leaders face and how to tackle production constraints head-on. Mark explains why things like order frequency and readiness matter more than you might think, and how understanding them can help factories run far more smoothly.

Drawing on real-world experience, Mark makes the case for focusing on time rather than cost, and rethinking traditional process control to keep up with changing market demands. 

It’s a packed conversation full of practical insights to help leaders rethink their approach and unlock hidden potential on the factory floor. 

An absolute must-listen if you’re a manufacturing leader looking to boost productivity, tackle bottlenecks, and get more out of your existing operations - without adding complexity or cost.

You can connect with Mark on LinkedIn right here.

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

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In the latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders podcast, Mark is joined by Krystina Snowden, HR Manager at Blachford, for an honest and insightful conversation about what modern leadership really looks like - and why people-first cultures matter more than ever.

Together they explore how leadership has evolved from command-and-control management to creating safe, supportive environments where people are encouraged to grow, learn from mistakes, and ultimately thrive. 

Krystina shares her journey into HR, the realities of managing people in manufacturing environments, and why the best leaders aren’t afraid of developing people who may one day take their place.

The conversation dives into key workplace challenges including:

• The importance of strong onboarding and early support
• Why training managers in people skills is just as vital as technical ability
• How businesses can create more open cultures around mental health
• The role HR plays in empowering managers rather than just enforcing policy
• Why trust, communication, and giving people a genuine voice drives retention and engagement 

From mental health awareness to employee forums, from difficult conversations to building trust at every level of a business, this episode is packed with practical insights for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for building stronger teams.

A thoughtful, real-world discussion on how leadership done well doesn’t just improve performance - it changes lives.

Tune in to learn how robust HR practices and leadership approaches can transform workplace culture. 

Click here to connect with Krystina on LinkedIn.

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

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Dinosaur leather, lab-grown meat, and replacement corneas might sound like science fiction, but they’re happening now in Newcastle at 3D BioTissues. Adam Crosby, Director of Operations, shares how this Newcastle University spin-out is developing groundbreaking biological materials.

In this episode you will learn:

• How 3D BioTissues produces pure biological materials without scaffolding
• The creation of dinosaur leather, lab-grown meat, and lab-grown corneas
• How servant leadership empowers the team and encourages innovation at every level
• Challenges for the Northeast in keeping scientific talent local and securing funding
• How 3D BioTissues is shaping the future of science, fashion, and medical treatments

Listen for insights on leadership, innovation, and how the Northeast is becoming a hub for cutting-edge science and manufacturing.

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

Eddie was born in the UK shortly after his parents had arrived here as immigrants


In his words, they “started with nothing”


How does someone go from stacking shelves in Morrisons to running a successful manufacturing company for almost 25 years which continues to Grow.


In the episode we chat to Eddie about what it takes to build a business, the differences in manufacturing now vs all those years ago 


Along with how important it is to take those sink or swim opportunities to achieve your goals 


I loved eddies passion for what he does and I’m sure you will too





• What does being a leader mean to you?
• The journey -  Stacking shelves to owning a business 
• Running a business now vs 25 years ago
• How different is manufacturing today that it was 20 years ago?
• Navigating the pandemic
• Taking calculated risks – the entrepreneurial way 
• Growth and acquisition 
• Why is Manufacturing in the UK great 
• Biggest challenge to Manufacturing in the UK
• 3 things that make up a leader
• Academic route or o the job earning?
• Previous Guest question

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

Alex Stapleton is the sales director at Alexander technologies, a custom battery pack manufacturer in County Durham.

With over 16 years experience in battery manufacturing alone, Alex knows more than any about the product he sells!

This is a great episode for those interested in sales or manufacturing in general 

We chat about working abroad, managing sales staff with targets, and the process you  need to go through to be successful in this industry.


What we discuss

-Intros
-What makes a good leader?
-The early years – embracing change 
-University – Is it needed?
-Account Management or New Business?
-Working abroad – Different cultures and mindset
-Alexander Technology – Covid and the journey
-Sales – What can you control? /Managing Sales people 
-Only expect of others, what you do of yourself
-What to do when you ever doubt yourself 
-How do we improve Manufacturing & Engineering 

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

Katie Woodward is the Head of Operations at Corrboard, an independent producer of corrugated board based in Scunthorpe.

Katie has worked her way up within the industry. Initially starting in the chemistry field as part of her degree, only to progress later within quality and ultimately operations.

We discuss the importance  of resilience, how all problems are black and white, and how her battle with cancer has made her the person she is today

This is a really powerful and informative episode and I am sure you will take so much away. 

What we discussed

-       Intro’s

-       What does it mean to be a leader

-       The early days – Childhood and influences

-       Cancer recovery and how that changed her mentality 

-       Being a reflective manager and different leadership styles

-        Answering a question with a question!

-       The journey to Operations 

-       Every decision is black and white! Nothing is grey! 

-       Dale Carnegie – The power in his book

-       Being a woman in manufacturing 

-       Getting awareness to manufacturing 

-       Building resilience for the industry

-       What drives you now?

-       Quick fire questions 

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

Emma Bohan is the General Manager of IMS Heat Pumps. 

Emma is driven, passionate and has an infectious personality that you can’t ignore.

We talk in detail about what it’s like to manage a team, build a business and exactly what it takes to be successful in the industry.

We discuss

What does a leader mean to you?
What makes a good leader?
The early years & the journey so far
The importance of those first ever jobs 
Are we born with drive?
Pressure of managing / owning a business
Importance of training and quals
Mental Health – managing the stress and creating the right environment 
How close should you get to your staff?
Best ever managers 
Being a woman in a male dominated environment 
Quick fire questions
How do we improve renewables sector

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 / 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠

In this week’s episode of the Manufacturing Leaders podcast we are bringing something a little bit different!

Andi Jarvis is a marketing expert who works closely with businesses in this sector. In this episode we talk in detail about how you can improve your marketing strategy to maximise revenue.

👉Why marketing is so important in manufacturing?
  👉Using creativity in the boardroom
  👉Marketing through a recession
  👉Using consumer marketing into B2B

📍Who is Andi Jarvis?

📍The early Years

📍Marketing in manufacturing 

📍Sales and marketing working together 

📍The important of social media 

📍What moved the needle and brings in revenue? 

📍How do we measure ROI?

📍Marketing B2b vs B2C in manufacturing 

📍How important is your website?

📍Branding is crucial!

📍How important is the budget 

📍First steps to marketing - What to do. 

📍focus on what sells , not on what’s not 

📍Creativity in business

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

Gary Giles, the Founder of OGEL got investment on the day from the North Easts own manufacturing queen Sara Davies, who also teamed up with Tej Lalvani

Ogel are one of the UKs most premium and innovative garden room manufacturers 

This is a great podcast for Manufacturing enthusiastis, SME Owners and Dragons Den lovers!

We discuss

• -What does being a leader mean to you?
• -The Early Years – Construction sites
• -The vision for OGEL – Where it all started
• -Dragons Den – How it came about / The Process (Always Check your SPAM!)
• -Life after the den
• -Utilising opportunities in the pandemic (work from home pods)
• -Crowdfunding and business plans
• -Managing the business and the pressure that comes with it
• -The North East community and funding 
• -3 Things that make up a good leader
• -Advise to your younger self
• -Next few years for OGEL

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to YOU to be a leader?

This is always the first question I put to all my interviewees on the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast.

As I am about to go away for a couple of weeks, and there will be a few weeks break on the podcast, I thought it would be good to recap on some of the lessons learnt so far!

Thank you so much to everyone so far who has participated or listened / watched. It really does mean so much to me that you have taken the time to give back and share with others!

What does it mean to them to be a leader?

Gareth Richards – Ops Director – Salamander Pumps

Have a clear goal and strategy – communicate that to the team . Everyone in the business needs to know exactly what you are trying to achieve  

Chris Balmer – Head of Ops – AR Power

Spreading the passion and giving people a platform. Rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in as well. I wouldn’t ask someone to do something I wouldn’t.

 Sam Reynolds – Engineering Manager - BHK

Be that person people come to, for help and inspiration. Be the Manager that people trust to come to with problems instead of fearful they cant.

Richard Byatt – Engineering and CI Manager – Coveris UK

The Difference  between management and leadership – Management is organising things, it’s the practical side to controlling things. Leadership is the human element. Humans need leadership direction and creating a culture.

Andy Scott – Head of HR at Darchem Engineering

A leader Is someone who develops and allows  someone grow. They don’t micro manage, they inspire enthusiasm, celebrates success with them and the team.

Phil Atkinson – Managing Director – BTS Fabrications

 Think about what it actually means to YOU. He showed the importance of being a leader and what you have created. To take a step back and actually look at the positives! Passion!!

John Celino – Business Improvement Consultant

Using your experience to impart on other people. Be there for any questions. See people grow and use systems and support to do that

Randal Smith  - Managing Director - Veny

Being the person at the top of the tree, but still being able to see what is going on around you. Being a leader gives you a large scope.  Enjoy leading people and achieving as a team  

Craig Conway – Production & Logistics Director – Janus International 

Being the one that encourages staff and motivates them. Be the inspiring talent. A good leader isn’t all for themselves, they try to push them to achieve and grow  

Dan Williams – Managing Director / CEO - Orean

Make sure you encourage people to be themselves. You may not be the best talent. Create a safe space and room to grow and develop your staff

Tom Russell – Operations Manager – TMD Friction

Enabling people to

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.