Made To Grow: The SME Manufacturing Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Digital transformation isn’t just about the tech. It’s about people. In this second part of our conversation with quality consultant and change management expert Angela Fumpson, we move from planning to execution—what actually happens when you try to roll out meaningful change in your business.

If you’ve ever struggled to get new systems to land, or if your team seems resistant to change, this episode will speak to you. We talk about how to embed transformation into the everyday, keep the momentum going, and avoid the common pitfalls that derail even the best-planned projects.

About Our Guest:

Angela is a mechanical engineer, chartered quality professional, business coach and mentor with more than 25 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing. She’s worked with companies across the UK and Ireland to implement quality systems, coach leadership teams, and deliver real change. Angela brings a calm, pragmatic approach to complex transformation projects—and plenty of real-life stories from the factory floor.

Key Topics in This Episode:

How to support your team through digital change We talk about what good support looks like during implementation—why it goes beyond initial training and why you need simple, on-demand materials that people can revisit without fear of ‘getting it wrong’.

Mentoring and change champions Angela shares why mentoring matters more than ever during transformation, and how identifying internal ‘champions’ helps embed new systems and boost confidence on the ground.

Why people forget 90% of what they learn A sobering fact with real consequences for onboarding and training. We explore why refreshers and follow-ups are essential in any digital transformation rollout.

The power of project visibility If your team doesn’t know what’s coming—or why—it’s no wonder they resist. We unpack how to build trust, clarity and buy-in across the whole business, not just the project team.

Avoiding the ‘parallel system’ trap We discuss what happens when people cling to spreadsheets and workarounds, and how to design an implementation that avoids this common outcome.

Celebrating milestones and keeping momentum Digital change is never ‘done’—so how do you keep your team energised and your project moving? Angela shares practical tips on maintaining progress without overwhelming your people.

What’s Next?

Angela’s insight is just one of many perspectives we’ve included in our new resource: FEARLESS Digital Transformation. This free ebook is packed with ideas and advice from business experts, manufacturers, and the Flowlens implementation team to help small and medium manufacturers approach change with confidence.

Execution is just one part of the FEARLESS process. Download the full ebook to explore the complete model and give your business a practical roadmap for transformation.

Further Reading & Resources

• Download the free FEARLESS Digital Transformation ebook www.flowlens.com/fearless
  

• Connect with Angela Fumpson on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/angelafumpson
  

• Find out more about Angela’s work www.white-tiger.co.uk
  

• Explore Flowlens MRP software www.flowlens.com
  

Enjoying the Podcast?

If Made to Grow is helping you think differently about digital transformation and business growth, leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. It really helps others find the show. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode.

Change management is one of the biggest challenges in manufacturing and business transformation. Many organisations struggle to implement new systems or processes effectively—not because the technology doesn’t work or the cost is too high, but because people instinctively resist change.

In this episode of Made to Grow, we explore why change management programmes often fail and offer some expert tips on how to set your business up for success from the start. 

If you’ve ever tried to change the way your business does things, whether that’s a new piece of equipment, a new process or new software and watched with dread as people reverted to their old ways, this episode is for you.

Introducing Our Guest: Angela Fumpson

Angela Fumpson is the founder of White Tiger, a specialist consultancy in quality management, leadership, and business transformation. With a background in mechanical engineering and over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, Angela helps businesses streamline processes, improve efficiency, and successfully implement change.

She has worked with organisations of all sizes, from SMEs to large manufacturers, ensuring that change doesn’t just happen—but actually sticks.

Key Topics in This Episode:

• Why most business transformation projects fail – Common mistakes that derail system rollouts and process changes.

• The importance of leadership buy-in – How senior teams set the tone for successful adoption.

• How process mapping prevents failure – Identifying inefficiencies and creating a clear roadmap for change.

• Overcoming resistance to change – Why people resist new ways of working and how to engage them in the process.

• Laying the groundwork for success – The key steps to take before rolling out any major changes.

Resources & Further Reading:

📘 Visit Angela’s website: White Tiger

📘 Connect with Angela on LinkedIn here

📘 Check out the Flowlens eBook: "Fearless Digital Transformation"

This is part one of a two-part conversation. In the next episode, we move from preparing for change to making it stick—covering how to train teams effectively, reinforce change over time, and ensure lasting success.

Don’t miss it—subscribe now to get notified when the next episode drops!

For more information about Angela follow the links below!

Today, we're joined by Nathan Peele of Denatec, a high-tech manufacturing firm that, against all odds, soared from its inception to a turnover of over £3 million in just three years. As Denatec stands on the cusp of global expansion, Nathan reflects on the pivotal moments and strategies that propelled their journey and how they used the tumult of a global pandemic to their advantage. 

From their agility and customer-centric approach to their relentless pursuit of quality and their focus on sharing success with their team, Nathan's story is an inspiring and down-to-earth account of what it takes to scale a manufacturing firm.

Guest Overview: Nathan Peele

Nathan Peele, one of the driving forces behind Denatec, founded the company with his business partner and cultivated a culture of innovation, quality, and resilience in the firm.

His passion for engineering and keen sense of market needs led to the creation of Denatec during one of the most challenging global crises the manufacturing world has ever experienced. 

With a background rooted in engineering and a diverse experience that spans CNC machining to designing scuba diving equipment, Nathan turned his broad experience into a laser-focused ambition to succeed.

Key Points

• Rapid Growth and Strategic Agility: Denatec's journey from a two-person startup to a £3M turnover company showcases the power of strategic agility and responsiveness to market demands, even during the pandemic.

• Importance of ISO 9001 Certification: Nathan discusses how achieving ISO 9001 certification within three months underscored their commitment to quality and structured processes, setting a strong foundation for future growth.

• Customer-Centric Innovations: Nathan explains how Denatec's customer relationships, adaptability and capacity to swiftly introduce new products have driven innovation and growth.

• Navigating Pandemic Challenges: By capitalising on the pandemic-induced market shifts, Denatec not only survived but thrived, becoming a preferred supplier and solidifying its market position.

• Building Business Relationships: Nathan's approach to overcoming initial market restrictions and engaging with new markets illustrates the importance of trust, transparency, and proving capabilities to unfamiliar customers.

• Employee Engagement and Culture: Nathan discussed how Denatec’s company culture impacts their success.

• Maintaining Quality and Adhering to Standards: Rich and Nathan discuss the importance of simplifying processes to ensure consistent quality and some of the perils of overcomplex ISO Manuals.

• Future Growth and Expansion Plans: Nathan outlines Denatec's vision for continued growth and international expansion, including plans to diversify revenue streams, expand premises, and establish a U.S. office.

Conclusion and Further Resources

Nathan Peele's story with Denatec is a remarkable example of how dedication, strategic innovation, and a focus on quality can pave the way for extraordinary success. As Denatec prepares to scale new heights on the global stage, its journey inspires manufacturing firms navigating the complexities of growth and market dynamics.

For those interested in learning more about Denatec or connecting with Nathan, follow the links below:

Denatec Website

Nathan Peele on LinkedIn

We thank Nathan for sharing his insights and experiences and contributing to another fascinating discussion on "Made To Grow." 

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay updated with the latest in manufacturing innovation and success stories.

Join us next time as we explore more transformative journeys in the manufacturing industry.

In the latest episode of "Made to Grow," we explore the transformative world of the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH), a pioneering initiative designed to empower SMEs by unlocking the full potential of their data.

With the digital age demanding more from manufacturers in terms of decision-making and productivity, SMDH is championing innovation - offering tools, resources, and support to navigate the complexities of smart manufacturing.

In this episode, Flowlens founder, Rich Dale talks to Simon Coward, Director of the SMDH about their shared experience of working with SME manufacturers on the verge of transformation.

They discuss the power of data, the importance of benchmarking yourself against your industry and Flowlen’s own role as a Lighthouse Project - which will allow them to subside access to their platform and implementation costs for 10 UK manufacturers.

Introducing our guest: Simon Coward

Simon Coward, with his rich background in leading small manufacturing businesses, brings invaluable insights into the sector's challenges and opportunities.

His expertise in harnessing data to fuel growth and efficiency makes him an ideal guide through the journey of digital transformation in manufacturing. As the director of SMDH, Simon's vision for the Lighthouse project and his commitment to community and peer learning underline the episode's focus on collaborative advancement and innovation.

Key Points

• SMDH's Mission and Vision: The goal of assisting SMEs in leveraging their data for enhanced decision-making and productivity, Simon Coward introduces the Lighthouse project—a catalyst for change and innovation in the manufacturing landscape.
• Real-World Impact: Through detailed case studies, the tangible benefits of engaging with SMDH, such as improved machine utilisation and reduced downtime, are highlighted, providing listeners with concrete examples of the hub's value.
• Recruitment and Participation: The episode underlines the active search for SMEs to join the Flowlens Lighthouse project, emphasising the support available, including expert data analysis and the opportunity to receive subsided access to the Flowlens platform and the implementation service that ensures success.
• Extensive Support Network: SMDH's comprehensive resources, from digital readiness tools to online courses, are discussed, emphasising the focus on peer learning and community engagement.
• Benchmarking for Maufacturing Productivity: The critical role of benchmarking in enhancing UK manufacturing productivity is examined, with insights into how businesses can utilise this tool to identify and bridge performance gaps.
• Challenges for SME Manufacturers: The common struggle among SMEs to transform data richness into data insights (and actions) underscores the importance of structured data for informed decision-making.
• Digital Transformation Journey: The support structure SMDH offers, including access to a team of experts and a business development network, is outlined, guiding SMEs on their path to digital maturity.
• Funding for Manufacturers: Opportunities for funding and participation in rapid demonstrator projects are discussed, shedding light on the pathways available for SMEs to explore and implement digital solutions.

Check out more on SMDH and our Lighthouse Project.

• SMDH Website
• Simon Coward on LinkedIn: Connect directly with Simon for insights and guidance on smart manufacturing.
• Subsiside your digitalisation

As always, your feedback, reviews, and social media engagement are invaluable to us in helping to grow our little podcast. Join us in spreading the word about "Made to Grow" by subscribing, and leaving a review for "Made to Grow" on your favourite podcast platform.

Stay tuned for more episodes that bring innovation, insights, and inspiration straight to your earphones!

In an era where attention spans are dwindling, and the digital landscape is saturated with content, the challenge for SME manufacturers to stand out and effectively engage with their audiences is more daunting than ever. The need for content that captures attention and supports various facets of the business—from sales processes to recruitment and customer service—is critical. In this first episode of season two of Made To Grow, we look at how strategic video content can address these challenges head-on, transforming the way manufacturers connect with their audiences.

Introducing Our Guest - Peter Craven: Joining us is Peter Craven, founder of Blue Sky Video Marketing, who brings a treasure trove of insights from his extensive experience in the video marketing realm, particularly within the manufacturing sector. Peter’s background as an experienced Global Head of Marketing in Manufacturing firms has given him a unique level of insight into the sector and an unrivalled understanding of how video can elevate many parts of a manufacturing business. Peter's understanding of the unique challenges faced by manufacturers, combined with his expertise in crafting compelling video content, makes him the perfect guide for navigating the complexities of today's digital marketing landscape. This episode is a must-listen for manufacturing leaders and marketers looking to leverage video content to elevate their brand, streamline their processes, and forge deeper connections with their audience. Watch this episode here or head over to your podcast app of choice to listen and subscribe today! About Flowlens Flowlens is modular CRM & MRP software for small equipment manufacturers. If you're in the manufacturing and engineering sector and are looking at business systems that can help you grow, save you time and put all the information you need at your fingertips then book a demo or sign up for a free trial.

In this insightful final episode of "Made to Grow" season one, we address a common pain point in the manufacturing industry: the isolation often felt by leaders in this sector and its impact on future growth. 

This episode introduces the Manufacturers' Alliance, an organisation that counters this isolation and facilitates knowledge sharing and industry collaboration by fostering robust peer networks.

The Alliance operates primarily in the North of England, providing a platform for manufacturers to share experiences, challenges, and insights, thereby catalysing collective growth and innovation.

Our guest, Gary Sheader, founder and Managing Director of The Manufacturers' Alliance, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the topic. He discusses the transformative power of peer networking, highlighting how such collaborations can improve decision-making, empower leadership development, and drive business growth.

Key topics include the importance of a growth mindset in modern leadership, the role of effective marketing and customer relationship management, and the strategic advantage of data-driven decision-making.

The episode also explores the concept of "making yourself redundant" as an important aim for business leaders, which can empower teams and free up leaders' ability to think strategically.

This episode is packed with real-world insights for manufacturing leaders looking to navigate the complexities of the industry and drive their businesses forward.

Key Points

• Why the Manufacturer's Alliance exists and its early development 01.39 - 04.58
• The true value of peer networking for manufacturers 04.50 -07. 42
• The Modern Leadership Scorecard and the Traits of a Leader 07.43 - 10.42
• The Importance of marketing and customer relationships 10.43 - 14.57
• The power of making yourself redundant 14.58 - 17.20Growth mindset for manufacturers 17.21 - 20.57
• The importance of openness and sharing in peer networks 20.58 - 26.40
• Data-based decision making for manufacturers 26.40 - 30.21
• Final thoughts and next steps 30.22 - 34.10 

Resources

For more information and to connect with Gary, you can visit his LinkedIn profile. Additionally, you can follow the Manufacturers’ Alliance on LinkedIn here to stay updated with their latest initiatives.

To benchmark your manufacturing leadership skills and receive personalised recommendations for professional development, take the Manufacturing Leadership Quiz available on the Manufacturers' Alliance website.

Are you an SME manufacturer in the UK struggling with a growing skills gap in your industry? Then this episode of Made To Grow is a must-listen.

Angela Lawlor joins host Rich Dale to discuss the critical issue of the skills shortage in UK manufacturing. They discuss the lack of awareness among school students and career leaders about the manufacturing sector and the impact this has on the industry.

Angela shares a host of actionable strategies on how manufacturers can effectively promote themselves to the next generation of employees, bridging the skills gap and fostering a more knowledgeable future workforce.

Tune in to learn about strategies for engaging with schools, colleges, and universities, and how nurturing a new generation of potential employees can benefit your manufacturing business.

Key points:

Challenges in Engineering Awareness [00:00:00 - 00:13:45]

The discussion begins with an exploration of the lack of industry understanding among young people and careers teachers/advisors and extends into the importance of making manufacturing relatable to students.

Promoting Manufacturing to Young Generations [00:13:45 - 00:14:15]

How businesses can effectively communicate their work to younger audiences, emphasising the need to make it understandable and relatable.

Engaging with Young Talent online [00:15:09 - 00:27:43]

The conversation shifts to strategies for manufacturers to connect with the next generation, focusing on using website careers pages and social media.

The solution to the digital skills gap in manufacturing

Angela discusses how the next generation of digital natives can help unlock the power of digital for manufacturers.

Concluding Insights and Future Directions [00:27:43 - 00:29:05]

The episode ends with a summary of key insights, emphasising the importance of investing in the next generation.

Resources:

To learn more about Angela Lawlor's mission to bridge the gap between manufacturers and young students, visit Marvelous Manufacturing or connect with Angela on LinkedIn.

Next Episode Preview:

Don't miss our next episode, where we'll be joined by Gary Sheader of the Manufacturer's Alliance. We'll discuss the power of peer-to-peer networking for SME manufacturers and explore how this approach can drive innovation and success in the manufacturing sector.

Stay tuned for more invaluable insights and expert guidance on the "Made to Grow" podcast.

Are you an SME manufacturer in the UK still relying on spreadsheets and manual processes? If so, this episode of Made To Grow is essential listening.

Mark Tooby, an accountant and expert in cloud-based systems, joins host Rich Dale to discuss the transformative power of digitalisation. Together they discuss the importance of financial literacy for leadership, staff engagement in change, the value of real-time data for decision-making, and much, much more.

Learn how to cut costs, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions that will propel your SME manufacturing business into the future.

Sections & Key Takeaways:

1. The Cloud Revolution [00:15:55 - 00:16:17]

Mark Tooby explains how adopting cloud-based systems can transform business processes and improve decision-making.

2. The Journey to Financial Literacy [00:16:17 - 00:16:49]

Rich and Mark discuss the importance of your team having a firm grasp on the financial aspects of the business, from purchasing to planning.

3. The Importance of Staff Buy-In [00:16:49 - 00:19:05]

Mark emphasises that the key to successful digital transformation is getting your entire team on board from the get-go.

4. The Role of a Virtual Finance Director [00:19:37 - 00:23:21]

Discover how a virtual finance director can provide invaluable insights and unbiased perspectives at a fraction of the cost of a typical FD and how the process works.

5. The Single Source Of Truth [00:23:21 - 00:26:12]

Mark and Rich explore why real-time, reliable data is the backbone of any successful manufacturing business in today's fast-paced environment.

6. The Last Word [00:26:12 - 00:29:03]

Short Description: Learn why having a unified, cloud-based system is non-negotiable for maintaining data integrity and making real-time decisions.

In this episode of "Made to Grow," we dive into the world of digital transformation in manufacturing.

Our guest, Dr. Steven Barr, a designer, engineer, and sustainable manufacturing specialist shares his expertise and insights on how businesses can navigate the process of digital transformation.

From the importance of people and leadership to the role of technology and customers, Steven provides valuable advice for SME manufacturers looking to improve their operations and drive success.

Tune in to learn more about the key lessons from the first series of "Made to Grow" and get ready to be inspired by the possibilities of digital readiness.

Don't forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts for a new episode every fortnight.

Key Points and Time Stamps:

[00:00:30] Introduction to the Digital Readiness tool from Edge Digital Manufacturing

[00:06:21] What is Digital readiness for UK SME Manufacturers?

[00:08:44] Insights through benchmarking your manufacturing business

[00:14:03] Engaging with customers for change.

[00:18:12] Overcoming the digital skills gap - skills development and funding

[00:21:57] Funding landscape and access.

[00:24:00] UK manufacturing - poised for world dominance

[00:29:18] Key lessons from this episode and our series so far

Welcome to another episode of "Made to Grow," the podcast for SME manufacturers, proudly brought to you by Flowlens, the simple and affordable MRP system.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Verity Davidge, the Head of Policy at Make UK, an organisation that champions over 20,000 manufacturing companies across the UK. We delve into the transformative power of digitalisation, the challenges and opportunities in the UK manufacturing sector, and practical advice for SMEs looking to make a difference.

Key Points

Introduction (00:00:00)

Get to know Verity Davidge, the Head of Policy at Make UK, an organisation that serves as the voice for manufacturing companies across England and Wales. Discover how Make UK aims to create a conducive business environment for manufacturers.

The Digitalise to Decarbonise Report (00:05:45)

Explore the latest report published by Make UK, which focuses on the digital transformation journey of manufacturers. Learn how 44% of manufacturers are already on the path to digitalisation and decarbonisation.

Challenges in the Post-Pandemic, Pro-Brexit Era

(00:10:20)

Uncover the unique challenges that manufacturers face in the current socio-political landscape. From labour shortages to supply chain disruptions, find out what's affecting the industry.

The Role of Digital Technologies in Reducing Energy Costs (00:15:30)

Discover how digital technologies can be a game-changer in reducing energy costs for manufacturers. Verity shares insights into how companies have successfully reduced their energy bills through digitalisation.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Digital Solutions (00:20:50)

Dive into the issue of supply chain vulnerabilities that have come under the spotlight in recent years. Learn how digital technologies can offer solutions for better monitoring and management.

Advice for SME Manufacturers (00:27:10)

Verity offers actionable advice for SME manufacturers looking to navigate the complexities of the current manufacturing landscape. From funding options to return on investment considerations, get practical tips to move forward.

_______________________________

We hope you find this episode insightful and actionable. Don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights into the UK manufacturing sector!

Get to know more about our guest

Verity Davidge is Head of Policy at Make UK, the industry body representing over 20,000 manufacturers in England and Wales. You can keep in touch with her on her LinkedIn Page or follow Make UK on LinkedIn or at their website makeuk.org, which is packed with interesting information, reports and industry news.