Manufacturing together: Solving supply chain challenges through collaboration

Join Digital Catapult’s Digital Supply Chain Hub for an interactive workshop bringing together SME manufacturers, supply chain professionals and technology experts to tackle realistic business challenges based on issues affecting manufacturers across the UK.

Rising costs. Skills shortages. Customer demands for greater visibility. Pressure to improve productivity while maintaining margins.

These are challenges many UK manufacturers are facing today.

Our interactive workshop brings together SME manufacturers, supply chain professionals and technology experts to tackle realistic business challenges based on issues affecting manufacturers across the UK.

Working in small groups, you’ll explore practical ways manufacturers can improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

This is not a webinar and there are no sales pitches, just honest discussion, shared experience and practical problem-solving with peers facing similar challenges.

Whether you’re responsible for operations, production, supply chain, innovation or business growth, this workshop will give you the opportunity to:

• Learn how other manufacturers are approaching common business challenges
• Share experiences with peers from across UK industry
• Explore practical approaches to improving productivity, profitability and resilience
• Understand where emerging technologies can deliver genuine business value
• Build connections with manufacturers, supply chain specialists and technology experts
• Take away actionable ideas that could be applied in your own organisation

We have developed four realistic manufacturing scenarios based on common challenges identified through conversations with UK manufacturers. 

In small breakout groups, participants will act as an advisory board to help a fictional manufacturing business decide its priorities for the next three to five years. 

Together, you’ll discuss: 

• What should the business do first?
• What practical actions would you recommend? 
• What lessons can be shared from your own experience? 
• What challenges should the wider manufacturing community be discussing? 

The focus is not on finding the “right” answer. It’s about sharing practical insight, exploring different perspectives and identifying ideas that can help manufacturers succeed. 

Workshop Scenarios 

Participants will be assigned to one of four manufacturing challenges: 

Aerospace Manufacturing 

How can a growing supplier improve customer service, traceability and visibility without increasing complexity? 

Automotive Manufacturing 

How can a manufacturer scale production and increase output without significantly increasing costs? 

Food Manufacturing 

How can a business improve profitability while continuing to meet retailer expectations and customer demand? 

Construction Materials Manufacturing 

How can manufacturers improve sustainability, traceability and competitiveness in an increasingly demanding market? 

This workshop is particularly relevant for:

• SME manufacturers
• Managing Directors and business owners
• Supply chain and procurement professionals
• Digital transformation and innovation managers
• Manufacturing technology providers
• Industry organisations supporting manufacturing businesses

11:00 – Welcome and introductions

11:10 – Peer insight icebreaker

11:20 – Workshop briefing

11:30 – Interactive breakout discussions

12:00 – Group feedback and shared learning

12:25 – Key takeaways and next steps

12:30 – Close