Debate: Smarter manufacturing

By Ged Henderson

16 Apr 2019

boost-manufacturing-roundtable-1.png

Manufacturing is the lifeblood of Lancashire’s economy – but we need to get smarter at it. With Boost Business Lancashire, we brought together our panel of experts to Cotton Court in Preston to discuss ways of doing just that.

How can manufacturers become more productive?

Melissa Conlon: The biggest opportunity is to digitalise, to look to the future and ensure that they’re adopting robotics and cobotics – robots that work with people. There is a big agenda for humans to be working alongside machines. It’s accepting that they have to move forward.

We’re working with companies from the very smallest to large tier one partners. One company we’re working with makes jewellery and is looking at additive manufacturing so she can test pieces. Digitalisation is applicable to all manufacturers.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Ged Henderson

Latest news

1

Putting people first: Rethinking approaches to people management 031225 John Mackey 6

Putting people first: Rethinking approaches to people management

07 Aug 2026

2

Former regional journalist joins Freshfield PR team George Hodgson

Former regional journalist joins Freshfield PR team

07 Aug 2026

3

Plans unveiled for £30m transformation of country estate Gisburne Estate

Plans unveiled for £30m transformation of country estate

07 Aug 2026

4

Fast-growing competition firm hires compliance expert Elite

Fast-growing competition firm hires compliance expert

07 Aug 2026

5

Lucky 13 for James Hall & Co in Great Taste Awards Great Taste Awards 2026 - James Hall & Co. Ltd.jpg.jpg

Lucky 13 for James Hall & Co in Great Taste Awards

06 Aug 2026

Blackburn College (July-Aug 26)
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event
LBV130 Magazine Launch Social720No Text
Networking
17 Sep 2026

LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event

The Beehive Blackburn, Shadsworth Business Park, BB1 2QS

08:30 - 10:30

Built Environment Conference 2026
BEC26 WW Logo720
Networking
24 Sep 2026

Built Environment Conference 2026

EG On The Move, Waterside Head Office, Blackburn, BB1 2FA

08:30 - 13:00

Sub36 Awards 2026
Sub36 WW Logo720
Awards
16 Oct 2026

Sub36 Awards 2026

Park Hall Hotel & Spa, Chorley, PR7 5LP

18:30 - 00:30

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event
LBV131 Magazine Launch Social720No Text
Networking
19 Nov 2026

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event

Lancashire

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Business Day 2026
LBD26 WW Logo720
Networking
27 Nov 2026

Lancashire Business Day 2026

Burnley Football Club, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Morecambe Bay Walk
Morecambe-25-web-gallery4.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Fundraisers
08 Aug 2026

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, Carnforth, LA5 0HD

13:00 - 18:00

The Ultimate Network
Lancaster And Morecambe Logo
LBV Hub Networking
13 Aug 2026

The Ultimate Network

Garner Hotel , Preston, PR5 0UL

16:00 - 18:00

Mind Over Mountain: Brunch at Ivory Tower
mind-over-mountain-complete.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Sep 2026

Mind Over Mountain: Brunch at Ivory Tower

Ivory Tower, Preston, PR1 2NL

12:30 - 16:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV129 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin