WYMS Supporters’ Lunch unites 40 businesses for a stronger regional future
The event created a valuable opportunity for conversation, collaboration, and collective thinking on the future of manufacturing in West Yorkshire.
The central aim of the event was to bring people together, to build connections, spark ideas and strengthen support for the region’s manufacturing and engineering sectors. With the countdown to National Manufacturing Day 2025 (NMD25) already underway, the event also set the tone for the months ahead.
“You come to the event, not knowing who you're going to meet,” said James Blackhall, Owner of Blackhall Engineering. “I met two people today that I didn't think I had anything in common with, but we're already finding ways that we can interact and benefit.” That sense of unexpected connection echoed across the room, as companies of different sizes and sectors explored common ground.
The event featured a welcome from the WYMS team, an introduction from Made in Yorkshire (from the Made In group) and informal networking opportunities with a chance not just to talk but to plan, to exchange ideas and best practice, and to consider how manufacturers can work more closely together.
Fara Butt, Chair of the West Yorkshire Manufacturing Advisory Board and Managing Director at Shire Beds, welcomed the initiative. “I'm delighted about this event,” she said. “We need more networking events like this for manufacturers to speak to each other and to work with each other more closely.”
Her words were reinforced by Ben Wilson, Director at MPM in Bradford. “Manufacturing and engineering have been overlooked for too long. I think, in this country, we can get manufacturers out speaking, looking at best practice, how we can connect locally in the region, look at that skills gap and how we can support each other. I think the more that establishments like WYMS can pull things together, I think that only brings greater support for the region.”
The WYMS Supporters’ Lunch is part of a growing programme of events and initiatives designed to connect manufacturers and their stakeholders with the resources, contacts, and community they need to thrive.
Mark Lewis, CEO of WYMS, closed the event by thanking attendees and underlining the organisation’s commitment to collaboration. “It’s by coming together like this that we move our sector forward…and with NMD25 just around the corner, the momentum starts here.”
Sincere thanks to PIB Insurance for their sponsorship of the lunch.
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To learn more about how you can get involved with WYMS and NMD25, visit wyms.co.uk or email us at info@wyms.co.uk
