Manufacturing summit raises £11,000 for charity

A North East manufacturing summit has raised £11,000 for a regional heart charity while strengthening links between industry, education and business leaders.

Theo James Recruitment hosted the inaugural Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit in partnership with New College Durham, bringing together more than 190 manufacturing professionals, business leaders, educators and industry partners.

Held in April, the summit encouraged collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation across the region's manufacturing sector, with headline sponsor SST Group, made up of Dyer and Q-Laser Limited, supporting the initiative from its earliest planning stages.

Alongside keynote speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions and networking, the summit raised funds for Red Sky Foundation, a North East charity that supports babies, children and adults living with heart conditions.

The charity funds specialist cardiac equipment, supports NHS services and provides life-saving defibrillators to schools and communities across the region.

Organisers say the summit has already led to new conversations, collaborations and business relationships between attendees, speakers, partners and charitable organisations.

It also created new connections between Red Sky Foundation and companies present on the day, opening up opportunities for future support.

Mark Bracknall, managing director of Theo James Recruitment, said: “The Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit was always about more than a one-day event. 

“Our goal was to bring people together, create valuable connections and strengthen the relationships that help our industry thrive. 

“To have achieved that while raising £11,000 for Red Sky Foundation makes the day even more special. 

“Having lost my dad five years ago to a cardiac arrest, it is a charity that means an awful lot to me and my family.”

Sergio Petrucci, from Red Sky Foundation, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved in the Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit.

“Partnerships like this help us continue supporting families affected by heart conditions while raising awareness of the work we do across the region. 

“Knowing that the event has brought people together while raising funds that will directly support those living with cardiac conditions makes it incredibly special.”

New College Durham acted as venue partner, with the event also highlighting its role in developing future manufacturing talent. 

The college was recently recognised by the Department for Education as one of a small number of Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence Colleges in England.

Alison Maynard, deputy principal at New College Durham, added: “We are delighted to have partnered with Theo James Recruitment on the inaugural Manufacturing Leaders' Summit. 

“The event reflects our shared commitment to supporting the future of advanced manufacturing through skills development, innovation and collaboration between education and industry.

“At New College Durham, we are proud to work closely with employers to ensure our education and training provision reflects the evolving needs of industry. 

“The summit aligns perfectly with our commitment to developing the workforce of tomorrow and builds on the momentum of our recent recognition as an Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College, helping us to create stronger links between education and the manufacturing sector.”

Following the success of the inaugural event, plans are already under way for future Manufacturing Leaders initiatives and another summit.

To register your interest in the next summit, click here.

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