Midlands manufacturing conference

The event is at the Manufacturing Technology Centre at Ansty Park, Coventry, on Tuesday, July 10.

Conference organiser Crowe UK, the national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm, has assembled a distinguished panel of experts who will address delegates.

Rachel Eade MBE, former head of the Manufacturing Advisory Service, will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturing companies.

How to raise funds in the financial markets to fund retooling for Industry 4.0 meanwhile, will be covered by Oldbury-based Johnathan Dudley, head of manufacturing at Crowe.

Richard Hill will outline NatWest’s Future Fit Programme and Mark Miles of Render Media will deliver a presentation on virtual reality and augmented reality in manufacturing.

Mr Dudley said: “This conference pulls together all the threads which will help manufacturers prepare for the 2020s. In particular we will look at the onset of Industry 4.0 and the continual need to invest in new technologies and techniques, some of which could have short lives due to innovation driving obsolescence.

"Manufacturers need to be aware of both what new technologies are achieving right now and what they could achieve in the future, as well as planning and acting on market changes.

"Of paramount importance will be the need to ensure businesses are well advised on the right funding methods to ensure successful investment programmes.

“Growth into new product lines, markets and territories will require continual management of working capital and its funding. How much businesses need, where and how it can be obtained and how it is secured all need to be considered."

The conference also includes the opportunity to tour the Manufacturing Technology Centre. Manufacturers who would like to attend should contact stephanie.hart@crowecw.co.uk