Futureproof Manufacturing for the West Midlands:

Innovation, Automation & Diversification Overview

Event Details

Date & Time

Wednesday, 11 March 2026

Time: 9.30am – 1:30pm

Location

IET Birmingham
Austin Court,
80 Cambridge St,
Birmingham
B1 2NP

Maker

Build a Stronger Future for Manufacturing in the West Midlands

The manufacturing and engineering landscape is changing fast — and resilience has never been more important. Join us for an inspiring event that will show you how to manufacture resilience through automation, innovation, diversification, and stronger local supply chains.

Discover practical ways to boost productivity, win new orders, and future-proof your business in an increasingly competitive market. Hear from industry experts, learn from real success stories, and connect with peers who are driving the next wave of manufacturing excellence across the West Midlands. 

If you’re ready to strengthen your business, embrace innovation, and seize new opportunities, this is an event you won’t want to miss. 
This event is all about real-world resilience — helping you tackle today’s challenges and unlock new opportunities through:
✨ Innovation, automation & productivity
🔧 Diversification & winning new orders
🤝 Stronger local supply chains
🧠 Insights from industry experts and success stories
👥 Networking with West Midlands manufacturers and engineers
Plus,
🏭 Find out more about the West Midlands Investment Zone and the growth opportunities available to manufacturing SMEs
💷 Discover grant funding options to support digital transformation and innovation in your business
🚀 Take part in our interactive Innovation Workshop, delivered with experts from the MTC and WMG
🤝 Meet and network with regional buyers and key customers, building valuable connections that could lead to new business
Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, stay ahead of competitors, or future-proof your business in a rapidly evolving market, this conference will give you practical takeaways you can use right away.

Speakers

Hosted by Rachel Eade MBE, Supply Chain Specialist and Chair of the UK Metals Council.

Rachel Eade is a Manufacturing and Supply Chain Specialist with over 20 years’ experience in transport manufacturing, supporting UK OEMs and Tier 1s with growth and innovation while championing young people into STEM careers. She holds a wide-ranging portfolio, including Supply Chain Lead at the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Rail Research and Education, Board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, Director of RED Ltd, and newly elected Chair of the UK Metals Council.
She was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours for services to the automotive industry and has received multiple sector accolades, including the Institute of Sheet Metal Engineering Gold Medal.
Steve Bowyer – Head of West Midlands Investment Zone at West Midlands Combined Authority.

Steve led the development and now oversees the implementation of the West Midlands Investment Zone, positioning the region at the forefront of battery technology, electric vehicles, green industries, health tech and digital innovation, and helping secure its landmark deeper devolution deal.
Before joining the West Midlands Combined Authority in 2021, he led economic regeneration companies in South Lincolnshire and Peterborough, driving urban renewal alongside investment and skills growth.
Nicola Small - Very Light Rail Programme Director for Coventry City Council & Transport for West Midlands

Nicola Small is Very Light Rail Programme Director for Coventry City Council and Transport for West Midlands, with more than 20 years’ experience in local government transport, spanning sustainable travel and major infrastructure delivery. She led the development of the Coventry Station Masterplan and now oversees delivery of the UK’s first urban Very Light Rail demonstration line in Coventry.
As Regional Programme Director for the VLR Regional Programme, she works with partners across the West Midlands to secure funding and deliver Coventry VLR, the VLR National Innovation Centre in Dudley and wider mass transit studies and was elected Non-Executive Board Director of UK Tram in 2024.
Hamish Falconer - Project Manager at Colas Rail

Hamish Falconer, Project Director at Colas Rail, is an accomplished Project Manager with eight years’ experience in light rail and very light rail systems. He has successfully led major, multi-disciplinary projects from initial concept and strategic planning through to delivery and commissioning across the UK and Europe. Recognised for his strategic oversight, collaborative leadership style and strong stakeholder engagement, he brings a comprehensive understanding of the full project lifecycle within complex transport and infrastructure environments.