Worcestershire Manufacturers Are Ready to Transform. The Challenge Is Creating the Conditions for Growth

The attendees shared their plans for growth, export expansion, product development and investment in new technologies. From renewable energy to specialist product design, the diversity of innovation taking place amongst Malvern's manufacturers was evident. 

When attendees were asked about their outlook for the next twelve months, the majority described themselves as cautiously optimistic, demonstrating resilience despite an increasingly challenging business environment. 

However, optimism does not remove the barriers that many manufacturers continue to face and when participants were asked what manufacturing businesses need most from local government, the overwhelming response was stability, closely followed by skills, funding, support and clarity. 

For manufacturers making decisions about investment, recruitment and technology adoption, certainty is a critical ingredient for growth. 

Malvern Hills High Growth Forum Chair, Cllr Beverley Nielsen stated: “Across Worcestershire we have a fabulously innovative cohort of companies engaged in anything from renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, manufacturing, security, digital communications and electronics. 

Through the High Growth Forum, we have assembled a cohort of high growth, high export-oriented firms. They want to increase their pace of innovation. To do this, they’ve consistently prioritised the need for timely, accessible support across key areas of funding, skills and space for growth, especially for those engaged in production.  

"They were encouraged to hear about Made Smarter and by NMITE’s new course on autonomous robotics, as well as by their new 14-week part-time short course in Manufacturing Systems Optimisation, part-funded by Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC), targeting local engineering skills gaps.” 

While technology featured heavily throughout the event, it was workforce challenges that generated some of the most passionate discussion. 

Forum polling identified recruiting skilled staff as the biggest workforce challenge, with succession planning following closely behind. 

Participants highlighted ongoing challenges recruiting: 

There was also widespread recognition that businesses can no longer rely solely on recruiting experienced talent from the market. 

Instead, many are developing "grow your own" strategies through apprenticeships, internships and internal development programmes. 

Several businesses shared examples of successfully identifying potential, investing in employee development and creating future leaders from within their organisations. 

The discussions highlighted a clear need for stronger connections between education providers and industry to ensure young people understand the breadth of opportunities available within manufacturing and engineering careers. 

As technology continues to reshape manufacturing, businesses are increasingly looking at how digital tools can improve efficiency, productivity and competitiveness, which is where Made Smarter West Midlands plays a crucial role - helping manufacturers identify opportunities for improvement and create practical digital roadmaps for future growth. 

One of the most encouraging findings from the day was the level of engagement around digital adoption and skills development. 

Darren Schrouder, Growth Hub Manager at Worcestershire Growth Hub, said: “The Worcestershire Growth Hub was pleased to support the Malvern Hills High Growth Forum and bring in colleagues from Made Smarter West Midlands to engage with local high growth innovative organisations. The forum highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing local organisations which we will report back to local and national Government to help shape future decision making. 

"Our role as the Worcestershire Growth Hub is to help organisations of any size and sector in Worcestershire to understand the business support available across business advice and finance, talent and skills and innovation and growth. Our team can help businesses whether they are looking to drive innovation, increase productivity, access new markets, develop a strategic workforce plan, support training and apprenticeship adoption, and much more. " 

"I would encourage any Worcestershire businesses to engage with the Growth Hub to understand what is out there, how it could benefit your business and help us to understand the challenges facing local organisations.” 
 

The final word cloud from the forum perhaps captured the future of Worcestershire manufacturing best. 

Attendees described the sector as: 

Alongside those positive descriptions came words such as: 

Together, they reflect the reality facing many manufacturers today. 

The opportunities presented by digital transformation, AI, automation and skills development are significant. The businesses across Worcestershire are ready to embrace them. 

The focus now must be on ensuring manufacturers have access to the guidance, expertise and support needed to turn that potential into sustainable growth. 

Through programmes such as Made Smarter, collaborative partnerships and continued engagement with industry, there is a clear opportunity to help manufacturers not only navigate change but thrive because of it. 

Find out more about Made Smarter West Midlands and how your business can access digital transformation support, skills programmes, internships and grant funding opportunities at: www.madesmarter.uk