We’re dead chuffed to announce that Made in Yorkshire is now an official sponsor of the 2025 Leeds Manufacturing Festival!
The big reveal took place this morning at Leeds Beckett University – a cracking event focused on how manufacturers and universities can work more closely together to tackle skills gaps, boost innovation, and shape the workforce of the future. Hosted by fellow festival supporters, the session delved into everything from Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and degree apprenticeships, to digital transformation, leadership development and graduate recruitment. There was a real buzz in the room as businesses, educators and local stakeholders got stuck into engaging discussions around practical ways to strengthen collaboration and help young people in West Yorkshire step confidently into modern manufacturing careers.
David Baggaley, Economic Development Lead at Leeds City Council and one of the driving forces behind the festival, welcomed us aboard with this warm message:
"We're really excited to welcome onboard Made in Yorkshire, the region's premier network for SME manufacturers, as a sponsor of the 2025 Leeds Manufacturing Festival. Our partnership represents a great opportunity to extend the reach of the festival and add value for members of the Made in Yorkshire network."
For us, this sponsorship is more than just a logo on a banner – it’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with a brilliant initiative that’s shining a spotlight on the manufacturing careers available right here on our doorstep. We know this industry is packed full of innovation, pride, and opportunity – and it’s time more people saw that for themselves.
As Sam Sleight, our Head of Membership, put it:
“We’re excited to be supporting Leeds Manufacturing Festival, not just as a sponsor, but as a passionate advocate for everything it stands for. It’s an important platform for raising awareness of the brilliant opportunities that exist within manufacturing here in West Yorkshire and for showing young people the vibrant, modern and future-focused industry that they can be a part of. Collaborating with LMF allows us to champion the next generation while continuing to support the businesses that make this region such a manufacturing powerhouse.”
The discussions this morning were spot on – from the value of degree apprenticeships and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, to tackling long-term succession planning and blending experience with fresh thinking. It was refreshing to hear honest, open conversations about the real challenges facing manufacturers – like bridging skills gaps, embedding culture, and embracing digital transformation.
One of the most insightful parts of the morning came from the roundtable discussions, where manufacturers shared their real-world experiences and frustrations – and so did the educators and students. There was a great conversation around the challenge of bridging generations: how we make sure the invaluable knowledge of time-served engineers isn’t lost, while also leaning into the strengths of younger recruits who are fearless with new technology and more than ready to help drive digital transformation.
Another topic that struck a chord was the clash in perceptions between employers and graduates – employers spoke candidly about unrealistic expectations from some young candidates, while students and graduates shared how tough it’s been navigating years of study, mounting debt, and limited opportunities. The common thread throughout? A real desire to better understand each other and build something more joined-up – not just for today’s workforce, but for the future of manufacturing in Yorkshire.
Our involvement in the Leeds Manufacturing Festival is part of our wider mission at Made in Yorkshire: helping manufacturers raise their profile, connect with likeminded businesses, and play an active role in shaping the future of our sector. We’ll be supporting events, championing our members, and flying the flag for the brilliant businesses that make this region what it is.