Series 8 – Episode 2 – Improving the productivity of UK manufacturing

Philippa has spent the majority of her career in manufacturing, working across various roles in research and development and operations. Her role at CNC Robotics involves looking at how to support manufacturers, in the UK and overseas, with adopting the latest technologies.

“Some people are surprised to know how little robots are adopted within the UK … technologies such as robotics and automation is one way to help manufacturers start to really address some of the productivity challenges that they have.”

Naturally, every business struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Phillipa explains that the pandemic taught many people to look at a business with a critical lens and really evaluate how resilient they are.

As well as being Managing Director at CNC Robotics, Philippa is also a Made Smarter Commission Member and a Northwest Regional Advisory Board Chair at Make UK. As an “SME champion” Philippa challenges some of the thinking around SMEs and shares her experiences of working with manufacturers.

Philippa goes on to explain her work in engaging and inspiring young people to join the sector, as well as offering her advice for young women, in particular, who are thinking of entering the industry.

For more information on improving the productivity of UK manufacturing and encouraging young girls and boy into the field, click here to listen to the podcast on Spotify, or click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.