The Hull & East Yorkshire Manufacturers Network was formed in March 2023 to help champion the manufacturing base of the region, and to connect manufacturing firms with best practice advice, guidance, industry insight, peer support and networking opportunities.
About the Network
The Network supports the growth and prosperity of the Hull and East Yorkshire manufacturing sector, by bringing together manufacturing firms to share best practice, develop knowledge, champion the sector, and raise awareness of trading challenges and issues.
Membership is free of charge for any business engaged in manufacturing in the Hull & East Yorkshire region, and the Network welcomes firms from a variety of manufacturing sub-sectors including fabrication, tooling, chemicals production, food production, leisure home & caravan manufacture, and much else besides.
As the Network has been established to support the development and growth of manufacturing firms – primarily via peer learning – we must advise that professional services firms, business consultants, and training providers are not permitted to join the network or attend events, unless expressly invited to do so by the Network.
Aims of the Network
- To share insights, best practice, guidance, and advice to help the growth and development of HEY manufacturing firms, via workshops, site visits and peer learning
- To develop a better understanding of the manufacturing capabilities of the region and champion the region’s manufacturing sector
- To provide a “unified voice” for the manufacturing sector in Hull & East Yorkshire, and to lobby local and central government, training providers, and other key stakeholder bodies on relevant issues facing the sector
- To provide networking opportunities between Hull & East Yorkshire manufacturing firms
- To support workforce upskilling of member businesses
- To disseminate amongst members relevant and appropriate information on local events, funding, support projects and regulatory changes.
How to Get Involved
If you’re a manufacturer and would like to join the network, then please book to attend any of our events, or contact growthhub@heybusinessgrowthskillshub.com to be added to the members circulation list. Membership is free and there is no registration process.
Upcoming Events
Industry Insight: Visit to Siemens Gamesa
3pm-5pm Thursday 17th October, Siemens Gamesa Blade Factory, Hedon Road, Hull, HU9 1TA
Join the HEY Manufacturers network this October for an exclusive behind the scenes look at the Siemens Gamesa blade factory in Hull. This tour of the blade factory will be hosted by senior production staff and will include a look at the production shopfloor and processes that Siemens have developed since opening the blade factory in 2016.
The tour will begin with an overview presentation about the factory and will end with a Q&A session and networking.
There are limited places available on this exclusive tour, and to manage demand, we are limiting bookings to one per business. Only personnel of manufacturing businesses will be permitted on this visit.
For more information and to book your place, please visit our Eventbrite listing here.
Networking Event: Christmas Lunch, Learn and Networking
12pm-2pm Thursday 5th December, Aura Innovation Centre, Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle, HU13 0GD
Join the HEY Manufacturers network for a free and informal lunch, learn and networking session just before Christmas at the Aura Innovation Centre.
Learn about the upcoming events and activities of the manufacturers network in 2025, and learn from a Network member business, who will give a presentation on their business, providing an insight into operations, the sharing of best practice advice, and a look at some of the challenges faced by the business over the past year and how these challenges have been overcome.
Finally, network with other manufacturing businesses over a Christmas buffet lunch from 1pm.
For more information and to book your place, please visit our Eventbrite listing here.
Other Events
The Growth Hub’s Made Smarter Programme has an upcoming programme of workshops and events covering a wide range of industrial digital technology topics. These are as follows.
8.30am-12.30pm Thursday 26th September, Aura Innovation Centre, Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle, HU13 0GD
Working with the University of Hull’s ‘Humber Innovation Support Programme’, Made Smarter and HEY Growth Hub will explore “innovation” within the manufacturing sector. This workshop aims to support manufacturing business to explore “innovation”, in terms of either developing new manufacturing processes, or aiding in the removal of technical barriers to developing new innovative products and services.
For more information and to book your place, please visit our Eventbrite listing here.
Workshop: Data Management for Manufacturing Businesses
2pm-5pm Thursday 26th September, Aura Innovation Centre, Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle, HU13 0GD
Working with digital technology specialists, this workshop aims to support manufacturing business owners and staff to explore the benefits of generating, storing, displaying, and analysing data arising from their manufacturing process. The workshop will consider how data could contribute to driving business improvement, including reducing internal costs, generating efficiencies in use of labour and equipment, and increasing productivity. The session will also explore funding streams which might be able to support the implementation of data solutions and equipment.
For more information and to book your place, please visit our Eventbrite listing here.
Networking Event: #Wired Curry for Manufacturers
6pm-9.30pm Thursday 26th September, Bengal Pride, Chanterlands Avenue, Hull, HU5 3TJ
The manufacturing #WiredCurry will be an informal networking opportunity for people in the manufacturing sector to enjoy a cold drink and great Indian food – whilst enjoying the opportunities to share business issues and solutions, exchange ideas, and contacts. This event is very informal – all you need are business cards and an appetite, with a set menu available for £25 per person. This event will round-off National Manufacturing Day, so why not join us for something different!
For more information and to book your place, please visit our Eventbrite listing here.
Workshop: Digital Twinning for Manufacturing Businesses
9am-12pm Thursday 17th October, Paragon Toolmaking, National Avenue, Hull, HU5 4JB
Providing a practical background on the meaning and application of digital twinning in manufacturing, this workshop will be introduced by Matthew Houldsworth from Veribli, who will explore what digital twinning is, and how it can be used within the manufacturing sector. Following this, Kevin Batty, General Manager of Paragon Toolmaking Co Ltd will discuss why Paragon introduced digital twinning into their manufacturing process, with a showcase of the process “in action” during a factory tour.
For more information and to book your place, please visit our Eventbrite listing here.
Workshop: Operational Cyber Security for Manufacturing Businesses
8.30am-12.30pm Thursday 24th October, Aura Innovation Centre, Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle, HU13 0GD
This workshop is for business owners and senior staff who are looking to safeguard their business against cyber-attacks directed through internet connected manufacturing plant, equipment and operational tools. This session will be delivered by cyber security experts who will work with delegates to identify the vulnerable points within their operations and manufacturing processes, and how they could be resolved. Solutions covered will include accredited channels, or via changes to internal business strategy and operational policy changes. This session will also showcase potential funding opportunities to support businesses in implementing cyber protection action plans.
For more information and to book your place, please visit our Eventbrite listing here.
To learn more about the HEY Manufacturers Network, please contact the HEY Growth Hub at growthhub@heybusinessgrowthskillshub.com