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Sectors: Manufacturing | Professional Services
Client
Square 5 leading the initiative with Creative Sheffield and Business & Education South Yorkshire
Project
The festival stemmed from Tony Egley, the General Manager of Sheffield based Microbalde, who is extremely passionate about manufacturing and recognised the need to showcase the talent, accomplishments and future of manufacturing both nationally and internationally. And what better place to host the event than in The Sheffield City Region; recognised all over the world for its expertise in high-precision engineering, metals and alloy production, and the high-quality design and manufacturing of products for a wide range of global industries.
Solution
Square 5 became instrumental in turning the idea into an event. Working closely with industry stakeholders to shape and take control of the concept, brief, programme, strategy, logistics, sponsors and stakeholders, Sheffield Manufacturing Week was born and soon became Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield. The six key themes of the festival were identified as: Education, Celebration, Community, Growth, Improvement and Innovation. The festival also aimed to inspire the next generation of engineering talent and bridge the gap between innovation and commercial success by bringing education and businesses closer together.
The festival was planned for March 2011 and in order to gain maximum exposure two launch events were organised in South Yorkshire in 2010 and London in 2011.
Result
The South Yorkshire launch event took place at the Advanced Manufacturing Park on 9 September 2010 and was opened by the Rt. Hon Richard Caborn. Over 60 guests attended - a mix of key industry dignitaries and press.
The London Launch took place on the 18th January 2011 at EEF's Broadway House in Westminster. The location for the London launch was fundamental as it allowed engagement with a national audience. Business Minister Mark Prisk gave a keynote speech to over 100 delegates. The London launch highlighted the region's manufacturing expertise, discussed the important issue of engaging the next generation of engineers and highlighted the festival as a whole.
The Festival itself took place from the 14th - 24th March, with Square 5 organising the headline event, the Manufacturing Convention. The inaugural Manufacturing Convention, was held in association with the Financial Times, The Manufacturer and EEF, it featured speakers from some of the most influential companies in the world who came to discuss, debate and highlight the future issues and opportunities facing manufacturing. As well as keynote presentations it also hosted exhibitions and a networking lunch.
Other festival highlights were the "Get up to Speed" event which was aimed at inspiring the next generation of engineers and manufacturers. The event featured speeches from the Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield MP Nick Clegg, Richard Noble OBE and Women's Bobsleigh World Champion Nicola Minichiello. As well as this there were educational visits and VIP tours of manufacturing facilities, an investment seminar and event focusing on Women in Manufacturing.
The festival as a whole attracted over 1,500 delegates from across the region and beyond, also it achieved extensive media coverage through national, regional and trade publications.
For more information visit www.globalmanufacturingfestival.com
