From Forge to Flow

Our first conference, From Forge to Flow, brought together industry leaders at the historic Museum of Making in Derby to explore the next productivity revolution. Through thought-provoking discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and expert insights, we tackled how to bridge strategy and action, foster trust, and drive smarter decision-making.

Reflecting on our First Conference: From Forge to Flow

On Monday, 7th October 2024, we hosted our very first Conference focused on the next Productivity Revolution at the historic Museum of Making in Derby—the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. This iconic venue set the perfect stage for a day focused on exploring bold, innovative approaches to revitalising productivity in the UK.

Leaders and innovators from diverse industries came together to connect, collaborate, and share insights on how to bridge strategy and action, foster trust, and drive faster, more transparent decision-making. From engaging keynote speeches to hands-on demonstrations, the event was filled with inspiring ideas and practical takeaways.

Whether you joined us on the day or are exploring the highlights for the first time, relive the experience and get a feel for the full day by looking through some of our content below.

From Forge to Flow: Capturing the Journey in Motion 📽️

What We Set Out to Do

Bring together leaders and organisations that are adopting innovative approaches to make significant productivity gains.

Create a community in the Midlands and build connections across organisations to help the High Tech engineering sector thrive in the UK.

Create the time and space to share practical experiences in an informal way for mutual benefit.

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The Full Day in Action 📽️

Explore the thought-provoking talks from a diverse range of leaders within the High Technology Engineering sector and from elite sport below. Hear from Pauli Markkanen and Alex Darvill of Rolls-Royce on their experiences of accelerating innovation through their leadership of the disruptive Orpheus project. 

Peter Hill shares his learning on radical thinking and Ikigai within the context of complex manufacturing and draws parallels with his personal life as a husband, father and grandfather. 

Ed Clancy OBE, three-time Olympic Gold Medallist, shares his fascinating journey from taking up cycling as a child to becoming multiple Olympic Champion.  In doing so he offers a unique perspective from behind the scenes as a member of the British Cycling Team and illuminates their thinking on continual improvement and the criticality of aligning their actions and habits towards a future definition of success. 

A dynamic panel featuring Susan Popoola, Sally Twistleton, David Sobo and Louise McIntosh shared their thoughts on making the pathway towards increased productivity an inclusive one whilst offering powerful reflections on their lived experiences.  

Additionally, Mike Rodgers from AstraZeneca talked about the company’s intent of delivering more medicines to more patients, how their productivity journey has been fuelled by their approach to Lean and how the establishment of their Lean Academy has equipped thousands of leaders in operations to make a difference.  For privacy reasons, Mike’s talk was an exclusive session for attendees on the day.

From Forge to Flow Agenda
If you'd like quick access to our agenda for the conference, you can find our interactive version here - available on any device. It provides great context on the flow of the day, along with deeper insights into each talk and the speakers involved!

Here’s a Selection of the Organisations Represented at the Conference

“The best value conference I have ever been to!”

From Forge to Flow Attendee

Made Possible Through the Collaboration and Support of Our Wonderful Partners & Sponsors

Are You Interested in Our Next Conference?

Register Below!

Following the success of last year’s conference, we’re bringing it back - bigger and better! With an exciting theme, expert speakers, and continued opportunities to connect with our valued sponsors and partners, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Due to popular demand, we’re releasing the option to secure your place early. Planning is in the works, and we aim for Q4 2025.

Register Here