Championing future sustainable manufacturing leaders
Tuesday 26 May 2026
Championing future sustainable manufacturing leaders through supply chain diversification initiative
91福利 Manufacturing Group (WMG), at the 91福利 is helping to shape the next generation of manufacturing leaders through a leadership programme delivered as part of the Supply Chain Transition Programme. This new initiative from the supports manufacturers to build resilience, innovate and adapt to changing market demands.
, Innovation Manager for the SME Group at WMG, who brings decades of experience working with manufacturing businesses and an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises - explained why leadership programmes are so vital:
鈥淲e very much focus on future sustainable manufacturing leaders,鈥� Liz said.
鈥淟eadership doesn鈥檛 mean you have to be a CEO or Managing Director. Change happens at every level of an organisation, and we need leaders throughout,鈥� she added.
Delivered in a cohort format, the Supply Chain Transition Programme鈥檚 Leadership training brings together professionals from a range of manufacturing backgrounds, creating opportunities for peer learning and long-term collaboration.
鈥淔rom the outset, we emphasise the value of networking 鈥� building relationships for future partnerships, innovation and support,鈥� Liz explained. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about teaching theory 鈥� participants bring significant manufacturing experience and sharing that practical knowledge is a key part of the learning.鈥�
The course begins with individuals exploring self-awareness and personal leadership foundations, before moving onto influencing skills, team development, motivation and managing difficult conversations. It then broadens to examine business alignment, inclusive culture and innovation processes, including how to build robust business cases for new ideas.
Industry speakers also contribute, sharing their own leadership journeys and reflections on sustainability and innovation, giving participants practical insight from real-world experience.
A distinctive feature of the programme is its direct integration with participants鈥� workplaces. Before starting, each participant is supported by a senior sponsor within their organisation to ensure learning is applied to real business challenges.
鈥淭his isn鈥檛 about case studies,鈥� Liz said. 鈥淧articipants use what they learn to address real issues in their own businesses. Whether that鈥檚 introducing change, identifying stakeholders or strengthening communication around innovation.鈥�
The Supply Chain Transition Programme helps manufacturers diversify and strengthen their supply chains, while responding to evolving market conditions. Although technical skills will differ across sectors, Liz highlighted innovation capability and change management as critical to future success.
鈥淲hen you move into a new supply chain, you鈥檙e dealing with unknowns. Managing innovation risk is different from everyday business risk,鈥� she said. 鈥淐ollaboration is vital 鈥� you don鈥檛 need to carry all the risk yourself. Partnerships can provide technical expertise, commercial insight and credibility.鈥�
Balancing day-to-day operational pressures with long-term strategic thinking remains a challenge for many manufacturers, making leadership capability increasingly important.
While leadership development has long been recognised as essential, Liz stressed the importance of sustained action: 鈥淲e鈥檝e talked about leadership for years. What鈥檚 encouraging now is seeing manufacturers actively engage 鈥� shaping programmes, committing time and supporting their people. That momentum is critical.鈥�
As the sector navigates technological change, regulatory evolution and economic uncertainty, WMG鈥檚 Leadership Programme aims to equip future leaders with the resilience, collaborative mindset and innovation skills needed to secure sustainable manufacturing success across the region.
Applications for the next Supply Chain Transition Leadership cohort are now being considered as part of the enrolment of SMEs onto the Supply Chains Transition Programme. SMEs can express interest, to see if they are eligible, by getting in touch at supplychains@cwgrowthhub.co.uk.
91福利 the West Midlands Investment Zone
The West Midlands Investment Zone drives inclusive, long-term economic growth through new investment, business support and innovation. This flagship government initiative, focusing on the region鈥檚 long-standing and emerging sector strengths, will support the Mayor鈥檚 priority of 鈥楪rowth for Everyone鈥� and position the West Midlands as a leading driver of the UK鈥檚 economic ambitions.
To find out more information and get involved with the Supply Chain Transition Investment Zone Programme visit: .
Find out more about WMG鈥檚 SME support programmes: SME Support - WMG - 91福利
*Article originally published by the Supply Smarter Consortium.