Over 180 Leaders booked planning to attend the Manufacturing Leaders Summit

Over 180 Leaders booked planning to attend the Manufacturing Leaders Summit

After the success of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast, Theo James Recruitment and New College Durham are bringing the manufacturing community together, with the launch of the Manufacturing Leaders Summit, a not-for-profit event supporting the Red Sky Foundation.

Over £10,000 is set to be raised for the Red Sky Foundation

Having lost in Father in 2021 to a cardic arrest, Mark Bracknall the Managing Director of Theo James Recruitment has been raising money ever since through various events.

Taking place on Thursday 30th April 2026 at New College Durham, the Manufacturing Leaders Summit has been created to provide a space for leaders, professionals, and organisations from across the manufacturing sector to connect, share ideas, and address the challenges shaping the industry today. Built by the manufacturing community, for the manufacturing community, the summit aims to encourage collaboration, learning, and meaningful conversation at a regional level.

The event is well timed with New College Durham recently celebrating being chosen as one of only four colleges across the country to have been recognised as an Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (TEC).

Six companies are supporting the event as sponsors, including the Headline sponsor SST Group

Following more than 100 episodes of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast, Theo James Recruitment identified a growing appetite within the sector for face-to-face engagement - a chance to move beyond discussion and bring people together in the same room. The summit is designed to do exactly that, offering a full day of keynote speakers, panel discussions, seminars, and networking opportunities focused on leadership, skills, innovation, and the future of manufacturing.

Crucially, the event has a strong charitable focus. The Manufacturing Leaders Summit is a not-for-profit initiative, with 100% of proceeds being donated to the Red Sky Foundation, a North East–based charity that supports babies, children, and young people living with heart conditions. By attending, delegates are not only investing in their own professional development but also contributing to a cause that makes a tangible difference in the local community.

The summit also reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem in the region. By bringing together industry leaders, educators, employers, and partners, the summit aims to strengthen the regional manufacturing ecosystem and spark conversations that lead to real, positive action - from tackling skills gaps to supporting the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Theo James Recruitment hopes the Manufacturing Leaders Summit will become a regular fixture in the industry calendar, creating a platform for continued learning, collaboration, and community impact.