Future-Ready Manufacturing: Skills, Innovation and Productivity – CDI Roadshow, 12 February and more..
21st January 2026, 12:23 pm
Future-Ready Manufacturing in Trafford: Skills, Innovation and Productivity for Manufacturing SMEs
Including Trafford Council’s Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Skills Programme
Manufacturing SMEs across Greater Manchester are invited to a fully funded morning event at Imperial War Museum North. This is the final CDI Roadshow, bringing together manufacturers, skills partners and innovation support in one place.
Why come along?
If you’re thinking about productivity, skills, or how innovation could help your business, this is a practical chance to:
- hear directly from other manufacturers about what’s working
- see new technology in action, not just talk
- understand what funded support and programmes are available to you
The panel discussion will feature senior leaders from leading manufacturers including Mark Wood, Social Sustainability Lead GB & I, Siemens, Warran Bolton, Managing Director of Invisu and Sally Moxon, People Director and Senior Leadership Executive. Farrat, sharing insights on the manufacturing landscape, skills challenges and the role innovation is playing in their businesses.
Trafford Council will also outline a new two-year Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Skills programme, focused on working with manufacturers to support workforce development and future talent.
There will be live demonstrations of digital twinning and additive manufacturing from SCAN Computers and Print City, followed by an Innovation Marketplace where you can speak directly to organisations offering funded innovation, skills and business support and lunch provided!
Places are limited and we’d love to see a good mix of manufacturers in the room! www.eventbrite.com/e/future-ready-manufacturing-skills-innovation-and-productivity-in-trafford-tickets-1711040340719
*This is a collaborative event hosted by the Centre for Digital Innovation at Manchester Metropolitan University, Trafford Stockport College Group as part of GM Colleges and Trafford Council.
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Alongside the CDI Roadshow, we are also running a programme of fully funded events
- AI Safety “Made Simple”: Protect your Business, your Data, your People: Learn the essentials of safe AI use, covering risks, GDPR, staff guidance and simple policies to protect your data and team.
26/1/26 9.30am – 12pm. Trafford College, Altrincham, WA14 5PQ
- Trafford Park Business Roundtable: Quarterly Trafford Park Roundtable exclusively for Trafford Park businesses to share updates, build connections and shape local priorities.
09/02/2026 9am – 11am. Trafford College, Stretford, M32 0XH
https://Trafford-Park-Business-Roundtable-Feb2026.eventbrite.co.uk
- AI Basics “Made Simple”: This practical workshop is run in collaboration with the Federation of Small Businesses and Colony Network. It is designed to help local SMEs build confidence in using artificial intelligence and you will learn how to apply to your business to save time and build efficiencies. Beginner friendly.
10/02/26 10am – 1pm. Trafford College, Altrincham, WA14 5PQ
https://AI_Basics_Made_Simple.eventbrite.co.uk
- Apprentice Innovation Literacy Programme: This two-day accredited course empowers apprentices to innovate, influence, and inspire change in their workplace. This engaging, hands-on training course is designed for apprentices who want to turn their ideas into action. Free for GM Apprentices.
11/02/26 and 26/2/26 9am – 5pm. Trafford College, Stretford, M32 0XH
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