Half-day event to showcase practical benefits of AI for North West manufacturers

Manufacturers from across the North West are being invited to a Made Smarter North West event showcasing how AI can deliver practical benefits for businesses.

The government-backed programme has partnered with Seriun to host Hype to Shop Floor: Best Practice AI Adoption for Manufacturers at Glass Futures in St Helens on Tuesday, 14 July.

The half-day event will bring together manufacturers, AI specialists, academics and industry experts to explore how businesses are already using AI to improve productivity, reduce downtime, streamline routine tasks and make better use of data. 

Through expert presentations, manufacturer case studies, open discussion and networking opportunities, delegates will leave with ideas they can apply in their own businesses.

Speakers include Mark Edwards, Operations Director at Seriun, who will explore how manufacturers can identify practical AI opportunities and measure return on investment, Professor Simon Bolton, Associate Dean for Enterprise, Skills and Employability at Edge Hill University, who will share the latest thinking on AI adoption and implementation, and advisers from Made Smarter North West, who will explain the support, funding and skills available to help manufacturers begin their AI journey.

The event builds on Made Smarter North West’s recently launched AI Adoption Toolkit, a free practical guide that helps SME manufacturers identify where AI can add the greatest value and how to adopt it with confidence.

Kevin Smith, Lead Technology Adoption Specialist at Made Smarter North West, said:

“There’s so much conversation around AI that it can be difficult for manufacturers to know what’s relevant to their business. This event is about cutting through that noise. We’re bringing together experts and manufacturers who are already using AI to share practical experiences, answer questions and show that getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or looking to build on existing projects, you’ll leave with practical ideas you can put into action.”

Mark Edwards, Operations Director at Seriun, said:

“AI isn’t just for large manufacturers with big budgets. Many of the biggest gains come from improving everyday tasks, making better use of data and giving people the tools to work more efficiently. We want manufacturers to leave with a clearer understanding of where AI can deliver real value and the confidence to start applying it in their own business.”

The event takes place from 9am to 12pm on Tuesday, 14 July, at Glass Futures, James Roby Way, St Helens. Places are free but limited and must be booked in advance.