Made in Yorkshire, the region’s biggest network for SME manufacturers, is the latest signing to the roster of sponsors for this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival.

The announcement came at the ‘Higher level skills for manufacturing’ event at Leeds Beckett University, another of the headline sponsors for the 2025 festival and host of the LMF awards presentation evening taking place on Thursday 12/6/25.

The event focused on how employers can work more closely with universities to secure and develop higher level skills through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, degree apprenticeships and graduate recruitment.

It featured a panel of Leeds Beckett alumni and undergraduate students currently working in manufacturing businesses. They shared their experience and routes into the sector, together with the opportunities careers in manufacturing sector have offered them.

Sam Sleight, membership manager for Made in Yorkshire, joined the event and said the discussions highlighted the importance of tackling long-term succession planning and blending experience with fresh thinking.

“It was refreshing to hear honest, open conversations about the real challenges facing manufacturers – like bridging skills gaps, embedding culture, and embracing digital transformation,” he said.

Promoting careers in the sector to the next generation is therefore critical: “For us the sponsorship s more than just a logo on a banner – it’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with a brilliant initiative that’s shining a spotlight on the manufacturing careers available right here on our doorstep.

David Baggaley, economic development programme lead at Leeds City Council and a member of Leeds Manufacturing Alliance which organises the festival, said:

"We're really excited to welcome onboard Made in Yorkshire, the region's premier network for SME manufacturers, as a sponsor of the 2025 Leeds Manufacturing Festival. Our partnership represents a great opportunity to extend the reach of the festival and add value for members of the Made in Yorkshire network."

Made in Yorkshire join E3 Recruitment, Enginuity, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds City Council and Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber as headline sponsors of this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival.

Employers AW Hainsworth, Leeds Welding Company, Sound Leisure, MPM, Greyhound Box, Kirkstall Precision, MA Ford Europe, Facultative Technologies, Saftronics and TCS are also backing the festival.

“We know this industry is packed full of innovation, pride, and opportunity – and it’s time more people saw that for themselves. We’re excited to be supporting Leeds Manufacturing Festival, not just as a sponsor, but as a passionate advocate for everything it stands for,” Sam added.

“It’s an important platform for raising awareness of the brilliant opportunities that exist within manufacturing here in West Yorkshire and for showing young people the vibrant, modern and future-focused industry that they can be a part of.

“Collaborating with LMF allows us to champion the next generation while continuing to support the businesses that make this region such a manufacturing powerhouse.

“Our involvement is part of our wider mission at Made in Yorkshire: helping manufacturers raise their profile, connect with likeminded businesses, and play an active role in shaping the future of our sector. We’ll be supporting events, championing our members, and flying the flag for the brilliant businesses that make this region what it is.”