The Henry Royce Institute (Royce) was delighted to once again support the latest Bessemer Society Dinner last week in Manchester, gathering leaders from industry, investment, academia and regional development to discuss how advanced materials can help reinvigorate manufacturing in Greater Manchester.
With the theme “Make Manchester’s Manufacturing Great Again”, the evening explored how the region can build a globally competitive materials innovation cluster by combining research excellence, translational facilities, industrial space and inward investment. A particular focus was placed on the Atom Valley Development Zone – the UK’s first Mayoral Development Zone across Rochdale, Oldham and Bury, with the potential create 20,000 jobs in advanced manufacturing, materials and machinery, as well as nurturing related start-ups and supply chains.
Representatives from key organisations across the region were in attendance, including Greater Manchester Combined Authority, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the University of Manchester’s Unit M, and the National Wealth Fund, highlighting the range of support convening behind advanced manufacturing growth.
Royce was represented at the dinner by Royce Chair Prof Paul Monks, Prof Ian Kinloch, Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Stuart Kitney, Chief Technology Officer, and Dr Ania Jolly, Head of Research and Business Engagement, who delivered a Keynote on helping to build stronger local pathways between innovation and industry through collaboration. Ania highlighted the Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS), which is designed to support the commercialisation of materials-related sustainable developments, and has links into Atom Valley via Rochdale Development Agency, a CEAMS project partner.
Commenting on the event, Ania said:
“It was a great pleasure to speak at the Bessemer Dinner and to highlight the impact of materials science, both at Royce and across the region. Advanced materials have the power not only to improve existing products, but to develop entirely new markets and industries. By combining research capability, business engagement and regional partners, we can create the conditions needed for companies to scale, invest and grow in Greater Manchester.”
The evening also showcased a number of North West-based SMEs and scale-ups developing technologies in areas including semiconductors, hydrogen, battery materials, additive manufacturing and printed electronics, reinforcing the strength and diversity of the region’s innovation pipeline.
The event demonstrated the increasing momentum behind Greater Manchester’s ambition to become a focal point for UK advanced manufacturing investment, with initiatives such as Atom Valley leading the way in translational facilities, high-value industrial activity and long-term economic growth.
Photos courtesy of The Bessemer Society
