MDs in Manufacturing

What It Takes to Lead British Manufacturing: Lessons from Darren Wallace of Cirrus Research

Can a British manufacturer keep innovating while competing on the global stage? In this episode of MDs in Manufacturing, Kerry Hope, Managing Director at Castle Employment Group, speaks with Darren Wallace, CEO of Cirrus Research PLC, about leading a second-generation Yorkshire business with a worldwide reach. Darren’s story takes us from his early days as an electronics engineer to the boardroom, where he now oversees one of the UK’s most respected names in acoustic measurement technology. Cirrus Research has built a global reputation for innovation while proudly manufacturing every product in the UK — a rare achievement in today’s competitive landscape. Together, Kerry and Darren explore how Cirrus continues to push the boundaries of innovation while staying true to its family values. From navigating Brexit and global tariffs to integrating AI and overcoming the ongoing skills shortage, Darren offers a candid look at what it takes to grow, adapt and lead in modern British manufacturing. You will learn: • How Cirrus Research turned innovation into a company-wide culture. • The realities of recruiting engineers and apprentices in 2025. • Why family values and modern leadership can coexist in a global business. • How AI is transforming product design, development and efficiency. • What every UK exporter needs to understand about international trade today. This episode is a powerful reminder that British manufacturing is not only surviving but thriving when driven by creativity, courage and purpose. Darren’s experiences reveal the balance between technical excellence and human leadership that keeps Cirrus Research ahead of the curve. Whether you are a Managing Director, CEO or operations leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it means to innovate in an uncertain world while staying grounded in the values that define your business. MDs in Manufacturing, hosted by Kerry Hope of Castle Employment Group, features authentic conversations with the people leading change across UK industry. Each episode explores how manufacturing leaders are tackling today’s challenges through technology, culture and forward-thinking leadership. Follow MDs in Manufacturing on Spotify to hear more stories from the business minds shaping the future of British manufacturing through innovation, resilience and purpose.

How CB Solutions’ MD Kerry Taylor Is Using AI and Innovation to Shape UK Manufacturing

How do you lead a manufacturing business through rapid change while managing the pressure of workforce shortages, innovation and modernisation? In this episode of MDs in Manufacturing, Kerry Hope, Managing Director at Castle Employment Group, sits down with Kerry Taylor, Managing Director at CB Solutions in Scarborough, for an honest conversation about the realities of leadership in today’s manufacturing sector. Kerry opens up about the challenges facing leaders across the UK — from introducing automation and AI to tackling staff shortages and building more diverse, inclusive teams. Her insights reveal the balancing act of driving innovation while maintaining productivity and protecting the people who keep manufacturing moving. You will learn: • How CB Solutions is using automation and AI to optimise production and improve efficiency. • Practical lessons from digital transformation and technology integration in traditional manufacturing. • Where manufacturing is heading with emerging technologies and how to prepare for change. • Why diversity and community building are essential for innovation and resilience. • How Kerry is leading efforts to attract and support women in manufacturing and engineering. • The reality of today’s staff crisis — from recruitment struggles to long-term retention challenges. • The personal side of leadership and how MDs manage stress, uncertainty and responsibility. This conversation is a rare and candid look into what it truly means to run a manufacturing business today. Kerry’s experiences capture both the excitement and the strain of leading through transformation, offering advice that every senior leader, operations director or business owner can relate to. For leaders in engineering, manufacturing or construction, this episode explores the shared pressures of modernisation, workforce management and the constant demand to do more with less. Kerry’s perspective provides practical strategies for balancing technology with humanity and building a business ready for the future. MDs in Manufacturing, hosted by Kerry Hope of Castle Employment Group, features genuine conversations with the people shaping British industry. Each episode uncovers how manufacturing leaders are adapting to change, empowering their teams and leading with purpose in an evolving economy. Follow MDs in Manufacturing on Spotify to hear more stories from the leaders transforming UK manufacturing through innovation, resilience and people-first thinking.

Leading with Purpose: Danny Macfarlane on Growth, Culture and Building the Future at Ellis Patents

What does it take to lead a growing UK manufacturer while keeping people at the centre of every decision? In this episode of MDs in Manufacturing, Kerry Hope, Managing Director at Castle Employment Group, talks with Danny Macfarlane, Managing Director at Ellis Patents, about how purposeful leadership, culture and innovation can power long-term growth in British manufacturing. Under Danny’s leadership, Ellis Patents has grown from £6 million to more than £12 million in turnover, driven by smart investment in automation, sustainability and, most importantly, its people. His approach proves that manufacturing success is built on trust, communication and a clear plan that brings everyone along for the journey. Throughout this conversation, Kerry and Danny explore what it means to grow responsibly while protecting the values that make a business unique. From culture and retention to innovation and leadership mindset, this episode uncovers how Ellis Patents continues to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry. You will hear: • How Ellis Patents doubled its growth through innovation and people-first leadership. • The secrets behind low staff turnover and long-term retention. • Why culture and communication are the real competitive advantages in manufacturing. • How sustainability and marginal gains drive operational excellence. • Why now is the time for manufacturers to invest in their people. Danny’s insights highlight how purpose-driven leadership and a strong employer brand create not only loyal teams but also measurable commercial success. His story is a roadmap for manufacturers who want to scale while keeping their workforce engaged and motivated. Whether you are a Managing Director, Operations Manager or future industry leader, this episode will leave you inspired to build a culture where innovation, sustainability and people work together to achieve lasting growth. MDs in Manufacturing, hosted by Kerry Hope of Castle Employment Group, shares real conversations with the business leaders shaping the future of UK industry. Each episode explores how manufacturers are transforming through culture, technology and purposeful leadership. Follow MDs in Manufacturing on Spotify to discover more stories from leaders driving progress, investing in people and redefining what modern British manufacturing can be.

Leading with Heart: Suzanne Moyes on Culture, Courage & Change at Burgess Petcare

What happens when purpose becomes the driving force behind production? In this episode of MDs in Manufacturing, Kerry Taylor, Managing Director at Castle Employment Group, sits down with Suzanne Moyes, Deputy Managing Director at Burgess Pet Care, to explore how compassion, innovation and culture are shaping one of the UK’s most loved pet-food manufacturers. Suzanne’s story is a reminder that great manufacturing is not just about output or efficiency. It is about responsibility. Under her leadership, Burgess Pet Care has continued to grow while staying true to its values of animal welfare, sustainability and community. From investing in greener production processes to supporting animal charities and championing employee wellbeing, Suzanne shows how purpose-led leadership can deliver both commercial and social impact. Together, Kerry and Suzanne discuss how the business continues to innovate in a highly competitive market while protecting its heritage as a family-run brand. The conversation uncovers what it takes to lead through growth, empower teams and adapt to changing consumer expectations without losing authenticity. You will hear: • How Burgess Pet Care balances heritage with innovation in modern manufacturing. • The importance of sustainability and responsible sourcing in UK production. • Why empowering people and trusting teams builds long-term success. • How data, technology and collaboration are driving new opportunities in pet care. • The lessons Suzanne has learned about resilience, adaptability and staying true to values. Suzanne offers a refreshingly human view of leadership. Her insights show how empathy and purpose can strengthen performance, build trust and inspire progress across every level of a business. Whether you are a Managing Director, operations professional or team leader, this episode will leave you reflecting on how purpose and performance work best when aligned. MDs in Manufacturing, hosted by Kerry Taylor of Castle Employment Group, brings authentic conversations with the people behind Britain’s industrial success stories. Each episode uncovers how leaders across the UK manufacturing landscape are innovating, inspiring and leading change through their people and their principles. Follow MDs in Manufacturing on Spotify to discover more stories from the leaders shaping the future of British manufacturing through innovation, sustainability and purpose.

Forging the Future: Chris Houston on Skills, Culture & the Welding Crisis in UK Manufacturing

What does leadership look like in an industry built on power, precision and people? In this episode of MDs in Manufacturing, Kerry Taylor, Managing Director at Castle Employment Group, sits down with Chris Houston, Managing Director of Dale Power Solutions, to explore what it really takes to lead transformation in a business with over 80 years of heritage. From energy storage to engineering excellence, Dale Power Solutions has evolved into one of the UK's most trusted names in power generation and critical infrastructure. Under Chris’s leadership, the company has not only modernised its operations but redefined how culture and innovation can work together to drive meaningful change. This is a story about more than growth. It is about purpose. Chris shares his belief that manufacturing success starts with empowering people and fostering a shared vision. Through honesty, humility and resilience, he is helping a legacy business adapt to a rapidly changing energy and technology landscape. In this conversation, you will hear: • How Chris led Dale Power Solutions through cultural and operational transformation. • The importance of purpose-driven leadership in a technical, performance-led environment. • Why investing in people and apprenticeships fuels long-term growth and innovation. • How sustainability and clean energy are reshaping the future of UK manufacturing. • What it takes to stay competitive while protecting heritage and quality. Chris’s insights offer a rare look inside a company that is redefining what British manufacturing stands for, where engineering meets empathy and innovation is powered by people, not just machines. Whether you are a Managing Director, Operations Lead or team manager looking to inspire change, this episode delivers practical lessons on leadership, adaptability and vision in modern manufacturing. MDs in Manufacturing, hosted by Kerry Taylor of Castle Employment Group, brings you honest, inspiring conversations with the people driving progress across UK industry. Each episode uncovers how Managing Directors lead transformation, nurture culture and build businesses that last. Follow MDs in Manufacturing on Spotify to discover more stories from the leaders shaping the future of British manufacturing through innovation, sustainability and the power of people.