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FORMER DYSON CEO MARTIN MCCOURT TO PRESENT KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE PPMA SHOW 2026
he organisers of the PPMA Show 2026 have unveiled another high profile keynote speaker to appear at the event: former Dyson CEO and manufacturing powerhouse Martin McCourt. Automate UK, which will host the UK’s biggest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham from 22-24 September, has announced that Martin’s presentation ‘Think Big But Stay Small’ will take place on the final day of the show. The PPMA Show offers valuable insight into innovative technologies, live equipment demonstrations, and networking opportunities to industry professionals from across the entire manufacturing spectrum, in addition to inspirational accounts and advice from industry experts. Martin’s speech will focus on the importance of balancing business acumen with vision and maintaining a mindset that makes young agile businesses successful in outmanoeuvring their giant competitors. He will draw on his extensive experience to demonstrate that a business that prioritises inventiveness, creativity and quality over mutating into a corporate giant is the key to resounding success.
Scott McKenna, chief operating officer at Automate UK, said: “We are confident that visitors
are going to be staking out their seats early to hear what Martin has to say. Having spent more than four decades working at the heart of British-based manufacturing, design and marketing for leading global brands including Mars, Duracell and Toshiba. “Under his 15-year leadership at Dyson, Martin devised and implemented a strategy that transformed the company from a single product, single market producer into a worldwide brand with 60 global markets making up 80 per cent of its business. During his time as CEO, Martin increased UK skilled jobs, grew profits to over £300m and enabled James Dyson to continue inventing while he oversaw the business’ trajectory.
“In 2010, Martin was named UK Business Leader of the Year, and one year later, Dyson’s revenue hit £1 billion for the first time. He went on to establish Dyson subsidiaries in the USA, Japan, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. I don’t think there is going to be a business leader at the NEC in September who won’t want to learn from Martin’s experience and expertise,” he added. Martin’s speech is the second to be confirmed further to the keynote by acclaimed doctor and broadcaster Dr Kevin Fong, who has held prestigious positions with NASA and NHS England. He will address the show audience on the opening day of the event.
More than 350 exhibitors and 1,500 brands will showcase their products and expertise at the PPMA Show 2026, introducing visitors to cutting-edge technology and solutions to optimise performance, reduce costs, and future-proof their businesses. Now in its 39th year, the event once again will include a live demo theatre where selected exhibitors will launch technology directly to attendees and participate in daily innovation tours to expand upon it and show them how to harness it within their own businesses.
The PPMA Show
www.ppmashow.co.uk
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RENISHAW RECOGNISED AS AN ‘EXCELLENT EMPLOYER’ FOR ENGINEERING APPRENTICESHIPS
enishaw has been awarded Gold status in the Engineering Apprenticeships: Employer Accreditation from Next Gen Makers, recognising the company’s commitment to delivering outstanding engineering apprenticeship programmes and developing the next generation of engineering talent.
The accreditation reflects Renishaw’s ongoing investment in its apprenticeship programme, and acknowledges the collective efforts of mentors, managers and colleagues across the business who support apprentices throughout their development. It also recognises the contribution of Renishaw’s apprentices, whose dedication, achievements and feedback played an important role in securing the accreditation. Next Gen Makers is a UK-wide initiative that brings together employers, educators and young people to raise standards in engineering apprenticeships, promote best practice and strengthen future talent pipelines across the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
“I’m incredibly proud that our apprenticeship programme has been achieved Gold status,” said Julia Russell, early careers lead at Renishaw. “Having held Silver for several years, this progression to Gold is a fantastic reflection of the dedication and achievements of our apprentices, as well as the commitment of colleagues across the business who support and shape the programme’s continued success.”Renishaw recognised as an ‘Excellent Employer’ for engineering apprenticeships
“We recognise the vital role our apprenticeship programme plays in developing the next generation of talent. This Gold accreditation is a strong endorsement of its quality and impact and reinforces our commitment to nurturing
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the next generation of engineering talent. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this achievement,” added Russell.
Renishaw recruited its first apprentice in 1979 and has employed apprentices every year since. Its apprenticeship programme provides opportunities for aspiring engineers and technical professionals to gain practical experience, develop industry-relevant skills and build rewarding long-term careers within the business. Achieving Gold status in the Engineering Apprenticeships: Employer Accreditation further reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting future talent and maintaining the highest standards in engineering apprenticeship provision.
Renishaw
www.renishaw.com
Summer 2026 UKManufacturing
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