Business Details
Supporting Engineering & Manufacturing Growth in the North East
The C D E M N (EMN) is a dynamic membership organisation dedicated to connecting, empowering, and championing engineering and manufacturing businesses across the North East of England. Established to address the unique challenges faced by the sector, we provide a collaborative platform where businesses of all sizes can forge partnerships, exchange best practices, and access vital resources. Our mission is to foster a thriving ecosystem that drives innovation, supports sustainable growth, and strengthens the regional supply chain. With decades of collective experience, our team and board members bring deep industry expertise, offering impartial peer-to-peer support and specialist guidance. We facilitate access to funding opportunities, policy insights, and workforce development initiatives, ensuring members remain competitive in an evolving industrial landscape.Through flagship events like EMCON and partnerships with affiliate organisations, we deliver tailored solutions that address operational, technical, and strategic challenges. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of supporting over 30,000 businesses, helping them navigate regulatory complexities, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and enhance productivity. By bridging the gap between industry stakeholders and policymakers, we advocate for the sector's interests while promoting knowledge-sharing and innovation. Whether you're a startup seeking mentorship or an established enterprise aiming to expand your network, EMN offers the tools and connections needed to accelerate success. Our focus on practical, actionable support has made us a trusted partner for businesses striving to overcome growth barriers and achieve long-term resilience.
Services
Membership Network
Business Support
Resource Library
Networking Events
Policy Advocacy
Workforce Development
Education Partnerships
Event Sponsorship
Supply Chain Solutions
Technical Consultancy
Highlights and features
- We offer regional expertise in engineering and manufacturing challenges across Durham, Teesside, and Northumberland.
- Our collaborative approach fosters partnerships between startups, SMEs, and multinational enterprises.
- We provide access to a comprehensive resource library covering compliance, finance, and technology.
- Our team includes industry veterans with decades of experience in manufacturing and business development.
- We host flagship events like EMCON to facilitate networking and knowledge-sharing among sector leaders.
Services
Membership Network
Our membership network connects engineering and manufacturing businesses across the North East, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Members gain access to exclusive resources, peer-to-peer support, and opportunities to influence sector policy. The network caters to startups, SMEs, and multinational enterprises seeking to strengthen their regional presence.
Business Support
We provide tailored business support addressing challenges in finance, compliance, and supply chain management. Our services include access to expert consultations, funding advice, and strategic partnerships to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability for engineering and manufacturing firms.
Resource Library
The EMN resource library offers curated materials on legal requirements, technical standards, and industry trends. Businesses can access policy updates, compliance guides, and research reports to stay informed and make data-driven decisions in a competitive market.
Networking Events
Our flagship events, including EMCON, create platforms for networking, innovation showcases, and sector discussions. These gatherings connect professionals with potential partners, suppliers, and policymakers while highlighting advancements in engineering and manufacturing technologies.
Education & Skills
We bridge the skills gap by linking businesses with training providers and educational institutions. Our initiatives support workforce upskilling, apprenticeship programs, and recruitment solutions to ensure the sector has access to a competent, future-ready talent pool.
People
Ailsa Anderson
Director of Development
With 20+ years supporting SME growth in the North East, Ailsa specialises in funding, policy, and stakeholder engagement. She focuses on understanding member needs to drive commercial success through strategic partnerships and market insights.
Richard Bradley
Chair
A financial expert with 13+ years in the sector, Richard provides strategic oversight as Managing Director of Dyer Engineering. His experience includes leadership roles at Formica Corp and Grange Interiors, ensuring fiscal discipline across operations.
Phil Astley
Vice Chair
As Managing Director of Expanded Metal Company, Phil brings expertise in manufacturing innovation across industries. He advocates for sector opportunities and challenges, leveraging global experience in energy systems and technology sectors.
Kaye Collins
Network Manager
Kaye oversees EMN's daily operations and flagship events, combining commercial sales expertise with marketing acumen. She manages education partnerships and member engagement, driving initiatives like the Manufacturing Growth Programme.
Anthony Broadhead
Board Member
A recruitment leader with Jackson Hogg, Anthony has grown the firm into the North East's largest STEM-specialist agency. His relationship-driven approach focuses on ethical talent solutions for engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Questions
What areas does EMN cover?
We support businesses across Durham, Teesside, Tyne & Wear, and Northumberland, focusing on the North East engineering and manufacturing community.
How can I join EMN?
Visit our website to complete the membership registration form and gain access to our network, resources, and events.
What events does EMN organise?
Our flagship event is EMCON, an annual networking conference held in Newton Aycliffe, alongside regular breakfast meetings and sector-specific gatherings.
Does EMN offer job placement services?
We run the 'Meet The Candidate' service for individuals entering or re-entering the sector, but we don't handle intra-sector job moves.
How does EMN support skills development?
We partner with educational institutions and training providers to deliver apprenticeships, upskilling programs, and workforce planning solutions for member businesses.
Can non-engineering firms benefit from EMN?
While our focus is engineering and manufacturing, affiliated service providers like legal and finance experts can engage through our affiliate partner program.
