CONNECT+ Event - Fuelling Growth: Driving Efficiency

CONNECT+ AMRC: Accelerating Growth Through Innovation & Expertise

Innovation in Action – Tours, Experts & Networking

Where Cheshire East’s SMEs Connect With Innovation, Expertise & Real-World Growth Opportunities

Register Interest

Please note: Due to site access requirements, only guests with a confirmed registration will be admitted. Pre-booking is essential.

Tuesday 3rd February 2026 09:30–15:00 (Registration from 09:00), AMRC Cymru, Broughton, CH4 0DH

Join us for the next CONNECT+ AMRC event – a flagship, full-day experience designed to bring together Cheshire East SMEs, industry experts, and innovation specialists for a high-value, highly interactive programme of learning, insights, and managed networking.

Following the success of previous CONNECT+ events, this session goes even further, giving businesses hands-on access to the people, technology and support programmes that can accelerate productivity, skills and sustainable growth.

Hosted at AMRC Cymru, participants will explore cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, learn from specialist speakers, engage in expert-led roundtables, and build meaningful relationships through structured networking designed to maximise new connections and opportunities.

Spaces are limited to ensure the highest quality interaction. Reserve your seat now and connect with the people, insights and innovation that can transform your business in 2026 and beyond.

Our Event Topics:

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Learn From Industry & Innovation Leaders

Hear short, powerful insights from specialist speakers on the themes shaping SME growth today. Expert Speaker topics include:

Future-Ready Workforce: Building Skills for Tomorrow’s SME
From Numbers to Strategy: Financial Intelligence for SMEs
Funding Pathways: Securing Investment for SME Growth
Marketing Momentum: Winning Customers & Building Visibility
Automation in Action: Practical Gains for Productivity

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Access Expert Advice at Roundtable Discussions

After speaker introductions, join rotating “Meet the Experts” tables where you can ask questions, explore challenges, and get tailored advice from practitioners and support partners.

The event is open to all SMEs in Cheshire East, with particular value for:

manufacturing and engineering businesses
technology-enabled SMEs
growth-oriented and scaling companies
service firms supporting the manufacturing sector

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Discover Best Practice Through a Local SME Case Study

See how a local SME manufacturer has applied innovation to transform productivity and operational performance. Hear how they accessed and utilised tailored support.

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Go Behind the Scenes With an AMRC Tour

Experience world-class advanced manufacturing technologies and see practical demonstrations of how automation, digital solutions and process innovation can drive efficiency.

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Build Meaningful Connections

Our managed networking sessions use a structured format to ensure that every participant meets high-value contacts, including:

fellow SME owners
panel experts
innovation partners
business support teams
sector specialists

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Meet the Partners

Dedicated spaces will be available to meet and speak with:

BIC Innovation
Cheshire East Council Economic Development
Cheshire East Business Support Hub
Digital Cheshire
AMRC Cymru

You’ll also be able to pre-book networking slots to make the most of your time on the day.

Meet our Confirmed Speakers

Alun Lewis

BIC Innovation

Alun is a Senior Consultant at BIC Innovation, specialising in SME productivity, innovation, and technology adoption. With over 25 years’ experience across manufacturing and engineering, he supports businesses to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and accelerate growth. Alun plays a key role in delivering the Productivity Improvement Programme, helping companies identify opportunities, optimise processes, and develop practical roadmaps for innovation and investment.

Philip Hargreaves

BIC Innovation

Phil is a Commercial Finance specialist, with extensive experience of working within the commercial finance and business arenas. He is adept at assessing, reviewing, and critiquing commercial business plans and associated financial forecasts for financial expansion/grants/funding opportunities.

With over 45 years in Finance, Phil has a strong track record including supporting local SMEs to access c £200m in Funding Offers covering debt-based products, early-stage equity and grants and has managed & underwritten in excess of £500m in Commercial Funding transactions.

Mark Bayley-Smyth

Cheshire East Business Support Hub

Mark leads the team at the Cheshire East Business Support Hub.

The hub offers a range of support whether you are an individual on your journey to starting a business, an existing business looking to grow and expand, or an organisation looking to invest in Cheshire East.

The team can also assist you with the development of a grant application.

Andrew Martin

Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

Andrew Martin FRSA MBA serves as Head of Food, Drink & Agri-Tech at AMRC Cymru, the Welsh hub of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

In this senior role he leads AMRC’s strategic efforts to bring advanced manufacturing, engineering and digital technologies to the food, drink and agriculture sectors — driving innovation at the intersection of agri-tech, sustainable food supply, and industrial productivity.

Event Location

Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

AMRC Cymru is a leading advanced manufacturing research centre, located in Broughton, near Chester, and part of the world-renowned University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) network.

Working with companies of all sizes—from ambitious early-stage manufacturers to established high-growth organisations—AMRC Cymru provides practical, industry-led expertise across digital manufacturing, automation, additive and advanced machining, sustainable production, materials, and process optimisation.

Easy travel from Cheshire East

AMRC Cymru is exceptionally well-connected for businesses based in Cheshire East. The site is positioned directly off the A55 with fast links to the M56 and M6 corridors, placing key industrial towns such as Crewe, Sandbach, Nantwich, and Macclesfield typically within 40–60 minutes’ travel time.

Whether you are exploring new manufacturing capability, seeking specialist engineering support, or looking to modernise and scale your production, AMRC Cymru provides international expertise on your doorstep—empowering regional businesses to innovate, compete and grow.

This event is brought to you as part of Cheshire East’s Productivity Improvement Programme (PIP), which provides resources and expertise to boost productivity and foster sustainable growth for local businesses. The PIP is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Cheshire East Council and delivered by The AMRC and BIC Innovation

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