Name: Key lessons for successful automation adoption
Start: 2026-02-03T00:00:00.0000000Z
Location: Key lessons for successful automation adoption

Key lessons for successful automation adoption

Date: 3 February
Time: 10:00
Location: Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Hall 1

Automation continues to play a critical role in improving productivity, flexibility, and resilience across UK manufacturing. However, many organisations still face challenges when it comes to selecting, implementing, and scaling automation technologies in a way that delivers real business value.

Join the UK Automation Forum at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026 for an expert-led panel discussion exploring how manufacturers can successfully adopt automation in today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape. The session will bring together industry specialists to share practical insights, lessons learned, and forward-looking perspectives drawn from real-world experience.

Key discussion points include:

Practical approaches to implementing automation within manufacturing and production environments Common barriers to automation adoption and how manufacturers are overcoming them

Building a strong business case for automation investment

Real-world examples and learnings from UK automation projects

How collaboration across the supply chain can support successful automation strategies

Manufacturing is evolving fast. Cost pressures, skills shortages, and increasing demand for flexibility are pushing UK manufacturers to rethink how automation fits into their operations. This forum brings together industry experts to share what’s working now, explore practical approaches, and connect with peers who are shaping the future of automation in UK manufacturing.

Our Host

Thomas Flude

Co-Founder of Engineers Insight

With over 12 years of experience in the manufacturing sector and a resume that includes leading companies like Yaskawa and Schneider Electric, Tom brings unparalleled expertise and passion to the Forum. Driven by a commitment to advancing the engineering and manufacturing industry, Tom created the Engineer’s Insight mobile app – a game-changer that’s resonating with professionals across generations, including emerging young engineers. His influence extends far and wide, thanks to his engaging podcasts – some of which have collected 20,000+ views – and his strong presence on social media.

Our Panel

Mike Wilson

Chair UK Automation Forum & Chief Automation Officer, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)

Mike has over 40 years of experience in the application of automation to manufacturing across a broad range of industry sectors and is widely recognised as one of the leading authorities on the application of industrial robot systems in the UK. At the MTC, he is leading the drive to increase the adoption of robotics and automation in the UK. He is also a Director of the Manufacturing Technologies Association, Council member and past Chairman of the British Automation and Robot Association and has previously been Chairman of the International Federation of Robotics.

Peter Williamson

Policy Director, Automate UK

In his role as Policy Director of leading trade body Automate UK, Peter is looking to use his 25 years of experience in robotics and automation to support end users in adopting the latest in automation technology and to help raise awareness of the benefits that automation can bring to UK manufacturing. His experience comes from RARUK Automation, a company he formed in 2016 that is now a world leading supplier of collaborative robots (or cobots), and for which he is also now a non-executive director.

Catherine Barratt

CEO, BAMUK Group

Catherine Barratt is CEO of the BAMUK Group, an innovative holding company founded in 2012 that acquires control positions in companies focused on manufacturing and the marketing and sale of design-driven products that can be manufactured by group companies. With a career spanning over 20 years in leadership, brand strategy, and operational transformation, Catherine has driven significant growth through technology adoption (investing significantly in robotics and automation), digital transformation, and customer-focused innovation. Passionate about building resilient, future-ready businesses, she brings a practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities of financing automation and technology integration in UK manufacturing. Catherine holds an MBA from Columbia University and BA in Economics from Durham University.

Sam Reid

Head of Business Operations, Cyberweld