Exploring Pragmatic AI to augment the core work of an operator  

Henry Anson

Managing Director, The Manufacturer

I am passionate about manufacturing and its role for the future of the UK economy. In recent years the sector has shown remarkable resilience and fortitude in the face of huge geopolitical uncertainty (Brexit, Covid, ‘Liberation Day’, supply chain crisis, energy hikes, war in Ukraine, rampant inflation and the like). Whilst it is impossible to second guess what is happening at the moment, the one thing that is for certain is that manufacturing, globally, is in the spotlight now in a way that it has never been before. Where goods are manufactured, supply chains, tariffs and national security are on every government agenda, in a way that they have not been in the past. Whilst there is massive uncertainty at the moment there will undoubtedly also be opportunity…..

I have been a Director of Hennik Group (a division of Nineteen Group), publishers of The Manufacturer, for 18 years. Gatherings such as these will enable the sharing of best practice and war stories, enable collaboration and assist in this recovery phase.

Ryan Marshall

Global Account Director, QAD Redzone

Ryan leads the QAD Redzone team in the EMEA region. His role involves working with manufacturing leaders to implement digital transformation and Operational Excellence strategies that focus on the frontline and deliver measurable returns, leveraging Connected Worker Solutions and AI. 

Nevin Castellucci-Najar

EMEA Sales Director, QAD Redzone

Nevin joined QAD Redzone in 2019 as an Account Executive, helping companies in the US and Canada implement lean manufacturing solutions. After four years, he relocated to the UK, where he and his team support European manufacturers with Digital Production Systems and Connected Workforce Solutions. Before QAD Redzone, Nevin worked in automation, specializing in vision-guided robotics and defect detection for US manufacturers. His experience spans driving efficiency and innovation in manufacturing across multiple regions. 

Ollie Kaye

Commerical Manager, Nineteen Group

Although relatively new to the industry, Ollie has spent the last 18 months supporting UK manufacturing through his role at The Manufacturer. Passionate about driving the sector forward through technological innovation, he primarily focuses on the flagship event, Smart Manufacturing Week, held each June. Ollie also leverages both digital and physical channels to develop campaigns that amplify the event’s impact and support the company’s wider goals.