19th February 2024

Richard Spears on networking & collaboration: Protolabs InspirON Exchange Podcast

In a conversation featuring Richard Spears from PP Control & Automation and Rowan Crozier MBE, CEO of Brandauer, InspirON Exchange podcast host, Alex Edwards delves into the evolving concept of networking and collaboration in 2024.

The discussion not only explores the meaning of networking in today’s context but also examines the comparative landscape between the UK and other nations. Furthermore, it sheds light on the myriad opportunities stemming from collaborative efforts within the manufacturing industry.

InspirON Exchange is a podcast series by Protolabs, the organisation behind the fastest and most comprehensive manufacturing service in the world for Injection Moulded, CNC and 3D Printed parts.

Networking: just a buzzword or pivotal for manufacturing success?

Length: 44:11

Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Radio Public.


Richard Spears, Marketing Manager at PP C&A

Rowan Crozier MBE, CEO at C. Brandauer & Co Ltd


Alex Edwards, Head of Communications EU, Protolabs

Richard Spears on networking & collaboration: Protolabs InspirON Exchange Podcast » IMG 0463 RS » PP Control & Automation

“I think we need to start joining the dots.

“Whether it’s Silicon Valley and its culture of innovation or its Mittelstand’s regional clusters, Denmark’s got an amazing renewable energy collaboration… they’ve all got very specific goals in mind and everybody’s behind it.

“Whereas in the UK, it saddens me to say, but I don’t think we have that singular direction. Where are we all heading? I think that’s what we need to work out.”

Richard Spears on networking & collaboration: Protolabs InspirON Exchange Podcast » Richard S 02 » PP Control & Automation

Also see…

Richard Spears on networking & collaboration: Protolabs InspirON Exchange Podcast » PP REWIND23 01 » PP Control & Automation

A conversation between Richard Spears (Marketing Manager) & Tony Hague (CEO) of PP Control & Automation, as they reflect on the most pertinent themes of 2023 in this REWIND23 campaign exclusive podcast episode.

#collaborations

More thought-leading content

Grid expansion electrifies PP C&A’s move into the energy market with £20m order haul

One of the UK’s leading strategic manufacturing specialists is tapping into the UK’s unprecedented investment in upgrading the electricity grid.

The Great Grid Upgrade’s hidden bottleneck: protection and control capacity

As Britain accelerates investment in grid infrastructure, protection and control capacity could become a critical delivery constraint.

CEO commentary on Burnham’s economic direction

The appointment of a new Prime Minister inevitably brings renewed debate about the direction of the UK economy and what it could mean for business.

PP Control & Automation calls for a more practical approach to AI adoption in manufacturing

Ian Knight, Chief Information Officer at PP Control & Automation (PP C&A) challenges the prevailing, often vague narrative around AI adoption and reframes the conversation around a more practical starting point: operational constraints.

Smart Manufacturing Week 2026: AI & data in manufacturing panel

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept for manufacturers. It is already being explored across quotation, production planning, engineering, quality, supply chain and customer service functions. Yet, for many organisations, the gap between experimentation and meaningful operational impact remains difficult to close.

Manufacturing deal set to help fish vaccination specialist scale-up

A leading aquaculture specialist – that is changing the way fish are vaccinated safely – has signed a major manufacturing deal.

The assembly advantage: how integrated assembly reduces handoffs, delays and supply chain friction

On paper, defined discipline-specific suppliers can look organised. However, every additional supplier introduces another handoff, and every handoff creates another point where time, quality, communication and accountability can be lost.

Five signs your manufacturing partners are no longer fit for purpose

Very rarely does growth not surface because an OEM lacks ambition. Shortcomings arise because operating models built to support such ambition don’t evolve quickly enough.

Unlock your growth potential. Explore key services

Do you outsource?

    Realise your growth potential by making outsourcing part of your manufacturing strategy.

    At PP C&A, we never assume that a solution for one customer will work for another, because every customer is unique. That is why we will never try to simply sell you an ‘off the shelf solution’.

    We believe in meeting you, listening and understanding your needs first. If you are considering outsourcing for the first time or you wish to review your current outsourcing strategies, we would welcome the opportunity for discussion





    1. Do you outsource?

    If yes
    Do you outsource to multiple suppliers?

    2. Are you considering outsourcing or considering changing supplier?

    3. Are you experiencing barriers to growth?


    4. Would you like to arrange a consultation (call or visit) with us?

    5. Would you like to receive more information on strategic outsourcing?

    6. If you have a more specific enquiry, question or pain point, please let us know: