Made to Grow: the UK manufacturing podcast for SME manufacturers

Made to Grow is one of the UK’s leading manufacturing podcasts, created for SME leaders seeking practical insight, guidance and advice from experienced manufacturers and industry experts.

Each episode features industry experts and manufacturers who have done the work themselves, sharing what actually moves the needle on production, systems and growth. Expect clear, actionable insights on MRP, digital transformation, lean, procurement, people and leadership, and scaling up.

cover graphic for made to grow uk manufacturing podcast

About the host: Rich Dale

Rich Dale is the founder of Flowlens, an MRP and CRM platform for SME manufacturers.

The podcast features Rich in conversation with leading UK experts and manufacturers who have successfully scaled, modernised their operations or delivered meaningful digital transformation.

Flowlens is mentioned where relevant, but the focus is firmly on useful, vendor-neutral insight you can act on.

What the podcast covers

Made to Grow is a series of in-depth, focused conversations with leading industry experts, designed to help small and mid-sized manufacturers increase efficiency, profitability and growth. You’ll hear from specialists in:

  • Business and digital transformation

  • MRP and manufacturing systems

  • Process mapping and continuous improvement

  • Procurement strategy and supplier management

  • Leadership, recruitment and skill development

  • Scaling up and preparing for exit

No fluff, no pie-in-the-sky success stories from global enterprise-level manufacturers with unlimited resources! Just the real-world stories of ambitious, smaller-scale UK manufacturers and the experts who helped them grow their businesses.

Who it’s for:

Made to Grow is designed for:

  • Owner-managers and directors in small to mid-sized manufacturers
  • Operations and production leaders who want practical improvements
  • Engineering and quality leads shaping process and data flows
  • Teams moving from spreadsheets to MRP/CRM

Due to our own expertise in these areas, there’s a strong relevance for sectors like electronic device manufacturing, scientific equipment, high-tech machinery, machinery and equipment, and electronic engineering.

What you'll hear on Made To Grow

Our podcast plays host to some of the UK’s most successful manufacturers and the experts who have guided them through the challenges common to SME manufacturing, particularly those in the high-tech device sector. 

Topics across our three seasons include:

  • MRP for small manufacturers: moving beyond spreadsheets, improving material control and job visibility.
  • Manufacturing CRM: clearer pipeline and customer data for better forecasting.
  • Lean manufacturing and process mapping: cutting waste, standard work, practical Kaizen.
  • Procurement strategy: tackling cost creep, duplicate orders and supplier risk.
  • Recruitment in manufacturing: building the team you need, not just the team you have.
  • Scaling up and exit readiness: systems, governance and leadership focus.

FAQs

Is this podcast suitable for very small manufacturers?
Yes. If you’re moving from spreadsheets to MRP or formalising processes, you’ll find clear starting points and genuine tech-agnostic advice.

Does the podcast cover MRP, CRM and data?
Regularly. Episodes explore MRP selection and rollout, manufacturing CRM, and ways to clean and use your data.

Is it UK-focused?
Yes. Most guests work in the UK manufacturing sector albeit firms with global ambitions. Success story examples will however, reflect UK regulations, supply chains and talent markets.

How often are new episodes released?
Episodes are released at least monthly, earlier seasons sometimes featured two episodes per month. 

Where can I listen?
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and other major platforms. See the links above.

Is this a sales podcast for Flowlens?
No. Flowlens hosts the show, but episodes prioritise practical advice from diverse guests. Light product context is given only where it helps the discussion.

GET OUR NEW BOOK – FREE! – F.E.A.R.L.E.S.S. Digital Transformation

FEARLESS Digital Transformation for SME Manufacturers

Want to unlock F.E.A.R.L.E.S.S. Growth?

Get your FREE Digital Transformation roadmap!