Made to Grow: the UK manufacturing podcast for SME manufacturers

Made to Grow is the UK manufacturing podcast for leaders in small and mid-sized manufacturing businesses who want practical, no-nonsense advice on scaling, digital transformation, people, procurement and MRP.

Hosted by Rich Dale, founder of Flowlens (MRP & CRM for SME manufacturers), Season 1 brings together proven operators and industry specialists to share what actually moves the needle on throughput, margins and growth. Available on all major platforms – click below to read more about each episode.

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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.

Made To Grow: Season 1

Ep 1: Charting the Stages of Growth with Mel Archbould

Where manufacturers get stuck as they grow — and how to fix it. Manufacturing expert, Mel Archbould maps the stages of SME growth, from firefighting to repeatable systems, and explains the foundations you need (data, roles, cadence) before you press the accelerator. Great primer if you’re prepping for the next step-up.

Ep2: The Simple Secret to Lean Success with Tom Hughes

Make lean manufacturing a success on the shopfloor with the man who literally wrote the book on implementing lean methodology in manufacturing firms. Tom Hughes shows how SME manufacturers can start small, engage their teams and improve quality, flow and waste reduction fast. This episode is packed with practical advice for SME manufacturing businesses hoping to improve their efficiency.

Ep 3: Financing Your Manufacturing Growth Journey with Graham Niven

Growing your small manufacturing business – it’s essential you choose the right capital for growth. Financing expert, Graham Niven breaks down grants, loans and equity, what lenders actually look for, and how inventory control, supply chain discipline and credible forecasts strengthen your case.

Ep 4: Motivate Your People to Maximise Your Systems with Angela Fumpson

People first, systems second. Business transformation expert, Angela Fumpson explains how process mapping, ownership and change management drive real adoption of MRP/CRM and digital transformation for smaller manufacturers. This episode offers a people-centred practical playbook for businesses readying for transformation

Ep 5: PR for Manufacturers – Telling Your Story with Aneela Rose

Turn engineering into attention with PR maven, Aneela Rose who talks trade press hooks, credible case studies and how PR, SEO and social media work together to build trust and pipeline for B2B manufacturers. A practical route for UK manufacturing brands to be found by the right buyers.

Ep 6: Mindset, Mantras and Manufacturing with Brendan McGurgan

Scaling starts with leadership habits. Brendan McGurgan shares simple routines – vision, communication, accountability – that keep people, processes and systems aligned as you grow. Useful for SME manufacturers embedding change and aiming for consistent performance.

Ep 7: Making the Change – MakeUK’s Digital Transformation Mission with Verity Davidge

What UK manufacturers are really doing with digital. Verity Davidge brings a policy-to-factory view on routes to support, the first wins to target and how SMEs can de-risk digital transformation. Straightforward guidance for SME manufacturers.

Ep 8: Digital Manufacturing: Ready, Set, Go? with Dr Steven Barr

Industry 4.0 isn’t a new concept but is it all hype? Steven Barr shows how to pick the right pilot, define measures, and bring teams with you so digital manufacturing projects deliver outcomes on the shopfloor. A clear roadmap for SME manufacturers planning digital transformation.

Ep 9: Manufacturing in the Cloud – Integrating Your Business with Mark Tooby

From spreadsheets to a single source of truth. Accountant Mark Tooby explains how cloud platforms connect finance, operations and sales, why real-time data matters, and how SMEs can adopt MRP/CRM with less friction. Practical integration tips for growing manufacturers.

Ep 10: Future Talent – Recruiting the Next Generation of Manufacturers with Angela Lawlor

Win the skills battle. Angela Lawlor shares low-cost, practical ways to engage schools, build an authentic employer brand and create an early-careers talent pipeline that delivers. Actionable recruitment ideas for UK manufacturing SMEs.

Ep 11: Making Connections – Powering Growth with Peer-to-Peer Networks with Gary Sheader

If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. Gary Sheader of the Manufacturers’ Alliance shows how peer networks reduce isolation, sharpen decisions and speed up leadership development – giving SME manufacturing owners proven playbooks for change. Strong inspiration for your next step-up.

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Season two and three are right here:

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