unLTD Business Magazine, in collaboration with Brook Consult, launched its inaugural Working Lunch event this month – the first in a new series set to spotlight innovation and growth across South Yorkshire’s business community.
Hosted at Victoria in Neepsend – a stylish, welcoming new venue that proved ideal for networking and conversation – the event focused on the theme Future-Ready: Smart Industry & Manufacturing. It drew together industry leaders, technology experts and local business decision-makers for a thought-provoking morning exploring digital transformation in manufacturing.
Panellists included Charlotte Hill, Operations Director at employee-owned Sheffield success story Gripple Ltd; Steven Price, Head of Manufacturing Strategy at Forgemasters; and Andrew Armstrong, Project Director at Brook Consult. Each brought practical insights into how traditional manufacturing operations are evolving – from process automation and data-led decision-making, to funding and planning support for long-term transformation.
With Forgemasters now under Ministry of Defence ownership and Gripple continuing to reinvest profits into innovation, the discussion highlighted the different but equally ambitious approaches companies are taking to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world. Brook Consult’s contribution added a valuable advisory perspective on how businesses can access support and strategically manage their modernisation journey.
The event’s format – a 45-minute panel session bookended by informal networking and a relaxed lunch – aimed to strike the right balance between insight and interaction. Attendees praised both the content and the atmosphere, with particularly strong feedback on the food – a standout Greek meze spread – and the overall organisation of the morning.
“It was a brilliant start,” said unLTD’s MD and event co-host, Phil Turner. “Great energy in the room, excellent speakers and a lot of interest from attendees in keeping the conversation going. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
With top-notch venues, engaged audiences and discussions designed to spark innovation, the Working Lunch series looks set to become a valuable fixture in the region’s business calendar.
Keep an eye on our LinkedIn, Instagram and website for details of the next get-together!
