Business leaders, part of Cumbria Chamber’s Directors Forum, gathered in Workington last week for an event hosted by McMenon Engineering focused on the current challenges and opportunities for manufacturing.
The event was the second meeting of the Directors Forum this year, attracting a diverse range of delegates from multiple sectors, with a strong representation from the region’s manufacturing sector.
Attendees gathered in McMenon’s boardroom for a series of talks, starting with Alec Pearson who spoke on the critical role of team alignment and performance in driving business success.
Anand Puthran, CEO of McMenon Engineering, followed with an overview of the company’s growth since acquiring the facility from global manufacturer ABB in 2018.
He outlined McMenon’s commitment to innovation, customer success, and operational excellence.
Anand also addressed the broader challenges and opportunities facing the UK and Cumbrian manufacturing sector, including international trade dynamics, the vital role of SMEs in supply chains, and the importance of respect and collaboration in business relationships.
Following the talks and a networking lunch, delegates were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of McMenon’s advanced manufacturing facility.
Attendees had the opportunity to witness the precision engineering and expert craftsmanship involved in the production of flow and temperature measurement devices.
James Bridges, sales manager at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was fantastic to see such strong engagement from local business leaders at our second Directors Forum event of the year.
“Events like this are vital for strengthening connections, sharing ideas, and shining a light on businesses in Cumbria’s manufacturing sector. We’d like to thank McMenon for their hospitality and event sponsors Muckle LLP and Alec Pearson Coaching.”
Anand Puthran, CEO of McMenon Engineering Services Ltd, said: “It was an honour to host the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce Directors Forum at McMenon and welcome such a passionate and forward-thinking group of business leaders to our facility.
“Sharing McMenon’s journey and discussing the broader landscape of manufacturing in Cumbria and beyond was a valuable experience. A key message I shared, and one I feel strongly about, is the need for mutual respect in business relationships, particularly between clients and SME suppliers.
“Too often, the strategic value of SMEs is underestimated, despite their agility, innovation, and vital role in supply chains. By viewing suppliers as true partners rather than transactional providers, we can foster a stronger, more resilient, and collaborative business ecosystem.
“I’d like to thank the Chamber for creating the space for these important conversations and for supporting the voice of industry in our region.”
Robin Adams, partner at Muckle LLP, said: “Not only is manufacturing a key growth area for Muckle, but it’s also an important part of Cumbria’s economic ecosystem.
“Events like this are crucial to raise awareness of what businesses are doing in the sector, and we are proud to continue supporting the Directors Forum in highlighting some of the successful businesses across Cumbria.”
Alec Pearson, of Alec Pearson Coaching, said: “Strong, aligned teams are the engine of business success.
“It was a privilege to speak with so many forward-thinking leaders about how unlocking team performance can drive growth, particularly in the current business environment, where falling employee engagement and declining wellbeing are common challenges across not just Cumbria, but across the UK.”
