Are robots the answer to Yorkshire manufacturing’s skills shortage post-Brexit?

The Robots are here! However, are they really helping to improve the UK’s poor productivity figures, and what employment and cultural effects are likely from such change?

After Clarion’s popular automation seminar in 2015 announcing ‘The robots are coming’, the Leeds law firm’s follow-up event will take place on March 27.

A host of experts will be on hand to explain how advances in artificial intelligence and robotics are helping to keep businesses ahead both in the UK and around the world – courtesy of Active8 Robots, there will even be some industrial robots in action. There’s been an upsurge in interest in automation over the last few years as price points have reduced making payback quicker and investment more viable. The approach of Brexit and the impact it is likely to have on sourcing labour has, perhaps, further accelerated this trend. In addition, there’s also a view that many of the repetitive, mundane tasks required in manufacturing may be better performed by robots, working around the clock. There are differing views on whether this would result in people moving up the chain in terms of skills, or whether it would lead to increased unemployment.

Clarion’s first speaker, managing director of Rosti Automotive and chair of Made in Yorkshire, John Pendleton, will look at the benefits of his company’s significant investment in robotics. Rosti Automotive, a manufacturer of components for the motor industry which has a base in Pickering, previously sourced much of its labour from Europe. The company has now made a huge investment in state-of-the-art plant and equipment, the benefits of which will be outlined by Pendleton.

Being chair of Made in Yorkshire, Pendleton is only too well aware of the need for manufacturing businesses to collaborate and foster innovation by joining forces to market their products and services internationally. With SMEs too often feeling isolated, it’s crucial that businesses in the region share their experiences – organisations like Made in Yorkshire provide them with the opportunity and platform to learn from each another.

Adam Hurst of Premier Farnell will also be present to talk about the growing number of applications in the manufacturing sector for its Raspberry Pi, and also the importance of its role in education where it is engaging students in programming and electronics. Attracting young people into manufacturing and helping them to can gain the practical skills needed by the sector is crucial in keeping Yorkshire as a leader in manufacturing excellence.

Managing director of Cimlogic, Mike Hodge, will explain how he works with world class manufacturing businesses to help them enhance productivity through automation, analysing production data, measuring OEE or by achieving OE.

Shaun Bedford, head of operations at Holmesterne, will discuss how the company, which is one of the leading food businesses in North Yorkshire, has used automation to improve productivity.

Last but not least, Deborah Warren, senior associate in Clarion’s employment team, will explore the employment dynamics of mixing robots and people.

Steve Crow, business development director at Clarion, says: “The impact of Brexit is likely to worsen the shortage of skills in the manufacturing sector. With this in mind, we have to reassess outdated, negative fears about robots ‘taking’ jobs. Rather, we should welcome the latest technology as it will give businesses access to the skills they need in order for manufacturing to carry on thriving in Yorkshire and help them to cost-effectively market British products around the world.

“The Clarion team has a real passion for working with Yorkshire manufacturing businesses. We understand that if the region is to keep its competitive advantage, companies have to be forward-thinking, looking globally and investing in innovation while actively seeking ways of enhancing productivity. With exchange rates currently in our favour, it is an opportune time for Yorkshire manufacturers to invest in AI and robotics in order to ensure that the sector remains strong and continues to grow post-Brexit.”

The event will take place on Tuesday March 27 at Clarion’s offices (Elizabeth House, 13-19 Queen Street, Leeds). It will start at 8.30am when registration and breakfast will take place with the seminar beginning at 9.00am and running until 10.45, followed by networking.

To reserve a place, please contact Lauren Perry on 0113 336 3352 or email lauren.perry@clarionsolicitors.com.

https://www.clarionsolicitors.com/who-we-are/events/robots-friend-or-foe