Richard Swart DL

AMF Chair - CEO of AspireX Business Consulting

Richard is a respected business leader with over 37 years’ experience in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Richard retired as CEO of Berger Closures UK, in September 2024, previously serving as Berger Group Global Sales Director until December 2022. In February 2023, Richard was appointed a Visiting Professor in the Business & Law Department at Northumbria University. He is now CEO of AspireX Business Consulting, advising and mentoring individuals, businesses, and organisations across the UK and abroad.

As Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF), Richard brings a wealth of experience, insight, and regional pride—championing innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth across the North East’s advanced manufacturing community. He also works closely with multiple universities, supporting the development of future talent and strengthening links between education and industry.

Richard serves as one of His Majesty's Deputy Lord Lieutenants for County Durham.

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Rachel Mansfield

AMF Vice Chair

Rachel is a Chartered Chemical Engineer and MBA-qualified leader with over 20 years of global operational and strategic leadership experience across the oil and gas and heavy manufacturing industries.

As Vice Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) and Co-Lead of its WOMEN initiative, Rachel brings a transformative and inclusive leadership approach—championing diversity, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen the UK’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Her global perspective and diverse industry background enable the AMF to view its future through a broader, more progressive lens—one focused on diversity, transformation, and strengthening connections across manufacturing, engineering, service, and supply chain communities.

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Alan Metcalfe

AMF Vice Chair - Commercial Director, Zenith People

Alan is Commercial Director of recruitment company Zenith People and Zenith Training and works with and advises many of the North East's leading manufacturing companies whether global organisations or SMEs, carrying out large recruitment drives as well as advising on HR, skills, and training issues common to a lot of manufacturing businesses. Zenith Training is a sister company specialising in H&S and other training. Alan is also Vice Chair of the AMF and is keen to support all members not only with their recruitment and training needs but also on general business advice and of course collaboration.

Alan is also Chair of the South Tyneside committee of the North East Chamber of Commerce and is well connected to help with business introductions and networking. Originally an Engineer with Siemens, Alan’s passion are Engineering and Manufacturing, North East business as a whole and ensuring young people in particular get the right careers advice in choosing careers.

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Arthur Hodgson

AMF Forum Manager

Arthur leads on the day-to-day operations of AMF, and steering its strategic direction. With first-hand experience in the manufacturing sector and a background working with leading North East organisations including Nissan, Arriva Ford, The Mussel Club, and the North East Chamber of Commerce, he brings a unique understanding of business growth, partnership building, and member engagement.

Working closely with the AMF Board and strategic partners, Arthur focuses on delivering value for members, strengthening collaboration across the region, and driving innovation within the North East’s advanced manufacturing community. Known for his creativity, energy, and enthusiasm, Arthur ensures AMF’s work is as engaging and forward-thinking as the sector it represents.

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Jamie Gamble

AMF Board Member - Partner, Ward Hadaway

Jamie Gamble, Partner at law firm Ward Hadaway, specialises in employment law and provides advice to a wide range of clients, including many involved within the manufacturing industry. His experience includes acting for a major car manufacturer on the outsourcing of logistics and call centre operations and acting for a European manufacturer on the restructure of its UK senior management team following its purchase of the UK company. Jamie regularly shares his expertise on employment, HR, and staffing issues in the manufacturing sector for AMF members.

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Alastair Wilson

AMF Board Member - Corporate Tax Partner at UNW LLP

Alastair is a Corporate Tax Partner at UNW LLP with more than 25 years’ experience advising businesses across a wide range of sectors. A passionate advocate for using technology to enhance efficiency and insight, he is both a tax technology enthusiast and investor. Alastair brings strategic, financial, and governance expertise to the AMF board, helping shape the Forum’s sustainable growth and innovation agenda.

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Brian Tait

AMF Board Member - Operations Director; HVR International

Brian is Operations Director at HVR International, where he oversees manufacturing performance, quality, and operational strategy. With extensive experience in driving process improvement and team development, he has played a key role in strengthening production capability and customer delivery. As an AMF board member, Brian brings practical industry insight and a commitment to advancing excellence across the North East’s manufacturing sector.

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Peter Shiels

AMF Board Member - Director, Phoenix Steel

Peter is Director of Phoenix Steel, a role in which he implements modern manufacturing techniques to help expand the business.

Peter has previously served a craft apprenticeship in Gateshead manufacturing power generation systems for the nuclear power industry, as well as holding various manufacturing roles, and working at Nissan in a QA role for almost 20 years.

Rachel Skeoch

AMF Board Member - Director at True North

CIM accredited with 10 years of industry insight, Rachel is a specialist B2B Marketing Consultant with a wealth of experience from start ups and scale ups to global FTSE 250 firms. Having worked in house managing marketing and communication strategies for some of the region's leading engineering and manufacturing brands, she holds a Masters Degree in International Politics and is a keen advocate for boosting the competitiveness of the north east business community on a national scale.

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Tom Coverdale

AMF Board Member - Head of Design & Development; Ebac

Tom leads the engineering and product development teams at Ebac, steering the company’s innovation strategy and bringing new designs from concept to market. With a proven track record in managing cross-functional teams, design for manufacturability, and delivering scalable technical solutions, he adds a strong product vision and hands-on engineering insight to the AMF board.

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James English

AMF Board Member - Managing Director - WORR Ltd

James is Managing Director of Worr Ltd, where he leads a team specialising in precision engineering and manufacturing solutions. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and customer partnership, he has built Worr into a trusted name within the region’s supply chain. James brings hands-on industry knowledge and a passion for developing North East manufacturing to the AMF board.

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The Hon. James Ramsbotham CBE DL

Chair, Newcastle Building Society

James became Chair of Newcastle Building Society in 2021 when he stepped down after 15 years as Chief Executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce. He was previously Chairman of Darlington Building Society and Vice Chairman of the Esh Group. He had 14 years of experience in corporate banking and strategic marketing in Barclays Bank. After leaving school he spent 12 years as a soldier in the Royal Green Jackets (now The Rifles) all around the world.
He is also a Pro-Chancellor of Sunderland University, a Deputy Lieutenant for Co. Durham, and an Honorary Colonel for The Rifles

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Dr Adrian Small

Associate Professor (Reader) of Operations Management at Northumbria University

Dr Adrian Small is an Associate Professor in Operations Management at Northumbria University, with a strong track record of bridging academic insight and industrial impact. With expertise spanning operations management, advanced manufacturing systems, and supply chain optimisation, Dr Small has worked closely with regional manufacturers to enhance productivity, resilience, and innovation.
His research focuses on the practical application of data-driven decision-making and lean methodologies in complex operational environments. He is a regular contributor to industry forums and knowledge exchange initiatives, helping SMEs and larger enterprises across the North East adopt smarter operational strategies.
Dr Small is passionate about collaborating with industry bodies to support workforce development and lifelong learning.

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Professor Joanna Berry

Associate Dean, Engagement | Professor, Entrepreneurship | Director, Durham Energy Institute | Teach: entrepreneurship, energy systems | Do: public speaking, mentoring, media | Am: Northern Power Woman

Joanna was born and brought up in Hartlepool. After a career in international business development and entrepreneurship she is now Associate Dean (Engagement) and Professor in Entrepreneurship at Durham University Business School. She is also Director (Business Engagement) of Durham University's Durham global Energy Institute ("DEI"). Winner of the Durham University Enhancing Learning and Teaching: Digital and Online Learning Award 2019-20, and Durham’s Academic Tutor of the Year 2024, she is also trustee and Director of social enterprise, Acumen Community Buildings; She has been Regional Chair for the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Regional Vice-Chair for the Institute of Directors' North East and Yorkshire branch.

Her first degree was law at St Anne’s College, Oxford University, practiced in South Africa 1985-87. She has a wide range of regional, national and international corporate and public sector contacts which she builds into her day-to-day activities in HE, energy and external relations. She has a particular emphasis on supporting the 'women in STEM' agenda in a variety of ways. She was admitted to the Northern Power Women Power List in 2020. She is a regular international public speaker on wellbeing, mental health, supporting equality, diversity and inclusion, women in the workplace and related issues. She is an International Governor both at Durham School Dubai, and at Gifted Minds International School in Hoofddorp, Netherlands.

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David Osborne DL

Chief Executive Officer- Roman Showers

David graduated in political science from Birmingham University in 1992 and immediately joined Roman as Marketing Manager and soon progressed to the role of Marketing Director. David took over as CEO in 2006 from his father Gerry. Roman has progressed from a start-up in Aycliffe in 1985 to now supplying products to 75 countries around the World and into top Hotel Groups. Roman now has subsidiaries in Ireland and Malaysia – which serves Asia Pacific. David set up a specialist aluminium extrusion and anodising business in Malaysia in 2009 which is now supplying capability driven product all over the world.
David was President of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association for a 2 year term and was a board member of Made in Britain for 6 years. Roman is a member of the United Nations Global Compact and David is a frequent speaker on manufacturing and sustainability.

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David Hughes

Professor - Associate Dean (Research & Innovation) at Teesside University

Professor Hughes is Associate Dean for Research & Innovation at Teesside University. He leads the cross-institutional NetZero research theme. Professor Hughes is an expert in the circular economy with a strong focus on industrial digitalisation. He leverages his experience working across the circular economy to develop and implement AI and ML-based solutions for heavy industry and trade applications. David leverages his expertise in low-carbon and sustainable material science and associated enabling circular business models to develop innovative solutions for a greener future. This includes work in sustainable trade models enabled through digital technologies. Professor Hughes has also developed a number of industrial technologies working closely with partners to valorise by-products and waste streams.

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Jamie Ollivere

Jamie Ollivere, Chief Executive, Regional Technology Centre

Jamie has been with RTC North since its inception. His father, Gordon, founded the business, and Jamie began contributing at the age of 14, assisting during school holidays with tasks such as preparing and distributing mailshots to thousands of prospective clients. At 27, Jamie formally joined the company and has since gained extensive experience across a wide range of roles, including managing and delivering government-funded commercial contracts. Today, as Chief Executive, he works closely with colleagues and the Board to shape strategy and raise the profile of the business. RTC North is one of the UK’s leading business support organisations, helping companies to innovate, compete, and grow. The company delivers a wide portfolio of programmes across the North of England, supporting thousands of businesses each year while also inspiring the next generation through its STEM outreach. Based in Durham, Jamie is an enthusiastic golfer, swimmer, and long-standing supporter of Sunderland AFC. His early years were spent in Nigeria, where his parents taught in the 1970s. A lifelong passion for travel later led him to spend much of his twenties exploring Asia, including a four-year period living in rural Japan.

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