Whyy? Change launches Operational Excellence Meetup for South Yorkshire’s Industry Leaders

Whyy? Change’s second ever Operational Excellence (OpEx) Meetup event, held on October 15^th 2024, marked a significant milestone in the journey towards business transformation and continuous improvement for manufacturing and engineering companies across South Yorkshire.

Sponsored by the British Manufacturing Consortium and Whyy? Unboxd, the event brought together industry leaders, experts, and professionals to share insights, best practices, and success stories in operational excellence.

This year’s OpEx meetup was a resounding success, bringing together manufacturing and engineering leaders from across South Yorkshire. The event empowered businesses to implement operational excellence strategies.

Event highlights

Master Cutler of Hallamshire – Phil Rodrigo, Senior Vice President at Outokumpu

The event was opened by the Master Cutler of Hallamshire, Mr Phil Rodrigo of Outokumpu, offering insights into the labour parties Industrial Strategy Report and inspiration to South Yorkshire’s manufacturing sector. The Master Cutler, shared the journey, Outokumpu, a global leader in sustainable stainless steel, has been on over the past 35 years and the importance of operational excellence.

Sam Littlewood, Lead Process Engineer at Castings Technology International

Next up was Sam Littlewood, Lead Process Engineer at Castings Technology International, who shared a powerful presentation on How Lean & Six Sigma is Transforming Castings Technology International. His insights into reducing machining times by 45%, which resulted in cost savings of £55,260 and improving throughput overall, resonated with attendees.

Sam spoke about how he’s implemented 6S (Set, Sort, Shine, Standardise, Sustain, Safety) across the Shelling, Vacuum Melting and Pattern shop departments and the improvements that have been made.

Sam also highlighted how the impact of his Lean & Six Sigma Green Belt training delivered by Whyy? Change, has led to the course being rolled out across the company to include Directors and Heads of Department of Castings Technology International.

Lynda Holbrey, Head of Quality HSE at Whyy? Change

Whyy? Change’s Head of Quality HSE, Lynda Holbrey, then delivered a forward-looking session on ‘The Future of ISO Standards’, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability and the implications of the London Declaration on climate action.

Adam Davies, Head of Continuous Improvement at Sheffield Forgemasters

After a coffee break and some networking, Adam Davies, Head of Continuous Improvement at Sheffield Forgemasters, showcased how continuous improvement has played a critical role in the company’s recent operational enhancements. With projected savings of £2.6 million, this case study served as a powerful example of how businesses in the region can benefit from a structured approach to operational excellence.

Adam also shared how Yellow Belt, Green Belt and Black Belt Lean & Six Sigma training has been rolled out across their organisation and the impact it’s had on achieving their continuous improvement goals.

Building Relationships and Future Collaboration

One of the most valuable outcomes of the event was the creation of new partnerships and collaboration opportunities. From the engaging icebreaker session to the expert Q&A panel hosted by Adam Bradley (Director of Corrosion Resistant Materials), attendees not only gained knowledge but also established key connections that have fostered ongoing innovation.

Ray Byrne, CEO of Whyy? Change, reflected on the impact of the event:

“We’ve seen firsthand how these principles have transformed operations for businesses in South Yorkshire. Our goal was to place Whyy? at the centre of the conversation in relation to business excellence in South Yorkshire, and with the quality of the speakers, topics and audience that chose to attend, it clearly has been a great success. Now the real work of supporting the transformation of South Yorkshire business starts now.”

Ray added:

“Sustained change does not happen in a void. People need to share ideas, showcase success and network to grow. Events such as #OPEX24 stimulate challenges, questions, and nurtures that competitive spirit to want to excel. Having a consistent voice that is recognised as adding value will draw the innovators, the dreamers, the profit makers together.”

Looking Ahead to the Operational Excellence Meetup 2025

Following the overwhelming success of the 2024 meetup, Whyy? Change is excited to announce that the Operational Excellence Meetup 2025 will take place on Tuesday 25^th March 2025. This upcoming event promises to build on the momentum of the last, featuring even more expert speakers, practical sessions, and networking opportunities for attendees.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts and like-minded professionals. Save the date and secure your early bird ticket today to be part of the OpEx 2025 meetup: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1048585666957?aff=oddtdtcreator

About Whyy? Change:

Whyy? Change is one of South Yorkshire’s highest-rated independent training providers who offer apprenticeships, short courses, and accredited professional qualifications (Levels 3-7) to help businesses upskill their employees.

Unlike most traditional colleges or universities, Whyy? Change includes internationally recognised qualifications in CMI Leadership, CIPD HR and L&D, CIM Marketing, Lean & Six Sigma, and QHSE. Whyy? Change adds value to create the best learning experience possible through interactive face-to-face workshops, delivered by industry experts in open cohorts.