In this webinar, we’ll focus on agentic AI: what agents actually are, and where they can take the pain out of day-to-day work. We’ll use live demos to show you what this looks like in practice, from automating the tedious stuff nobody wants to do, to coordinating tasks across multiple systems.

So if you’re wondering how to get started, join us. We’ll keep it straight-talking and practical, and you’ll come away with knowledge to guide your next steps.

The post Promoted Event: Waterstons – AI: You’ve seen the chatbot… Now meet the agent. appeared first on The Engineering & Manufacturing Network.

The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is the primary modelling approach to enable prediction of how particles behave in a certain processing situation. Studying the DEM can provide valuable insights to enable manufacturers to make informed decisions about process and formulation optimisation.

Divided into one, or two, days of face-to-face learning, this course explores:

• theory and practical considerations of DEM and fundamental governing principles
• models to account for elasticity, plasticity and cohesion
• calibrating particle properties
• utilisation of AI and machine learning
• hands-on training and practice on Simcenter EDEM

The post Promoted Event: Discrete Element Method (DEM): Theory and hands-on practice appeared first on The Engineering & Manufacturing Network.

Develop the knowledge you need to succeed in a competitive market with Newcastle University’s professional development courses in engineering.

Asphalt Materials and Pavements

Monday 7 – Friday 11 September, £1,800

This highly-regarded in-person course provides an overview of the asphalt pavement industry, and is suitable for Highways-related operatives, technicians, engineers, managers, senior professional engineers, and those wanting to extend their knowledge of asphalt materials. It explores:

• constituent materials
• mix composition, and design
• quality assurance
• elements of pavement design
• recent changes in design procedures from empirical to analytical methods
• how we use these techniques to meet more specialised criteria
• the assessment of and design for maintenance of pavements, including reinstatement work.

This course is endorsed by Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation.

The post Promoted Event: Upskill with Engineering and Manufacturing CPD courses at Newcastle University appeared first on The Engineering & Manufacturing Network.

Dive deep into inheritance tax, corporation tax and Patent Box with top specialists from EMN affiliate partners Johnston Carmichael Accountants. A Lunch & Learn Workshop for senior leaders, finance teams and COOs in engineering and manufacturing.

Over the course of a lunchtime session, this is your opportunity to stay ahead of UK updates, ensure compliance, and empower your business with expert guidance and networking opportunities!

Tuesday 31st March 2026

12.00 – 13.30

Inheritance Tax – new thresholds and what it means for family owned/run manufacturing & engineering businesses – Chris Hodgson

Capital Allowances – a run through changes to capital allowances and the minefield of what is and is not claimable – Robert Winters

R&D and Patent Box – From 1 April 2024, the UK merged the former R&D schemes (the SME scheme and RDEC — Research & Development Expenditure Credit) into a single, simplified R&D relief system. The rules are clearer but the compliance expectations are higher.

Rebecca McColl from Johnston Carmichael will run through what has changed, what qualifies, and how to maximise cash without falling foul of HMRC or slowing down investors.

Pull up a chair and a sandwich and expand your tax knowledge along with your waistline with like minded engineers and manufacturers!

The post All you need to know about Tax – for Engineers and Manufacturers appeared first on The Engineering & Manufacturing Network.

The post EMN Event: All you need to know about Tax – for Engineers and Manufacturers appeared first on The Engineering & Manufacturing Network.

Overview

The post Lunch & Learn: AI MAsterclass for Manufacturers with Manufacturing Technology Centre appeared first on The Engineering & Manufacturing Network.

Delivered by Steve Morris MBA, Director & SME Sector Lead, Supply Chain, Partnerships & Programmes

About the MTC

The MTC is a Catapult – in fact the largest manufacturing catapult in the UK. At the MTC, the focus is not merely on solving business challenges; it is on accelerating solutions. The MTC proudly engages in over 850 technical projects each year, harnessing the expertise of its 450+ in-house subject matter expert engineers to inspire new possibilities in the pursuit of innovation, efficiency and productivity.

The MTC possesses a unique combination of capabilities: an almost endless depth of technical application and technology expertise, a network of influential stakeholders and a fiercely independent spirit. These strengths all combine to create a formula for the most powerful of partnerships, with the collective ability to solve the greatest societal challenges or ignite previously impossible advances.

Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have shifted its perception from science fiction to practical applications. Despite rapid AI development, its adoption in manufacturing has been slow due to a lack of trust and clear standards. Trustworthy AI aims to build confidence by ensuring systems are secure, fair, transparent, accountable, and robust. AI assurance techniques provide a framework to assess these aspects. However, the abundance of AI standards and policies complicates their practical application. Manufacturing stakeholders struggle to identify relevant guidelines, hindering AI integration. This paper reviews current AI standards and assurance techniques, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, applicable framework to enhance AI adoption in manufacturing. Recommendations include creating a universally applicable approach for broader industry implementation.

Agenda

• Introduction to MTC
• What is AI
• AI Potentials
• Stagnant Adoption
• Challenges & Blockers
• Solutions -Trustworthy AI
• AI Regulation Landscape
• Case Studies

The post AI Master Class in Manufacturing delivered by Manufacturing Technology Centre appeared first on The Engineering & Manufacturing Network.

AI adoption is rooted in more than just technology, it’s a strategic topic that needs leadership focus. We’ll explore how to align your ambitions with your business goals, and the essential foundations —data, people, and trust—to make sure AI delivers value, not noise.

Designed for board level business leaders, this session takes a no-nonsense, buzzword-free approach to AI. You’ll leave with a clear framework to see where AI fits in your organisation, how you can work effectively with your IT leadership, and what it takes to adopt and scale AI responsibly.

This session is part of our Mind the hype: navigating AI event series, designed to help you cut through the noise and take practical, confident steps forward with AI.

The post Promoted Event: Waterstons – Don’t throw AI at IT: A board briefing appeared first on The Engineering & Manufacturing Network.

Success with AI isn’t just about technology. It relies on three key foundations: having strong, reliable data; drawing on the expertise of your people, who understand your business best; and putting robust governance in place to build trust and manage risk.

Crucially, it’s not just an IT issue—it’s a strategic topic that needs leadership focus.

Whether you’re cautiously curious or already experimenting with AI, this session will help you ask the right questions, get the right people involved, avoid common mistakes, and make informed decisions about where AI can add real value for your organisation.

This webinar is aimed at IT leaders.

The post Promoted Event: Waterstons – Mind the hype: Navigating AI appeared first on The Engineering & Manufacturing Network.

Introducing Vicky:

With over 20 years of experience supporting mental health in the workplace, I’m passionate about empowering individuals and organisations to recognise and respond to mental health challenges early.

Since 2022, I’ve trained around 100 people with Mental Health First Aid England, helping them confidently support colleagues who may be struggling. Alongside this, I work part-time in mental health and wellbeing within civil engineering and practise as a qualified counsellor.

My mission? To break down barriers and create safer, more supportive workplaces where mental health is openly discussed and supported.

Outside work, you’ll find me walking my standard poodle Seth or enjoying stretch and dance classes, both vital for my own wellbeing.

The post Promoted Event: The Importance of Mental Health First Training – Free Webinar – Vicky Procter appeared first on The Engineering & Manufacturing Network.