Leadership for Manufacturing SMEs

The programme is designed to help manufacturing SMEs strengthen leadership capability as they move into new markets, adopt new technologies and respond to changing supply-chain requirements.

Participants will apply the learning to a real workplace challenge and explore how stronger leadership can support productivity, innovation, resilience and competitiveness.

The programme is relevant to businesses transitioning into growth sectors including:

• Aerospace
• Electric vehicles and battery manufacturing
• Green industries
• Health-tech and med-tech
• Smart energy systems
• Digital supply chains

The programme includes:

• Four-day course: 29 September-2 October 2026
• Location: In-person delivery at University of Wolverhampton facilities, plus online learning
• Accreditation: Non-accredited
• Recognition: Certificate of Recognition and Digital Badge
• Follow-up Hackathon and consolidation day: 6 November 2026
• Three online coaching sessions: December 2026, January 2027 and February 2027
• Practical activities linked to a real workplace leadership or business challenge
• Pre-course needs assessment to help tailor the learning
• Follow-up support to help participants apply the learning within their organization

A light lunch will be provided during the four course days and on the Hackathon Day.

Further information on timings, location and coaching arrangements will be provided to confirmed participants.

This course is available only to businesses that have already been approved or referred for support through the Supply Chain Transition Programme.

The course registration form is not an application to the wider SCT programme and does not replace the programme's official eligibility and onboarding process.

Businesses that are not currently participating in SCT should contact the Supply Chain Transition Programme team through the main programme route. Link to find out more:

WMIZ (West Midlands Investment Zone) Supply Chain Transition Programme

The programme is designed for employees and managers from approved SCT businesses, including:

• Current and aspiring leaders
• Managers responsible for people, operations or business change
• Employees supporting innovation or digital transformation
• Staff involved in sustainability and supply-chain transition
• Professionals preparing their organisation for new markets and growth opportunities

No previous formal leadership qualification is required.

Participants must be able to commit to the in-person course days. Attendance at the follow-up Hackathon and coaching sessions is also encouraged so that participants can gain the full benefit of the programme.

The programme will cover areas including:

• Agile leadership in supply chains
• Change management and continuous improvement
• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Leading teams through uncertainty
• Sustainable and responsible leadership
• Innovation and productivity improvement
• AI-enabled leadership and digital decision-making
• Communication, collaboration and influence

The course team will also use participants' pre-course responses to understand the main leadership challenges facing their organisations and tailor the programme where appropriate.

The programme helps participants build the leadership capability required to manage change and support business transition.

Through practical learning linked to real manufacturing challenges, participants will be supported to:

• Lead organisational change more confidently
• Improve communication and team engagement
• Strengthen decision-making and strategic planning
• Support the introduction of digital tools and AI
• Improve productivity and continuous improvement
• Prepare for new markets and supply-chain opportunities
• Apply learning to a real workplace challenge
• Develop practical actions that can be taken back into the business

The follow-up Hackathon and coaching sessions provide additional support to help participants maintain progress and apply the learning after the initial course.

This course is only available to businesses already participating in the Supply Chain Transition Programme.

Approved businesses should complete the Leadership for Manufacturing SMEs - Training Interest and Pre-Course Needs Form.

The form collects:

• Business and main contact details
• Details of the employees being registered
• Confirmation of attendance
• Access and dietary requirements
• Pre-course leadership and business needs

Completing this form is for course planning and registration purposes. It is not an application to the wider Supply Chain Transition Programme.

Course dates: 29 September-2 October 2026

Hackathon and consolidation day: 6 November 2026

Complete the training registration form.

Form link: Leadership for Manufacturing SMEs, Sep 2026 - Training Interest and Pre-Course Needs Form

For questions about the Leadership for Manufacturing SMEs programme, contact:

University of Wolverhampton Business School Executive Education Team
execed@wlv.ac.uk

For questions about SCT eligibility or participation, businesses should contact the Supply Chain Transition Programme team through the main programme route. You can email at supplychains@cwgrowthhub.co.uk to speak with the Supply Chain Specialist.

The Supply Chain Transition Programme is delivered through the Supply Smarter West Midlands Consortium.

The consortium brings together C&W Business Solutions, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, WMG at the University of Warwick, Birmingham City University, Coventry University and the University of Wolverhampton.

Together, the partners support manufacturing SMEs to develop their capabilities, respond to changing markets and access opportunities within emerging growth sectors.

The University of Wolverhampton Business School delivers the leadership and change management element of the Supply Chain Transition Programme.

Working with the University's Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills and regional programme partners, the Business School combines academic expertise, executive education and practical business support to help manufacturing SMEs strengthen leadership capability and manage transformation across the West Midlands.