1. Biz Network dec jan 2025_6 1-44.qxp_Chamberlink 27/11/2025 14:58 Page 38
CHAMBER NETWORKS
CHAMBER NETWORKS BUILDING CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR PEERS AND BUSINESS LEADERS
Meeting seeks ways to tackle our challenges D
ozens of members, partners and stakeholders from the East Midlands Manufacturing Network – part of East Midlands Chamber – attended its second regional meeting to address areas such as recruitment, current research and challenges facing the sector.
Mark Goldby addresses the regional meeting
‘It’s where people find they have something in common, that they could help each other’ Held at Toyota, Derby, the session included a series of talks and presentations, with insights from the Chamber, Make UK, Toyota, West Special Fasteners and Pennine Healthcare. Delegates also got a chance to tour the Toyota plant. The East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN) fosters innovation and collaboration across the sector and hosts frequent events. Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford opened the meeting. Speaking afterwards she said: “We’re proud of the East Midlands Manufacturing Network and my ambition today is to ensure
Guests at the Regional Meeting of the East Midlands Manufacturing Network
the many businesses here share challenges with each other, share opportunities and actually do business together. “If that’s one thing they do as a result of this regional meeting, that they build a relationship with a new person or a new company, that's the job done.” EMMN chair Mark Goldby said: “We’ve got over 500 members of the East Midlands Manufacturing Network across Derbyshire,
Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, and we have localised meetings as well as this larger regional meeting. “We all become connected, enjoy each other’s company and stories and getting everyone together across the region is where the magic begins. It’s where people find they have something in common, that they could help each other.” Visit: EMMN.co.uk
Team work their magic on Merlin A team from MW Polymers, in Little Eaton, Derby, had the privilege of working with a local enthusiast to help restore a Rolls-Royce Merlin Mk3 engine – believed to be the only fully operational example of its kind remaining. The Merlin engine, including many that were designed and built in Derby, played a vital role in powering aircraft such as the Spitfire and Lancaster during the Second World War, making this restoration an important piece of local engineering history. Nicholas Blagdon is business development and marketing executive at MW Polymers, which makes sealants, adhesives, repair systems and coatings. He said: “At MW Polymers, we pride ourselves on developing solutions that solve today’s engineering challenges – but every so often, our work also helps preserve the past for future generations. 38 business network December 2025/January 2026
MW Polymers staff helped a local enthusiast to restore a Rolls-Royce Merlin Mk3 engine
“We are proud to have supported the restoration of a truly remarkable piece of aviation history – a Rolls-Royce Merlin Mark III engine, confirmed to have powered a Spitfire in the Battle of Britain. “According to its restorer, Reg White, this is believed to be the only fully operational survivor of its kind, a unique living link to one of the most defining moments of the 20th century. Reg has dedicated years of expertise and passion to
bringing this iconic engine back to life. We’re honoured to have played a part in ensuring such a historically significant machine can not only be seen, but heard in action once again. “For us, this project was about more than just materials and performance, it was about “putting something back. By supporting the restoration, we’re helping to safeguard a piece of engineering heritage that tells the story of resilience, ingenuity and sacrifice.”