Think Britain doesn’t make anything anymore?
Think again about British industry
About
In "So You Think We Do Not Make Anything Anymore? : British Manufacturing in the 21st Century", manufacturing systems engineer and industrial historian Dr Richard Marks draws on 25 years of hands-on experience to dismantle the myth of decline and reveal the vibrant reality of British industry today.
This talk takes you behind the headlines to explore what Britain is really producing in 2025 — from precision aerospace components and cutting-edge pharmaceuticals to artisan textiles, advanced robotics, and sustainable energy systems. You will discover how British manufacturers are thriving through innovation, resilience, and global reach, often in places the media overlooks.
With insights drawn from factory floors, boardrooms, and historical context, Richard reveals how today’s makers are building on centuries of industrial heritage while shaping the future. Whether you’re a sceptic, a supporter, or simply curious, prepare to be surprised by the scale, diversity, and ingenuity of modern British manufacturing.
Dr Richard Marks brings a rare dual perspective to British manufacturing — combining 25 years of hands-on engineering experience with deep historical insight. Before becoming a historian, Richard spent over two decades as a systems engineer in business management software, working directly with manufacturers to improve processes, regenerate production lines, and unlock value across operations. As a technical specialist in pre-sales and implementation, he helped firms reduce costs, shorten lead times, enhance quality control, and streamline supply chains — translating software capabilities into real-world performance gains.
His earlier career in manufacturing and logistics saw him project-manage system rollouts from the inside, giving him a ground-level view of industrial challenges and solutions. In 2000, Richard pivoted to academia, completing a PhD in economic history and now lecturing part-time at the University of Oxford. As a freelance historian and speaker, he continues to champion British industry — past, present, and future — with a focus on practical innovation and long-term resilience.
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
10 Feb 2026
7:30am - 9:00pm
Organiser
- Buckinghamshire Local Network
Registration information
Speakers
Dr Richard Marks
University of Oxford
Reasons to attend
You will discover how British manufacturers are thriving through innovation, resilience, and global reach, often in places the media overlooks.
Whether you’re a sceptic, a supporter, or simply curious, prepare to be surprised by the scale, diversity, and ingenuity of modern British manufacturing.
Programme
Doors open 7 pm
Light refreshments
Talk starts 7.30 pm
Talk finishes by 9.30 pm
Free car parking is available on-site, for details of venue & parking location, please use this graphical image:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cxel2zn4fa90wrt/High_Wycombe_Campus_map%20-%20marked%20up.pdf?dl=0
For more details contact Andrew Dodd [Event Coordinator IET Buckinghamshire Local Network]
07801 459471
or
andrew.dodd@ietvolunteer.org
Registration is not essential and walk-in attendance is welcomed.
However, registering in advance does helps with organising this event.
You will get an automatic reminder of your registration 2-3 days before.
It does help if you can no longer attend, that you cancel your booking.
If you need help in cancelling or modifying your booking, please contact Andrew Dodd.