Our Mission

To be the leading support network for manufacturing based business in Mid Wales.

Objectives of Mid Wales Manufacturing Group as defined in the M&A’s

• Generally to promote the manufacturing industry in Wales

• To improve the success, quality, profitability and efficiency in manufacturers in Wales

• To promote and enhance the education, training and skills of persons in Wales

• To promote and improve communications among manufacturers and between them and the community as a whole

• To act as an interface with other organizations for the benefit of manufacturers

• To band together manufacturers in Wales so as to cultivate a mutual understanding of each others activities to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the transfer of technology and identify opportunities for trading between members and other organizations whether or not in Wales

Values

1. Provide a professional service to all internal and external stakeholders

2. To be the ‘honest broker’ in our membership relations

3. To treat people with trust, integrity and honesty at all times.

About MWMG & History

Newtown-based Mid Wales Manufacturing Group was set up in 1994 as a membership based organisation to support Manufacturing & Engineering companies in the Mid Wales Region.  The not for profit organisation which is steered by volunteer directors was initially funded through the Development Board for Rural Wales.  With over 100 service members from micro businesses to companies employing over 500 people across many industries from food manufacturing to automotive.  With just 2 staff currently this small organisation is certainly making an impact in it’s region.   

European funding then saw the creation of several projects to support the sector including the award winning Shared Apprenticeship Scheme which saw over 70 young people employed and spending between 6 – 12 months in different placements in companies, the scheme ran for a number of years and the skills needs of the region remain close to the heart of the organisation.

MWMG have successfully engaged with children of all ages through the use of STEM projects. Activity days like Rocket making, job & career events all help us to promote the benefits of working in the sector to the next generation. Engaging with young people at an early age to re-emphasis the importance of STEM is a high priority for us and will hopefully lead to a pipeline of future engineers for the region.

We recently attended the National Transition Event arranged by Mission Motorsport which offers service leavers, veterans and their partners the opportunity to find out about careers away from the military and what Mid Wales has to offer in terms of employment, housing and quality of life.

Following successful funding application many training opportunities are also arranged by MWMG for companies from digital skills, managing mental health in the workplace, leadership and management to effective stock control.

In addition to supporting companies with skills and recruitment, membership provides direct access to expertise and saves valuable time and money for member companies. Other benefits include an information service to make companies aware of opportunities and support including grants, introductions to other members who have faced similar business issues, updates on current legislation, funding for training, productivity and benchmarking projects, workshops, factory visits, and network events.

Representing the sector in the region plays a key role for our organisation, we are members of the Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership, one of four regional partnerships in Wales, working to drive investment in skills by developing responses based upon local and regional need. Growing Mid Wales a regional partnership and engagement arrangement between the private and public sectors and with the Welsh Government. The partnership seeks to represent the region's interests and priorities for improvements to our local economy, and the newly formed Shared Prosperity Fund Partnership for Powys.

This is an exciting time for the region, with funding agreed for the Mid Wales Growth Deal and the Shared Prosperity Fund, the opportunity is now available to address some of the key concern of the business community including commercial property requirements and skills

REGIONAL SKILLS PARTNERSHIP

Group Manager, Ceri Stephens, is currently Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Cluster for the Regional Skills Partnership, which its skills plan at the 2024 Royal Welsh Show.

The plan addresses the region's evolving employment and skills needs, reflecting sector growth and economic demands.

The updated plan highlights key growth areas up to 2028, including a 6% increase in the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors, a 9% rise in food and drink production, and a 4% growth in the digital sector.

It outlines the key findings across the business sectors that have influenced the priorities for the RSP over the next 12 months: 

• Careers information, advice and guidance 

• Work experience 

• Leadership and Management 

• Addressing the gender gap in specific sectors 

• Net Zero 

• Fit for purpose training provision that also addresses attitudes and behaviours in the workplace 

• Improve access to apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships.

It also emphasises the importance of skills linked to Net Zero and energy, highlighting emerging workforce requirements.

The plan is available HERE

Our Staff & Directors

Ceri Stephens, Group Manager

Ceri has been with MWMG since it founded the Shared Apprenticeship Scheme in 1997.  During that time she has assisted many of our members from sourcing materials to setting up local supply chains.  Today Ceri is responsible for overseeing the Groups' projects and delivering the strategy on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Samantha Webster MBE, Group ADMINISTRATOR.

Sam has been with MWMG since November 2013 after a long career within the Armed Forces. She has joined us from a background of Logistics serving in many parts of the world during both peaceful and conflict operations. Sam settled in Mid Wales with her family and is now responsible for the Administration of the Group following the successful delivery of the Armed Forces Project.

Julian Engleheart, Director

Julian Engleheart (M.A. Oxon) joined MWMG in 2008 as Company Secretary.  He has previously been a Financial Director of a Shropshire independent school.  Julian is committed to the economic well-being of a region he has loved since childhood, and sees the Group as playing a unique role in this process. 'Imaginative and dedicated leadership, supported by disciplined but unbureaucratic governance, is enabling the Group to grow in both size and stature.'

Andrew Bebb, Director

Mike Mills, Director

Mike Mills has an extensive experience in Manufacturing, with a successful track record in managing production lines and engineering functions.  He has worked in the aerospace, steel and luxury marine industries.  In 2020 Mike moved to EOM Electrical Contractors LTD as General Manager.  Mike is an active member of Montgomery Town Council and has undertaken the role of Town Mayor on four occasions.  He also runs the local film club.

Chris Gilliard, NiBS Ltd

Chris Gilliard is the Managing Director of NiBS Ltd (Northern Industrial Battery Services Ltd) which is an accredited specialist standby power company with over 20 years experience.  We offer a range of products and services to provide expert independent technical advice, to meet various industrial standby power requirements.

Michael Miles, Director

Dr. Julie Jones, Director