GlobalWelsh and Rolls-Royce to host manufacturing masterclass

GlobalWelsh, Wales’ independent not-for-profit grassroots diaspora organisation, is to host a GlobalWelsh Academy ‘Meet the Makers’ Manufacturing Masterclass with Rolls-Royce at its Civil Aerospace site in Derby on 19th and 20th September 2019. 11 Welsh business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the manufacturing and engineering industry were selected for the masterclass.

“This GlobalWelsh Academy opportunity combines two of my passions, Wales and supporting innovative engineering and manufacturing businesses."

Following an application process, the companies attending the masterclass were selected in collaboration with Industry Wales and Rolls-Royce and include: Sure Chill, Riversimple, Axium Process, Ben Hughes Engineering, Wall Colmonoy, TT Electronics, Creo Medical, Simply Do Ideas, Wardill Motorcycles, Vortex IOT and award-winning designer Gareth TW Rees (currently at Adidas).

Rolls-Royce has a strong Welsh connection, it’s founder Charles Rolls, hailed from Monmouth, South Wales, as does the company’s current CEO, Warren East. Warren left Wales as a young man to study at University of Oxford and Cranfield University. He went on to forge himself an exceptional career as both an engineer and business leader. Despite leaving Wales 40 years ago, Warren remains passionate about his Welsh roots and giving back to Wales through GlobalWelsh of whom he is a Founding Patron. He commented:

“This GlobalWelsh Academy opportunity combines two of my passions, Wales and supporting innovative engineering and manufacturing businesses. Wales has such a rich industrial history, but its industries have taken a big hit in recent times. I’d like to see Wales fulfil its potential and become a hub for engineering and manufacturing excellence. The talent and vision in this group alone is very impressive, and I hope they find they find the experience both enjoyable and insightful.”

GlobalWelsh Academy, a GlobalWelsh initiative, aims to connect successful expats with Wales-based organisations, and talent to offer support and unique learning opportunities workshops, talks, masterclasses and mentorship.

"Gaining exposure to advanced engineering innovation and future technologies, that a world-leading company like Rolls-Royce is developing, will enable Welsh businesses to better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

This is the second GlobalWelsh Academy ‘Meet the Makers’ Manufacturing Masterclass. Last year a group of ambitious Welsh entrepreneurs spent a week with Pelican Products, hosted by CEO and GlobalWelsh Founding Patron Lyndon Faulkner, in Los Angeles.  GlobalWelsh Founder and CEO, Walter May said:

“The fourth industrial revolution is increasingly becoming part of the current discourse. Gaining exposure to advanced engineering innovation and future technologies, that a world-leading company like Rolls-Royce is developing, will enable Welsh businesses to better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This is a truly unique opportunity and as GlobalWelsh grows and evolves we plan to do more and more to harness the incredible value our diaspora has to offer and bring it back to Wales.”