Introducing MEPCA’s August Manufacturing Champion of the Month: David Atkinson, UK Head of Manufacturing at Lloyds Banking Group

David Atkinson, UK Head of Manufacturing at Lloyds Banking Group

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dave, and learning more about his journey through the manufacturing sector, becoming a invaluable asset to the industry.

In a short QnA, we asked Dave:

1. During your time at Lloyds Bank, whilst helping to support the manufacturing sector, what has been your proudest achievement?

To have the opportunity to lead our proposition across Lloyds Bank’s  SME & Mid Corporates teams for Manufacturers over the last 10 years has been such a privilege. Having worked with or led teams who support small and mid-sized businesses in the sector for the last 36 years has also been a major highlight of my career. My proudest achievement throughout this time has been gaining the Bank’s long-term commitment to invest £15m over 15 years at the MTC – Manufacturing Technology Centre’s Training Centre in Coventry to support the sectors biggest challenge, the shortage of skills. Our sponsorship and strategic partnership will ensure the training and upskilling of more than 6000 graduates, apprentices & engineers into industry by 2030.

2. What impact do you hope to make on the manufacturing & engineering industry through your work within the sector?

As a purpose led organisation, Lloyds Banking Group has a very clear objective – to Help Britain Prosper. With the Manufacturing Sector contributing so much to the long-term prosperity of the UK economy, I intend to ensure that we have the expertise, products and propositions designed and developed to continue our long-term support to the sector. Lloyds Bank was in fact founded in Birmingham back in 1865 by 2 industrialists, so we have manufacturing running through our veins!

If we can provide tailored financial and professional support to meet the growth and investment ambitions of each manufacturer, we are contributing to the success of the businesses who encourage so much growth in the UK economy.

3. As this month’s Manufacturing Champion of the Month, who would you also like to recognize for their contributions to the industry, and why?

I would like to recognise Brian Holliday for his significant long-term contributions to the industry.

Brian is the Managing Director and Head of the Siemens Digital Industries Software for UK and Ireland working in advanced automation technology, industry software, systems integration, manufacturing and R&D. He is also a main board member of Make UK and Co-Chair of Made Smarter UK, the government-industry movement enabling makers to transform their everyday operations.

An open-minded transformational leader who has inspired, coached and supported me personally and so many others for many years. A truly inspirational and motivational sector expert who deserves more public recognition for his unwavering support across industry and his personal contribution to the sector.