In this episode, I spoke with Anthony Walker, Strategic Manager at Liverpool John Moores University. With over 15 years of experience supporting SMEs, Anthony brings a practical and jargon-free approach to innovation, helping manufacturing leaders embrace change, adopt new technologies, and unlock real growth.

We explored what’s actually working on the ground, from demystifying Industry 4.0 to building partnerships between academia and industry, and how manufacturers can move forward without feeling overwhelmed by technology.

Innovation That’s Grounded in Reality

Our highlights from the conversation:

★ Start small, but start somewhere
Anthony explains why innovation isn’t a revolution, it’s an evolution. He shares how simple pilot projects and clear ROI can build the confidence needed to move forward with new tech.

★ Data isn’t optional anymore
Many SMEs are still relying on guesswork. Anthony talks about how collecting and using data (even basic energy monitoring) can reveal easy wins that improve productivity and cut costs.

★ Don’t get lost in the acronyms
MES, ERP, IoT… there’s a lot to take in. Anthony’s approach is to focus on the business goal first, then work backwards to find the right tools, partners, and support.

🎧 Tune In

If you’re leading a manufacturing business and want to adopt new tech without wasting time or budget, this episode offers a refreshingly honest take on how to do just that. Anthony shares examples, mindset shifts, and how the Horizons Project is helping SMEs prepare for the future.

You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full conversation on YouTube. And if you enjoy it, follow the show-we’ve got more episodes coming with practical advice from people who know what it takes to move manufacturing forward.