Send us a text

In this episode, David Yodaiken shares the lessons learned on his path from working at the ground level in his father's electronics company to becoming CEO of Cyclops Electronics. David talks about the value of gaining outside experience before joining the family business, how trust and over-communication have shaped his leadership, and the importance of breaking unhelpful habits to improve organisational culture. He also explores how Cyclops is focusing on delivering more value to existing customers while expanding into new markets.

Key takeaways:

▪️Experience outside the family business shaped David’s leadership and perspective.

▪️Trust and clear communication are essential to building strong teams.

▪️Breaking poor habits is crucial for improving internal culture and processes.

▪️Cyclops Electronics is focused on adding value and exploring new growth opportunities.

Connect with us on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/10126589/admin/page-posts/published/

Like, Share and leave a Review - this really means the world to us!

Please subscribe to the channel for more content! Theo James are a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.
Please call us on 0191 5111 298

Please subscribe to the channel for more content! Theo James are a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. Please call us on 0191 5111 298

Send us a text

In this episode, Matthew Stephenson, Managing Director of Sweet Dreams, shares his inspiring 18-year journey — from launching a quirky confectionery brand to selling it successfully to Sugar Rich. He opens up about the highs, lows, and key leadership lessons along the way.

🔹 Leadership means making tough decisions that impact people you care about
🔹 Building a “mental box” helped him compartmentalise challenges and stay focused
🔹 ChocNibbles evolved into a standout brand with a bold, disruptive personality
🔹 Managing the sale himself brought authenticity — but also real pressure
🔹 A small, trusted team of honest advisors was vital to the deal’s success

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe to help the show grow.
💬 Passionate about finding your dream role or building a brilliant team? Let’s connect.

Please subscribe to the channel for more content! Theo James are a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. Please call us on 0191 5111 298

Send us a text

Celebrating the 100th episode of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast with Paul Butler, CEO of the North East Automotive Alliance, who shares insights on the strength and future of the region’s automotive sector.

Key Highlights:

• £10.3bn turnover, 27,000 direct jobs, and 12 vehicles produced per employee (UK avg: 3.9)
• North East leads the UK in automation with 500+ robots per 10,000 workers
• Nissan Sunderland builds 36% of all UK passenger vehicles
• 25% of February’s vehicle sales were fully electric
• Sector needs 20,000 new recruits in five years, with digital tech and skills at the forefront

Like, Share and leave a Review - this really means the world to us!

Please subscribe to the channel for more content! Theo James are a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. Please call us on 0191 5111 298

Send us a text

🎙️ Elfie, Director at Egger Hexham, shares how strong values and bold leadership have built one of the North East’s most respected manufacturers.

🔹 Family values & respect shape a culture where generations choose to work
🔹 1,400 applicants for their apprenticeship program – and 20% of staff are ex-apprentices
🔹 Long-term thinking & reinvestment are core to Egger’s success
🔹 Sustainability has been central to their strategy for decades 🌱

👇 Like, subscribe, and get in touch with Mark and the Theo James team if you’re passionate about your career or your people.

0330 1340 274

#ManufacturingLeaders #NorthEastJobs #Egger #Sustainability #Leadership

Please subscribe to the channel for more content! Theo James are a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. Please call us on 0191 5111 298

Send us a text

Valda Goodfellow the co-owner of Goodfellow and Goodfellow, was this weeks guest on the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast.

Valda had a dream from the age of 8 years old of building a UK manufacturing factory. She shares her bold journey of grit, vision, and fearless leadership.

🏭 Obsessed with the magic of making
🚫 Calls out the risks of remote work
🤝 Champions collaboration over competition
💼 Sold her company but far from slowing down
💬 “If you really want it—go for it. That opportunity may not come again.”

Manufacturing Leaders Podcast is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

#ManufacturingLeaders #WomenInManufacturing #Leadership #UKManufacturing #NoMissedOpportunities

Please subscribe to the channel for more content! Theo James are a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. Please call us on 0191 5111 298

Send us a text

Carole Williamson, In-Work Support and Training Officer at Durham County Council, explains why embracing neurodiversity in the workplace benefits everyone.

Key Points:

• Neurodiversity reflects the natural variations in human cognition, yet traditional workplaces often exclude neurodivergent talent.
• Many neurodivergent individuals mask their traits to fit in, and many—especially autistic women—remain undiagnosed.
• Inclusive workplaces start with education, practical accommodations, and rethinking hiring processes to focus on skills, not interviews.
• The "Four S’s" framework—See, Support, Safety, and Success—helps create a truly neuro-inclusive environment.

Please subscribe to the channel for more content! Theo James are a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. Please call us on 0191 5111 298

Send us a text

Ian Brown, Managing Director of Excelpoint Limited, shares insights on no-code technology and its transformative impact on the manufacturing and engineering sectors through data utilisation, process improvement, and technological innovation. His leadership philosophy centers on empowerment, accountability, and creating a culture where people feel valued.

• Empowering Leadership & Decision-Making – Leading by example while encouraging team members to take ownership fosters a proactive and engaged workforce.
• The Reality of No-Code & Automation – No-code technology has evolved over 22 years, enabling system creation without coding, while automation secures jobs rather than eliminating them.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making – Transforming raw data into actionable insights helps leaders make informed, strategic decisions.
• AI & The Future of Manufacturing – AI integration will reshape manufacturing, making practical, hands-on skills even more valuable.

Like and subscribe to help grow the Manufacturing Leaders podcast. Get in touch if you're looking for more than just recruitment - we want to help improve people's lives and work with businesses that share our values.

Please subscribe to the channel for more content! Theo James are a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

Please call us on 0191 5111 298

Please subscribe to the channel for more content! Theo James are a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. Please call us on 0191 5111 298

Send us a text

Kieran Wood, General Manager of Tiger Lifting, explores how data is reshaping supply chain management.

🚀 The shift from relationship-based decision-making to data-driven strategies
🔍 Why understanding processes is crucial before digitalization
🤝 Engaging frontline staff for successful tech adoption
📦 Reshoring trends and supply chain capacity challenges
💰 Optimizing processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency

Like & subscribe to support the show! Need recruitment expertise? Contact Mark or the Theo James team.

Please subscribe to the channel for more content! Theo James are a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. Please call us on 0191 5111 298