ASG Group Director Mandy Ridyard Appointed to National Manufacturing Commission
ASG Group is proud to announce that Mandy Ridyard, Director of ASG Produmax, has been appointed to the National Manufacturing Commission as part of its newly launched inquiry into how the Government’s Industrial Strategy can best support UK manufacturing SMEs.
The Commission, the research arm of the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group (APMG), plays a vital role in shaping policy recommendations that strengthen UK manufacturing. Its latest inquiry will scrutinise how the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, launched in June 2025, can deliver practical, long-term support for SMEs—the backbone of the UK’s 250,000 active manufacturing businesses.
The inquiry will address critical themes such as; Building sovereign capability, tackling energy costs and infrastructure challenges, improving access to finance and streamlining the regulatory environment.
By gathering evidence from industry leaders, academics, and policymakers, the Commission aims to ensure SMEs can thrive, innovate, and play a central role in delivering national resilience and economic growth.
Speaking on her appointment, Mandy Ridyard said: “SMEs are the lifeblood of UK manufacturing and play a crucial role in creating innovation, resilience, and jobs across our regions. I am honoured to join the National Manufacturing Commission at such a pivotal time, ensuring the voice of SME manufacturers is heard loud and clear as the Industrial Strategy takes shape.”
“At ASG Produmax, we’ve seen first-hand how the right ingredients can help drive innovation enabling SMEs to compete globally. Support around cheap green energy, investment, skills, and digitisation, for example, will help ensure a bright future for UK manufacturing.”
The Commission’s inquiry is chaired by Bill Esterson MP and Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea CBE, DL, and is supported by the ERA Foundation. A steering group of industry experts—including senior figures from academia, advanced manufacturing, and SME leadership—will guide the work and help shape actionable recommendations for the Government.
ASG Group CEO Simon Weston commented on the appointment; "We are delighted that Mandy has been invited to join the Manufacturing Commission. Her experience leading ASG Produmax and championing SME growth makes her a strong voice for advanced manufacturing and the critical role SMEs play in driving innovation, exports, and resilience.”
About the Manufacturing Commission
The Manufacturing Commission is the research arm of the APMG. It brings together Parliamentarians with leaders from across the UK manufacturing sector to publish influential reports that guide Government and industry decision-making.
Its latest inquiry will ensure the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy delivers on its promise: incentivising innovation, reducing energy costs, improving supply chain resilience, and securing long-term competitiveness for manufacturing SMEs.
About ASG Group
ASG Group is trusted by prestigious global customers across the aerospace, defence and semiconductor markets. The group engineers safety critical components and assemblies using the most advanced manufacturing technologies. Headquartered in Manchester and employing almost 500 people, ASG Group has sites across the North West, Yorkshire, the Midlands and Germany, with an annual turnover exceeding $80m.