In our first episode we are joined by Mark Lapping, who's CEO of Aquapak polymers.

Aquapak polymers are a specialist materials technology company developing innovative, sustainable polymer solutions to tackle plastic pollution. Mark's got a fantastic track record in the packaging space. He's been president of Coveris previously and he's held senior leadership roles at Paragon and Mondi.

In this episode, we will be exploring how innovation is reshaping packaging and where the biggest opportunities lie to create commercial value. We'll also dive into the importance of collaboration across the value chain and the evolving challenges around EPR and how leadership skills and capabilities in the sector need to adapt for the future.

In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, Colin Roope sits down with experienced business leader and non‑executive director Paul Hetherington to explore what truly makes a high‑performing board and how executives can successfully transition into non‑executive roles.

With a background spanning executive leadership, government advisory work, and multiple board positions, Paul brings a refreshingly honest and practical view on governance, decision‑making, and the critical role of cognitive diversity in manufacturing leadership.

Whether you're a CEO seeking better board support, or an executive curious about the NED path, this episode is packed with real‑world insight.

In this episode, Elizabeth James, Partner and Head of Education and Government Practices at Berwick Partners speaks with Professor Moira Fischbacher‑Smith and Professor Chris Pearce from the University of Glasgow about the evolving relationship between research and education in a modern, research‑intensive university. They explore how teaching and research can meaningfully reinforce one another, the shifting expectations of today’s students, and the University’s ambitions around interdisciplinary learning, sustainability and future‑focused skills.

Moira and Chris share insights into Glasgow’s 2025–2035 strategy, new initiatives such as Curriculum for Life and Glasgow Changing Futures, and the importance of creating supportive environments where academics can thrive. Their conversation highlights a sector embracing change, students hungry for real‑world relevance, and the “magic dust” of connection, collaboration and shared enthusiasm across disciplines.