S04E03 | Can UK Manufacturing Compete? Rowan Crozier on Global Growth and Thinking Bigger.

Episode Summary:

In Episode 3 of Season 4, we speak with Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer, one of the UK’s leading precision stamping specialists, about what it really takes to scale a British manufacturing business in a global market.

Rowan leads a business that exports 85% of its products worldwide, supplying into aerospace, automotive, medical, and emerging sectors like green energy. He also plays a national role in skills development and manufacturing policy.

In this episode, we dig into:

• What it takes to sell precision UK manufacturing on a global stage
• How Brandauer stays ahead with automation, apprenticeships, and investment
• Why UK firms must better understand their identity and value
• The realities of running a small business with big ambition
• What Rowan wants government and industry leaders to understand now

Whether you’re leading a small team or trying to grow your export footprint, this episode is full of hard-won lessons and practical insight.

Key Topics:

• Exporting 85% of production from a Birmingham base
• How a Tier 2 manufacturer can win Tier 1 work
• Digital transformation, robotics, and automation in precision stamping
• Why Brandauer doubled down on marketing, video, and branding
• The importance of apprenticeships and succession planning
• Rowan’s national work on skills policy and leadership in manufacturing
• The balance between being proud of British manufacturing and thinking globally
• The real cost of standing still

Episode Quote:

"There’s no such thing as small anymore. If you want to grow, you have to act like a global business." – Rowan Crozier

Sponsors:

SteelBuy is a digital marketplace built for the metals industry, helping buyers and sellers connect with speed, transparency, and simplicity.

NERO Pipeline Connections is a trusted UK stockholder of stainless steel valves, fittings, and pipeline products, supporting industries from process to precision.

Comton Group Ltd. is a specialist recruiter for the metal, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, helping businesses hire the right people from shop floor to senior leadership.

About The Metal Guys Talk Business

Hosted by Peter Comerford and Mike Bolton, The Metal Guys Talk Business is a podcast for professionals in the metal, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. Each episode explores the challenges, changes, and big ideas shaping the industry from the shop floor to boardroom.

Connect with the Hosts and Guest(s):

Peter Comerford – Connect on LinkedIn
Mike Bolton – Connect on LinkedIn
Rowan Crozier – Connect on LinkedIn