Investing in the Smart Factory: Possibilities, Buy In, and Future Trends

Ines Ashton is the Digital and AI Strategy Director at The Compleat Food Group, leading the company’s digital transformation across manufacturing, data, and AI. With over 15 years of experience spanning banking, publishing, oil, pharmaceuticals, and FMCG, she has previously driven large-scale analytics and AI programmes at Shell and Mars Inc. Ines is passionate about using data and technology to build smarter, more resilient businesses — and brings a people-first, practical approach to digital change. Outside of work, she’s an animal lover with two dogs, three cats, and a lively fishpond.

With 20 years’ manufacturing experience, Rich leads a 24/5 operation producing 300 million packs of cheese a year for major retailers, focusing on lean principles, smart automation and skilled colleagues to deliver operational excellence.

Combining food‑industry management & academic leadership, 8 years in blue‑chip manufacturing & 20 years at Sheffield Hallam (11 at AFIC), she connects partners to deliver sustainable solutions, secure funding & apply emerging technologies effectively.

Liz Salter is an automation expert and Industrial Associate at Cambridge University’s IfM Engage, specialising in robotics and digital manufacturing projects, and helping companies identify 'best-fit' automation solutions. With industrial client experience at firms from small, family-owned SMEs, through privately and publicly owned mid-size manufacturers, to multinationals across all sectors, Liz bridges the gap between complex research and practical, scalable industrial operations for manufacturers.

Bethan Grylls is the Editor of Food Manufacture, which commands the largest audience of any online platform dedicated solely to readers working in the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. Prior to joining Food Manufacture (part of the William Reed group), she led New Food Magazine’s content team. She has been working as a professional writer for more than a decade and was responsible for organising one of the world’s largest virtual, scientific food and beverage conferences in 2021. Bethan is a regular speaker at food and drink events and chairs Food Manufacture’s esteemed Business Leaders Forum, she is also the host for the brand’s prestigious food and drink awards, and a well-respected thought-leader in her field. Bethan serves as a technical advisor on the Clean Label Project’s UK board and is a judge for Ecotrophelia 2023. She is also responsible for National Butcher’s Week, a social event operated under the Meat Trades Journal brand.