All You Need To Know About NAAME

Who Are We?

NAAME [New Anglia Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering] is the recognised sector group for manufacturing and engineering businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Our Manufacturing Groups are a trusted forum for businesses to make contact with one another and to share ideas, challenges and best practice within a culture of mutual support and encouragement.

Who Do We Work With?

Industry
Manufacturing & engineering businesses that exist throughout Norfolk & Suffolk form an integral part of NAAME as well as the relevant professional bodies and membership organisations.
Academia
Educational establishments, training providers and research facilities as well as centres of excellence and innovation hubs all play an active role in the success of NAAME.
Civic
Critical to the success of NAAME is the support and input that it receives from the public sector, including New Anglia LEP as well as the county and district councils.

What Do We Do?

The fundamental objective of NAAME is to create opportunities that stimulate innovation & productivity gains through collaboration and peer-to-peer learning, in pursuit of inclusive growth.

We are at the forefront of exploring novel industry-specific training methodologies to meet the future needs of industry.

Is Your Business Facing a Challenge?

Is your business facing a particular industry-related challenge that NAAME may be able to assist you with? Submit your details below. We can facilitate access to leading research and support.

Find Out More Here

Why Does It Matter?

The manufacturing & engineering industry throughout Norfolk & Suffolk is the third largest by employment in the region (some 84,500 people are employed at 5,900 businesses; with an additional 145,000 non-engineering jobs also supported by it). The sector has grown by 8.5% since 2010 & subsequently contributes around £5.1bn in gross value added (GVA) to the regional economy per annum.

Meet Our Team

Dr Jamie Thums MBE CEng FIET
Chair, NAAME & Chief Operating Officer, Lintott Control Systems
Dr Jamie Thums MBE CEng FIET
A Top 100 Manufacturing Figure alumni, IET Fellow, and Chartered Engineer, Jamie has amassed cutting-edge business reinvention expertise during a 30-year tenure in UK and international manufacturing businesses. In 2020, Jamie received an MBE for service to manufacturing and in 2025, he received a PhD for his change-based research from the University of East Anglia. Jamie is currently Water Technologies Operations Director at Galliford Try. Previously, Jamie was General Manager and Head of Excellence at AESSEAL plc. Reflecting his passion for the Sector, Jamie has been NAAME Chair for over 10 years, and since Spring 2025, Made Smarter East of England Chair.
Jamie Podgers
NAAME Project Manager
Jamie Podgers
Jamie is the project manager for NAAME, supporting manufacturing and engineering organisations across Norfolk and Suffolk. Jamie works with a network of seven Manufacturing Groups and the NAAME Industry Council, facilitating collaboration, peer-to-peer learning and showcasing regional innovation and skills opportunities. Jamie manages project delivery, tracks KPIs, oversees communications and marketing and engages with stakeholders from industry, academia and government to strengthen connections and drive impactful initiatives. With a reputation for efficiency, attention to detail, and client-focused delivery, Jamie is committed to advancing the region’s manufacturing and engineering sector.