The Tech Blog Writer Podcast - Inspired Tech Startup Stories & Interviews With Tech Leaders, Entrepreneurs And Innovators

What can the UK learn from the Nordic approach to manufacturing—and how can technology play a central role in revitalising the sector? This week on Tech Talks Daily, I sat down with Simon Ranyard, Managing Director for Northwest Europe at Orange Business, to explore the strategic differences between two regions facing similar challenges but moving in very different directions. Simon brings a unique cross-regional view, overseeing Orange Business operations across the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics. While labour shortages and productivity declines are shared concerns, Simon explains why Nordic manufacturers have responded with long-term investments in digitisation and automation, creating not just gains in efficiency but also a rise in high-skill employment. In contrast, many UK firms are still defaulting to short-term headcount increases, missing the bigger opportunity. We discuss the data behind the divergence, including why Sweden has three times the robot density of the UK, and what that means for output and