Emily Smith

Emily Smith is a multi-award-winning business leader in the East Midlands. Her current roles include Operations & Finance Director for Michael Smith Switchgear Limited and Managing Director for AVW Fabrications Limited.

Emily moved into the manufacturing industry in 2013 after working in an accountancy practice for 8 years where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor. Her move into the manufacturing sector prompted her to build on her finance and business knowledge and turn her hand to topics she was less familiar with such as HR and Health & Safety, with a keen focus on Mental Health in the workplace. Emily has driven key changes in the business focusing on employee’s health, safety and wellbeing, as well as being a keen advocate for environmental issues.

In September 2021, Emily was appointed Chair of the ICAEW Manufacturing Advisory Group which leads discussion on hot topics affecting manufacturers across the UK. Emily is also Chair of Hopeful Futures, working in association with the Leicestershire and Rutland charity Hope Against Cancer, to engage with a younger audience on the importance of new research into early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer.