LCS Conference & Awards

This full-day event offers:

Inspiring keynote sessions from industry thought leaders.
Interactive breakout workshops tailored to your interests.
Unparalleled networking opportunities with 200+ improvement practitioners, leaders, and innovators.
A prestigious evening awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the improvement community.

This is your chance to be part of shaping the future of improvement methods.

Event Details

Date: Friday 12th September 2025
Venue: The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

Tickets:
Conference Tickets: £399 (Tickets include breakfast, lunch and all day refreshments)
Awards Ceremony Tickets: £149 (Tickets include a three-course sit down meal)
Full Access (Conference + Awards): £499

10% discount when purchasing 5 or more tickets. Discount codes available at checkout.

Keynote Speaker - Roger Black MBE

Roger Black is one of Britains most successful athletes winning 15 major championship medals over 14 years. His greatest achievements were winning the Olympic 400m silver medal in Atlanta in 1996 and 4x400m relay World Championship Gold medals in 1991 and 1997. He is particularly admired for overcoming several serious injuries and set backs throughout his career. Since retiring from athletics in 1998 Roger has been a Television Presenter, Motivational Speaker, Brand Ambassador and entrepreneur. He was an ambassador for Team GB at the 2012 Olympic Games and is co-founder of performance consultancy BackleyBlack with fellow Olympian Steve Backley OBE

John led the world’s first MSc in Lean for 16 years at Cardiff University and University of Buckingham. A renowned Lean expert, he has authored several key books, including The Lean Toolbox, Human Lean, The Service Systems Toolbox, and The Lean Games and Simulations book.

John Bicheno

Emeritus Professor of Lean Enterprise, University of Buckingham

Bringing a strong Learning and Development background, Minhee joined ESB Lean Academy as a manager in 2024, leveraging her expertise to enhance Lean capability and drive continuous improvement.

Minhee Won

Operational Excellence Manager - Lean Academy, ESB

Stephen has spent his career helping organisations execute their Operational Excellence strategy, including Zurich Insurance, UBS, and now Close Brothers. As Head of Operational Excellence & Automation, he has seen the value of enhancing lean methods with Automation, AI, and Digital Workflows.

Stephen Durnin

Head of Operational Excellence & Automation CoE, Close Brothers

With 25 years in the NHS, Jen Knight has led Frimley Health’s improvement methodology for five years, fostering a culture of continuous learning. She’s passionate about Lean, driving efficiency, patient care, and staff engagement through collaboration and empowerment.

Jen Knight

Head of Frimley Excellence at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Maneesh Kumar is a Professor of Service Operations and Pro Dean for Technology Systems and Data at Cardiff Business School. His research spans Lean Six Sigma, Industry 4.0/5.0, and operational excellence. He has trained over 1,000 executives globally and published 200+ articles.

Maneesh Kumar

Pro Dean for Technology, Systems and Data, Cardiff Business School

A transformation leader with 50+ years of experience, including 30+ in OpEx. A strategic advisor to C-suite executives, Peter drives customer-focused improvements and high-performing teams and has led major transformations at LEGO, Maersk, Virgin Media and Vodafone.

Peter Evans

Operational Excellence Leader

The NDA Group comprises four specialist companies—Sellafield, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), and Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS)—overseeing 17 sites to safely decommission facilities, manage waste, and restore environments.

NDA Group

Why attend?

Stay Ahead of Industry Trends

Discover the latest advancements in Continuous Improvement, Lean, and Operational Excellence through inspiring keynotes, expert-led breakout sessions, and a panel discussion featuring global thought leaders.

Unparalleled Networking Opportunities

Connect with over 200 improvement professionals from around the world, including senior leaders, practitioners, and innovators. Build valuable relationships and exchange ideas with those shaping the future of improvement.

Celebrate Excellence in Improvement

Be part of a prestigious awards ceremony that recognises outstanding achievements in the improvement community. Enjoy an evening of celebration, inspiration, and meaningful connections.

Format of the day

Time

Activity

09.00am

10.00am

10.15am

11.05am

11.35am

12.35am

1.25pm

2.30pm

3.30pm

4.30pm

5.30pm

6.30pm

7.15pm

8.00pm

8.30pm

Arrival, Registration & Breakfast

Welcome address

Keynote Speaker

Break & Networking

Breakout Sessions (Round 1)

Breakout Sessions (Round 2)

Lunch & Networking

Breakout Session (Round 3)

Expert Panel Discussion

Closing Keynote

Networking

Awards Begin

Awards Dinner

Final Awards

Optional Evening Drinks

Awards Ceremony

The LCS Awards Ceremony will take place in the evening of the conference at the same venue. Celebrating excellence in Improvement, recognising individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact in the field. With 10 award categories, the event honours achievements in innovation, leadership, and sustainable improvement practices. This prestigious evening brings together industry leaders and practitioners to celebrate success, share best practices, and inspire the next generation of improvement professionals.