James Hill: Learning to Lead the Business You Grew Up In

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Manufacturing Leaders’ Podcast, Mark welcomes James Hill, Managing Director of Polar NE, a family-run business specialising in windows and doors for healthcare environments. James reflects on almost 23 years with the business, sharing how working across design, project management and operations shaped his approach to leadership before becoming MD. He discusses the challenges of stepping into the role around the onset of COVID-19, making difficult decisions and helping the team navigate uncertainty and structural change. The conversation explores what it takes to maintain a strong company culture as a business grows. James shares how the Polar NE team pulled together to overcome logistical challenges and deliver on client commitments, driven by a shared purpose of improving healthcare environments. James also talks about transparency, accountability and honest feedback, including why addressing difficult conversations early matters for both leaders and their teams. From clear communication to faster decision-making, this episode offers practical lessons for leaders managing change while keeping their people connected to the purpose behind their work. Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward. Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.  If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime. You can call us on 0191 511 1298.