SQW, Oxford Innovation Advice and Enginuity are carrying out a study to quantify the cost of the skills challenges faced by UK manufacturing and engineering SMEs. As part of the research, we are organising a series of round tables bringing together SMEs and policy stakeholders. The round tables will include a presentation of our preliminary findings and an open discussion about the nature of the challenges as well as the best ways to address them. The discussion will reflect on preliminary evidence about the scale of the problem and views on the way forward whilst considering the perspectives of companies, education providers and policymakers.