A stellar line up of politicians and senior industrialists will gather at the QE2 Centre in Westminster next March for the third national manufacturing conference organised by EEF, the manufacturers' organisation and sponsored by Asset Finance Provider Lombard.
Speakers already confirmed at the event are the Secretary of State for Business Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, whilst the Chief Executive of GKN plc, Nigel Stein, will give the keynote industry address.
Panel sessions on re-shoring and exporting will give manufacturers the opportunity to learn from companies who have successfully brought production back and what help is available from government to break into overseas markets. Speakers will include Crispin Simon, Managing director of Trade at UKTI, Tony Caldeira, CEO of Caldeira Group and Sarah Brown, Managing Director of PAI Skincare.
As part of its campaign to highlight how manufacturing can contribute to a stronger economy and rising living standards, EEF will publish a major piece of research which looks at the growing trend for companies to bring production back to the UK, the drivers behind it and, the contribution this can make to our economy.
It will also look at how manufacturers are using the UK as a base to export to the rest of the world, the potential contribution to the Chancellor's target of doubling exports to £1 trillion by 2020 and, what can be done to help achieve it.
Commenting, EEF Chief Executive, Terry Scuoler, said: "The outlook for manufacturing is getting brighter and our conference will focus on two areas where things are moving in the right direction. More manufacturers are raising their ambitions on exports and a growing number are bringing some production back to the UK or are seriously looking at it.
"Our event will give manufacturers the chance to talk to Government and the Opposition about what they can do to make this a lasting trend and also to learn valuable lessons from others' success stories."
Richard Hemsley, Managing Director of Lombard, commented: "Lombard works closely with manufacturing businesses that are looking to put in place the infrastructure to achieve their business strategies, including re-shoring and building on their export capabilities. One example of the former is a UK-based sofa manufacturer. When the company faced competition from low-cost imports from the Baltic States, they turned the tables by bringing in-house the production of key components that were previously bought in from the Baltic States.
"By approaching us early in the process and working closely with us, the company got the production equipment installed quickly and was also able to benefit from a Government grant. The decision means that the company is now much more competitive, has protected its domestic market share and has established a base from which to grow into new markets."
EEF's National Manufacturing Conference is being held for the third year at the QE2 Conference Centre in Westminster. Delegates can register at www.manufacturingconference.co.uk
Add a Comment
No messages on this article yet