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PLANNING THE FUTURE
OF MANUFACTURING IN THE SOUTH EAST
18th December 2002
The future of manufacturing and key concerns affecting
businesses were discussed by leading manufacturers in the South
East at an event jointly organised by the South East England Development
Agency (SEEDA), the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and the
Engineering Employers Federation (EEF-South).
The event gave leading manufacturers in the region the opportunity
to input into a Manufacturing Action Plan for the South East.
The summit focused on the needs of employers in the South East
and the excellent feedback will assist SEEDA, the MAS and the
EEF-South to effectively plan their future services to assist
the performance of manufacturing businesses.
Chaired by SEEDA Board Member, Rob Douglas, the summit included
a presentation from Director of Business and International at
SEEDA, Marianne Neville-Rolfe. Four highly productive breakout
groups were also held which focused on key issues facing manufacturers
including learning and skills, science and innovation and best
practice. A presentation was also given by SEEDA Chairman and
leading manufacturer, Allan Willett CMG, who discussed the future
of manufacturing in the South East.
Manufacturing is critical to the prosperity of the South East
where 25,000 manufacturing enterprises contribute £18 billion
to the economy and employ more than 500,000 people, representing
19% of the region's business workforce. South East businesses
exported approximately £28 billion of manufactured goods
in 2000, the highest figure of any UK region.
Commenting on the success of the summit, Marianne Neville-Rolfe
said: 'Although SEEDA and its partners in the region have
limited control over the general market environment, they can
influence central government by providing feedback to policy and
decision makers on intelligence gathered from businesses. We can
use one budget with partners to support and encourage best practice
and innovation programmes, which help manufacturers meet the challenges
of global competition. We have gained extremely valuable information
from this summit which we will strive to incorporate into our
future strategies and plans.'
SEEDA and the MAS are also hosting a manufacturing networking
and best practice event at Southern Manufacturing at Thorpe Park,
Surrey on 19 and 20 February 2003. A programme of conferences,
masterclasses and technical seminars will create the biggest learning
opportunity for manufacturing businesses ever seen in the region.
The event will look at the key issues facing manufacturers in
the future, offering information and advice whilst tackling a
wide range of practical topics such as data protection and health
and safety.
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