National manufacturing conference takes shape

The conference, on 26 February at the QE2 centre in Westminster will be opened by EEF CEO, Terry Scuoler with keynote speakers Rt Hon Matthew Hancock MP, the business, enterprise & energy minister and Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator of the Financial Times.

The morning panel session will feature industry best practice exemplars, providing delegates with the opportunity to hear from, and quiz, industry leaders on how they are achieving success and the factors driving this. Speakers currently confirmed are: Tony Walker, deputy managing director, Toyota UK; Nicola Salter, HR director, Williams F1; Richard Kirk, CEO, PolyPhotonix

The afternoon debate ‘Sustaining the Renaissance – 20 years on’ will look at the opportunities for manufacturing over the next 20 years, how different industry might look in two decades’ time, and what manufacturers need to do to prepare today. Speakers will include: Dick Elsy, CE, High Value Manufacturing Catapult; Brian Holliday, MD, Siemens Digital Factory; and Sophie Thomas, co-director of design, Royal Society of Arts

As part of its ‘Make it Britain’ campaign in the run up to the General Election, EEF will also publish its full election manifesto, laying down a challenge to all three main parties to pursue policies that will promote jobs and growth.

Commenting, EEF CE, Terry Scuoler, said: "Next year's conference will come at a critical time for business and all three main parties must have growth at the centre of their policies. Our event will give manufacturers the chance to talk to government and, opposition, about what the priorities should be to boost jobs and investment.” 

Richard Hemsley, MD of Lombard, commented: "We are delighted to be headline sponsor of what is a landmark event in the UK manufacturing calendar. The conference represents a unique opportunity to interact with key decision makers in both politics and industry and offers a chance to look to the future and understand the challenges that await.

"We look forward to hearing from a fantastic selection of speakers, who will provide a huge amount of insight into how the vitally important manufacturing sector can achieve success both now and in the years ahead."