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Juergen Maier of Siemens was one of the key speakers at the recent Global Manufacturing Festival Convention, held in Sheffield.

Maier urged Whitehall for better consistency in their policies and support structures for manufacturing and engineering business and appealed to both government and business to adopt an improved investment culture.

He explained how frequent changes in policy cause barriers to growth in the sector. "I am encouraged that the coalition government has moved manufacturing and engineering up the agenda; however consistency needs to be key. We need a stable environment to be able to invest and grow."

However, he went on to stress that "investment culture is the largest Achilles heel to UK manufacturing culture. We can't just blame government and banks."

He explained that more must be invested in research and development activities and capital equipment for growth as "short term processing costs can boost efficiency and competitiveness in the longer term." He praised the £200 million investment that the government has pledged to new technology and innovation centres.

Taking a similar view, Tim Wheeler from Boeing, commended the UK's manufacturing and engineering sector for its technology, innovation, skills and reliability, stressing this as the country's real competitive advantage.

"Manufacturing in the UK continues to transform itself to stay ahead in a highly competitive market and is an innovator of advanced products.

"We (Boeing) are committed to growth in the UK. We're here because of the skills, high technology and reliability that exists here and this is what makes the UK attractive to overseas markets."

He also praised the Sheffield Region's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC) saying that it has "created a fantastic global reputation."
 

Business Minister Mark Prisk commented about how the government is facing the important issues raised during the convention head on: "Growth in the UK manufacturing sector is helping it to play a central role in our economic recovery and we are supporting industry by creating a stable environment that will encourage businesses to plan and invest for the future.

"We are doing this by creating a more supportive tax environment, freeing up credit through the banking system, reducing regulation, maximising the flexibility of the labour market, and focusing on training and apprenticeships.

"I was delighted to attend the launch of the Global Manufacturing Festival in January which will play an important role in showcasing UK excellence and encouraging more companies to export abroad. Sheffield's great manufacturing heritage and enterprising spirit make the city an ideal venue for this festival which will be attended by businessmen and women from around the world."

Minister for Trade and Investment Lord Green added: "The UK manufacturing sector delivers more than 55 per cent of total UK exports, contributing £140 billion to the UK economy. It also employs more than 2.5 million people, and is, therefore, essential in driving economic growth. UK Trade & Investment has a key part to play in promoting this successful sector overseas to stimulate both exports and inward investment.

"The Global Manufacturing Festival in Sheffield is a timely celebration of the UK manufacturing industry and it is fitting that this is being celebrated in Sheffield as the region has a longstanding heritage for innovation and quality in manufacturing."

Sheffield's own Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber and Chairman of the Yorkshire and Humber Manufacturing Task Group, was the Master of Ceremonies at the event. Wright commented: "Manufacturing is one of the sectors which can generate wealth from abroad but it can also reduce imports. Both of these are necessary to balance the UK budget.

"The Global Manufacturing Festival will be an opportunity to showcase the knowledge, technology and expertise which is so rich in Sheffield City Region. I am delighted to chair the convention and bring business leaders together to discuss best practice for the future development of the industry."

The Manufacturing Convention, the headline event at the Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield, in association with the Financial Times, The Manufacturer and EEF, also heard from other industry figureheads from some of the most influential companies in the world including: the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Proskills and Tata Steel.

The event also discussed the key manufacturing issues relating to emerging markets, the UK skills strategy, the key growth area of advanced manufacturing and the nuclear sector - a topic which is particularly prevalent given the current situation in Japan. The Convention is sponsored by Made in Sheffield and Outokumpu. The Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield is sponsored by Nabarro LLP and Firth Rixson.

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