Manufacturing Task Force Builds ‘Blue Print’ for Industry’s Future

04/09/2009

The Manufacturing Taskforce, brought together by the Region’s Development Agency Yorkshire Forward, met this week to discuss the future of the manufacturing sector and define a ‘Blue Print for Manufacturing’ in the industry, as it looks to prosper long-term.

The group is Chaired by Richard Wright, CEO of regionally based Intertius Ltd and former President of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, and includes industry leaders, business representatives and support bodies in the region.

The Taskforce has identified the significant support on offer to regional manufacturers, in areas like financial assistance and mentoring, and in the short term is offering much needed guidance in accessing this.  In working closely with companies within the manufacturing sector, to encourage a better understanding of the best routes to access support and improve their business, the group is looking to build a sound strategy for the future prosperity of the sector.

Richard Wright comments; “We have been working with the region’s manufacturers over the past few months to not only alert them to the opportunities and support available to them but to also communicate what we can do in real terms to help deliver this.

We need a balanced economy in which manufacturing plays a key role. In Yorkshire and Humber that now means the advanced engineering and materials, digital technologies, chemical and healthcare industries working towards a brighter future ahead, with our strategic support.

The flagship Advanced Manufacturing Park in South Yorkshire, various digital campuses and the science park at York are exemplars of the modern sector built around these industries. The recent move towards low carbon industries also represents an investment in a sub sector that has many years of opportunity in front of it. These avenues of success must be built upon and we have worked directly with businesses to explore and exploit those opportunities, as we build a working strategy for the sector to get it where it needs to be in 10 - 20 years.”

The strategy will identify priority areas where help should be focused and will set out a ‘blue print’ around which to focus efforts for long term success in what is now a global marketplace.

Attending the meeting, Regional Minister Rosie Winterton welcomed the plans, commenting:  “Manufacturing companies are finding the free financial health check available through Business Link Yorkshire helpful.  I would encourage more companies to take up the assistance available, including the new the new strategic review which can help identify how they can prepare for the opportunities the global economic upturn will offer.

“I will be working closely with the Manufacturing Task Group to identify how we ensure key manufacturing sectors in our region such as green and digital technologies, and healthcare take maximum advantage of the opportunities available and prepare us for economic recovery and future growth.”

ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Leona Thompson, Press Manager on 0113 3949589 or email Leona.thompson@yorkshire-forward.com

Yorkshire Forward
• Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to make a positive difference by investing in jobs, improving towns and cities, and in supporting businesses throughout the region.
• Yorkshire Forward’s investment across the region is maximised by attracting European Regional Development Funding from the Objectives One and Two programmes and the 2007-2013 Regional Competitiveness and Employment Programmes.