Manufacturing Matters

MTA President, Bob Hunt, Managing Director of Star Micronics GB Ltd, gave a rousing speech at the MTA dinner on Thursday 18 March 2010.

He emphasised that the UK Government has at last acknowledged that MANUFACTURING MATTERS and is key to a balanced economy, alongside finance and services.

The first half of 2009 proved to be the most difficult that most can remember, but Mr Hunt wondered if politicians understood the depth of panic and fear that many SMEs in manufacturing experienced last year.

“Now, at last, we can see some small improvements,” he said, “but we need Government action, not rhetoric, and we all need to work together to restore British manufacturing to its former greatness.”

At the beginning of March, Mr Hunt attended a highly publicised event, "The Future of UK Manufacturing Summit", which took place at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering in Birdcage Walk, just 250 yards from the Houses of Parliament.  Three politicians turned up and only one stayed to the end - Malcolm Harbour European MP and Chairman of the EU Manufacturing Forum.

The thrust of Mr Hunt’s anecdote was, “Congratulations, Mr Harbour, but where were the other MPs?  It was a good opportunity for them too.”

He continued, “Our politicians have asked us to stand up and make our technology do the talking. They have asked us to train and mentor our staff to achieve better results.

“They have asked us to look after our highly skilled and ageing workforce and they have asked us to bring the youngsters of this country back into manufacturing and train them for our future.

“All of these tasks are achievable by us because MANUFACTURING MATTERS. Because of our belief, because of our experience and because we have good staff, it is not an issue for us to apply the necessary leadership qualities to achieve success.

“But, ladies and gentlemen, it does give us the right to request the same commitment and leadership qualities from our politicians.”

In conclusion, Mr Hunt pointed out that the UK is the sixth largest manufacturer in the world. The sector represents over 12 per cent of GDP and the UK exported over £177 billion in manufactured goods last year.  Engineering output is set to rise by 3.5 per cent in 2010.

A recent survey of over 500 companies indicated that in excess of 35 per cent were positive about the future.  At the latest BTMA meeting, 50 per cent of attendees reported an upturn, most were back to a five-day week and some were even recruiting.

Mr Hunt signed off with a reminder about the MTA’s forthcoming flaghip event, MACH 2010, to be held at the NEC Birmingham from 7th -11th June.  It is timed perfectly to take full advantage of the emerging upturn, he suggested.