Future of manufacturing discussed at University of Wolverhampton event
MIDLANDS accountancy firm Bloomer Heaven joined with other advisers to stage a manufacturing and engineering at the University of Wolverhampton.
Entitled Britain’s Future, delegates heard from a range of speakers covering the key issues and opportunities facing the region’s manufacturing and engineering sector.
During the conference delegates were able to discuss a range of issues impacting on the sector, including tax initiatives that can support firms to grow.
Recent surveys suggest that access to finance is still a major barrier for manufacturing and so this was a major topic for debate. Intellectual property and patent protection also formed a key part of the day’s agenda.
Exporting and bridging the skills gap – one of the most troubling issues facing the future sustainability of the sector in the region – were also discussed.
Chris Barlow, managing director and head of manufacturing at Birmingham-based Bloomer Heaven, said: ‘With the significant resources currently available to assist the manufacturing and engineering sector, in particular around tax and R&D, it is a very appropriate time to showcase and discuss the opportunities which West Midlands-based businesses can utilise to grow their businesses.
“We felt it was important to bring together representatives from the region’s manufacturing sector and for them to hear from a range of speakers about how they can maximise on the opportunities before them.”
Richard Halstead, Midlands region director at manufacturers’ body EEF said: ‘With growth and confidence steadily building within our manufacturing and engineering sector within the West Midlands, it is essential that support our local firms to take advantage of opportunities that are clearly beginning to develop.
“I was pleased that we could play our part along with Bloomer Heaven in sharing knowledge and advice that I hope will further enhance the prosperity of this vital sector of the region’s economy.”
