Pedder aims to push for more urgency in getting behind manufacturing

THE activate promotion of manufacturing and innovation will be the key aims of the new Master Cutler, Tony Pedder, who has been formally installed at the Cutlers’ Hall.

The Company of Cutlers dates back to 1624. The Master Cutler acts as an ambassador, representing the industries of the Sheffield region.

Mr Pedder, who is a former chief executive of steelmaker Corus, takes over from Neil MacDonald, group finance director of Rotherham-based manufacturer, AESSEAL. Mr Pedder is also the chairman of Sheffield Forgemasters International, and earlier this year was awarded an OBE.

He said: “A very positive feature of the Cutlers’ Company is the evident continuity between successive Masters. Like my immediate predecessors in this role, I will use my year of office to continue to bang the drum for manufacturing, particularly in Hallamshire.

“Specifically, I hope to continue to push for more urgency in getting behind manufacturing and really putting into practice the rhetoric we’re getting from all parties about the importance of rebalancing the economy towards manufacturing. Let’s not get lost in election-related short-termism. Let’s really embed and underpin for the long-term the recovery signs we’re now beginning to see.

“My overriding theme is competitiveness and ensuring a competitive environment to facilitate manufacturing growth. Very high on my list is energy policy.”

In addition to his roles, he is also chair of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust, chair of the University of Sheffield’s governing body – the University Council – and chair of the board of the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

 

Close