New EEF boss looks to exports and growth to ‘rejuvenate’ manufacturing

THE new chief executive of manufacturers’ organisation EEF believes that the end of the recession could usher in a ‘rejuvenated’ era for companies operating within the sector.

Terry Scuoler recognises that times remain tough for manufacturers but wants companies to act now to ensure that they are in a position to maximise future opportunities.

And part of this process will be raising the profile of the sector nationally and internationally to ensure that graduates realise that it presents attractive career opportunities.

Official figures show that the manufacturing sector in the North West is worth £20bn and employs more than 400,000 people – making it the best performing region in the country.

Its success owes much to the large number of chemicals, pharmaceutical and food and drink companies based here as well as the presence of the second largest automotive sector in Britain.

In addition, the North West is home to the country’s largest aerospace cluster – a sector Mr Scuoler knows well after spending a decade at the helm of Oldham-based Ferranti Technologies.

“Without doubt, 2009 was a tough year for us all and I don’t think that any part of the manufacturing sector escaped unscathed,” said Mr Scuoler, in his first regional interview since being appointed to the new role.

“But I am now cautiously optimistic that the manufacturing sector will emerge rejuvenated from the recession over the course of this year.

“And this owes much to the energy that I perceive to be at the heart of the sector – both in this region and nationally – as well as an export-led recovery.

“At the moment, we’ve got an exchange rate which is the best that it has been for two decades.

“I’ve no doubt that some businesses will turn this into a competitive advantage which means that now is the time for companies to drive their own recovery – and assist with the national recovery – through the overseas markets.”

Mr Scuoler served as an infantry officer for five years before beginning his commercial career in publishing and the construction industry.

Following this he joined Royal Ordnance – now part of BAE Systems – as European marketing manager. Here he worked in a number of divisions in the UK and overseas in commercial, procurement, project and general management roles.

In 1999 he became Managing Director of Ferranti Technologies which specialises in supplying avionic and mission planning sub systems, power and control solutions and tailored services to the aerospace & defence markets.

He has returned the company from years of decline and a loss-making situation to one of substantial growth and profitability.

So has Mr Scuoler seen the beginnings of an upturn within the North West’s aerospace market?

“I think that we are beginning to see an upturn in the industrial heartlands and Oldham is no exception to that,” he adds.

“The commercial aerospace sector is shuddering and continuing to contract but the white body jets and even the badly hit smaller business jet markets are moving forward.

“Overall, I’m optimistic that the recovery is on the way – as fragile as it remains.

“Certainly, I’m delighted with what has been achieved at Ferranti over the past decade.

“During that time, I think that an old electronics business has been truly revitalised and when I leave on Friday, March 12, I will certainly be very sorry to go even though I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Mr Scuoler adds that one of his first jobs when he walks into EEF’s London headquarters on Monday, March 15, will be to get to grips with the impact of legislation and regulation on manufacturers.

He added: “I’m going out to the EEF’s office in Brussels to speak to representatives there as well as MEPs about what can be done to help manufacturers.

“And it is also my intention to place the sector back at the top of the business agenda which I think is the only place for it given the amount of GDP it is responsible for.

“And part of this is making graduates aware of the career potential within the manufacturing sector.

“But I also want to rebuild the relationship between EEF and its members as well as strengthening the presence of all sectors of manufacturing within its ranks.

“Additionally, I believe that there is more that can be done to strengthen its commercial arm.”

Mr Scuoler will also lead the further development of EEF’s business services in employment law, occupational health and safety and environmental services.

He adds: “In short, I believe that this is a crucial time for our sector and the economy.

“Manufacturing remains central to our future as a high value, high skill employer and we now have an ideal opportunity to ensure this is widely recognised.

“As one of the UK’s leading business organisations EEF has a key role to play in both shaping policy and enhancing its business services.

“Both of these will be crucial in improving both the business environment for and the competitiveness of our sector.”