Cable wants more women in industry

GOVERNMENT big hitters, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Business Secretary Vince Cable have led a major event on manufacturing today.

They were joined by 250 business and public sector leaders at the event at the Wirral Floral Pavillion, New Brighton, where the government’s industrial policy was showcased.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said investment in apprenticeships and skills would continue in partnership with businesses, but said he wanted to see more women in industry.

“Our investment in research and development and skills training plus a tax break which incentivises companies to buy new plant and machinery, is giving business the confidence to invest, securing high skilled long term jobs and building a stronger economy,  

“The UK economy badly needs technology and engineering skills. The shortfall is most acute in relation to women, where fewer than 1 in 10 UK engineering professionals are female. This is not good enough and must improve.”

He praised initiatives like Inspiring Women and See Inside Manufacturing as “crucial” in efforts to recruit more young people – and women in particular – into manufacturing.

Wednesday’s announcement  from Jaguar Land Rover that it is investing £200m in its Halewood manufacturing plant, where it will build a new Discovery Sport model, was also hailed at the event.

Business minister Michael Fallon announced that a new government funded body to attract inward investment to the UK automative sector has smashed its targets in its first year.

The Automotive Investment Organisation was created to spearhead inward investment in to the UK. It has achieved: £457m worth of investment; funded  80 projects –  beating the target of 60 projects and secured more than 5,600 supply chain jobs secured – beating the 4,000 jobsj target of 4000 jobs. target.

Mr Fallon said: “Manufacturing is driving the UK’s recovery and our vibrant automotive sector is leading the way in helping to create jobs and generate growth.”