Steatite boss in House of Commons manufacturing summit

THE head of a Worcestershire manufacturer shed light on the industry during an important question and answer session at the House of Commons.

John Lavery, managing director of Redditch-based rugged systems and battery pack manufacturer Steatite, joined other businesses from the town together with Redditch MP Karen Lumley.

The delegation had been invited to Westminster by Business Minister Michael Fallon, who was keen to discuss issues around the growth of the manufacturing sector.

Key issues at the meeting included employment, bank borrowing, investment for growth, export, employment law and red tape from local and national government.

Mr Laverty also addressed the issue of TUPE Law (The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) and the difficulties encountered by SMEs in attempting to win large contracts due to restrictions in both European and National procurement processes.

Steatite, part of Solid State, employs over 90 staff and is charting growth through acquisitions and new business. The company was one of the participants in TheBusinessDesk.com’s Manufacturing round table event.