Staffordshire’s manufacturing future to be outlined at conference tomorrow

STAFFORDSHIRE’S manufacturing firms are to assess the current strength of the industry at a business conference this weekend.

The Staffordshire Manufacturing 2020 conference, organised by the Staffordshire Manufacturers Forum, will celebrate the strength of the county’s manufacturing industry, showcasing a number of its world class businesses and the crucial role they play in helping to create jobs, wealth, and investment.

Organisers said the conference, which takes place at Stoke City’s Britannia tomorrow, is a chance to highlight the county’s broad skills base, world-class research and development facilities, excellent infrastructure and strong supply chain.

It will look forward to where the county’s manufacturing firms will be in 2020.

Tom Nadin, sector co-ordinator at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Staffordshire has a particularly strong manufacturing sector, and it is important to look ahead and plan for sustainable success.

“The conference will allow speakers from industry leaders to discuss where they see their business heading, future challenges, and opportunities to grow.

“Around 39,000 people in the region are employed in advanced manufacturing. The event provides an opportunity for manufacturers to hear about new funding opportunities to develop their workforce skills and to boost business growth and profitability.”

Chris Carr, Deputy Director of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skill’s Advanced Manufacturing and Services Directorate, will outline the government’s position on manufacturing, as well as discussing the importance of the industry and its future direction.