Member Article

Innovation key to manufacturing growth

A MANUFACTURING support organisation has announced plans to help regional companies within the sector be more innovative, productive and globally competitive.

The Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) works with employers to foster growth and ensure the North East remains at the forefront of manufacturing and engineering developments.

However, Government statistics show that the region is lagging behind other parts of the UK when it comes to innovation and patent registrations.

In response to these statistics, and a statement by Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, who reinforced the importance of productivity to the UK’s economy, the AMF is making the innovation agenda one of its key priorities and is actively engaging with North East universities, organisations and leaders within the field to offer advice and guidance to its members.

Ian Fawdon, Chairman of the AMF, said: “There is a clear recognition that the North East lags in terms of innovation and patents secured. This, however, is not reflected in the internal processes within local companies who are demonstrating a desire to be more innovative and develop cutting edge techniques to support their growth.

“They’re also committed to improving productivity which, as we’ve heard from Mark Carney, is vital to this country’s growth.

“What we need is support for our manufacturers, whether it’s through funding or expert help in ensuring the appropriate processes are being adhered to. “Being innovative and productive is vital to the continued growth of the North East’s manufacturing industry and will ensure we remain globally competitive and at the forefront of developments.”

The AMF was set up eight years ago by Geoff Ford, originally as the South Tyneside Manufacturing Forum with the vision of supporting and fostering the growth of manufacturing within the borough.

But after continued membership growth, the geographical boundaries were widened and the forum was re-branded to reflect its regional identity.

Ian, who himself has worked within the manufacturing industry for the likes of Nissan and LG Electronics, took over the role of chairman from Ford Aerospace founder Geoff two years ago and is supported by a board of directors from companies including J Barbour and Son, Cell Pack Solutions and Phoenix Steel, as well as representatives from South Tyneside College and South Tyneside Council.

Ian added: “Each month we have a manufacturers’ round-up where our members update on how their business is performing and what’s extremely encouraging is how many are reporting growth and plans for continued expansion in 2015. There are plenty of signs of optimism and evidence that our manufacturing and engineering sectors are getting back to what they once were.

“Yes, business conditions remain challenging, especially for those within to the oil industry, but the majority of members can articulate realistic growth expectations.

“The biggest threat for nearly all member’ strategic plans is access to skilled workers, whether it is the supply of committed and conscientious talent from schools into apprenticeships or the lack of recruits available with core skills such as CNC, CAD or welding. There is a desire, particularly from SMEs, to partner with training providers who can offer flexible and bespoke solutions to their skills needs and this is another area we’re actively looking at as part of the support we offer to our members.”

The AMF, which is based in South Shields, now has over 60 members including Faltec Europe, Liebherr Sunderland and Tyne and Wear Marine.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leanne English .