Responding, EEF West Midlands said it was now essential the advisory group played a key role in evaluating the performance of the previous strategy and where policy should now focus.
Commenting, Ian Smith, Chief Executive of EEF West Midlands, said:
“This is welcome recognition by government of the key role manufacturing has to play in a high value modern economy. It is essential that the group keeps government focused on delivering the right competitive environment in which companies can continue to flourish.”
He also welcomed the focus on how manufacturers can take advantage of green technologies and climate change, but cautioned that other key issues must not become subsumed to this agenda alone.
Mr Smith added:
“Green technologies and climate change will provide undoubted opportunities for manufacturers. However, this is not the only game in town and must be seen in the context of a wider strategy for manufacturing to succeed. In particular, an emphasis on green issues must not be at the expense of issues such as skills, innovation and a competitive tax and financial regime”.
EEF will shortly publish a joint report with Deloitte on opportunities provided to manufacturers by a Low Carbon Economy.
EEF West Midlands is the largest employers’ association in the region, representing primarily engineering, manufacturing and technology-based organisations.
Serving those member companies is a team of 160+ staff providing a wide range of experience and expertise.
EEF West Midlands supports and advises on all aspects of HR including employment law and employee relations (ER). The ER team handles hundreds of employment tribunals for members annually. Other areas of support include health, safety and the environment. With its training centres, EEF West Midlands can also help develop the workforce required for businesses to succeed. Regionally and nationally EEF represents the interests of those determining the economic and social conditions in which employers operate.