Royal endorsement for North East conference

The conference, hosted by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation is designed for manufacturers to explore the commercial opportunities presented by the move to a low carbon economy.

The letter from Clarence House stated “Developing innovative products and services that reduce CO2 emissions must be one of the keys to moving the UK to a low-carbon economy. Unlocking the engineering talents for individuals will also prove vital.”

Mike O'Brien QC MP, Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change will be speaking at the conference. He joins a programme of leading manufacturing and energy experts from EEF and the Technology Strategy Board.

Those attending will discover how they can enter new markets and access financial and guidance support to profit from the commercial opportunities presented by a low carbon economy.

EEF’s CEO, Gilbert Toppin, added “Innovation in low carbon products and services is a significant step towards cementing a company’s position in a low carbon economy.

“Linking into the supply chains being formed can establish an early toehold in emerging global markets.

“Manufacturers in the North East have proven that the UK, and the North East, can lead the way in low carbon technology. The involvement of the support organisations One North East, The Carbon Trust and ourselves is extremely important to help manufacturers invest in developing new products and technology.”

One North East, the Carbon Trust, the May Day Network, Lloyds TSB and British Gas Business are supporting the event. Alex Fowler, Energy Analysis and Policy Specialist Advisor at One North East said “The move to a low carbon economy opens up significant opportunities for growth and investment. Manufacturers should be looking at where they can prosper now in order to take advantage.”

The Delivering the low carbon economy - opportunities for manufactures event is being held at St James’ Park on 26 November 2008. More information can be found at www.eef.org.uk/lowcarbon or by calling Greg Ward on 0191 4165656.

Manufacturers also have the unique opportunity to speak to the support organisations and experts at the ‘support surgery’, where private meeting rooms are available for one-to-one discussions.

Notes for editors

Speakers

Gilbert Toppin, CEO, EEF

Mike O'Brien QC MP, Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change

Chris Pywell, Head of Strategic Economic Change, One North East

Dr Garry Staunton, Director of Technology, The Carbon Trust

Peter Flinn, Lead Technologist (advanced manufacture), Technology Strategy Board

Support surgery

Opportunity for delegates to speak to the support organisations to understand how they can utilise the resources available. Private meeting rooms are available to discuss their needs and requirements and how to access support for their specific projects and ideas.

Support surgery - organisations

EEF

One NorthEast

The Carbon Trust

British Gas Business

The May Day Network

Lloyds TSB

More

For more information contact Jenny Russell 0191 4165656 or 07827891808 jrussell@eef.org.uk

EEF has more than 500 member companies in the North East of England and provides the most cost effective legal, employment law, employee relations and HS&E advice and training in the UK.

EEF employs teams of HR and employment specialists and has access to more than 60 lawyers and barristers to help its members understand the issues associated with the ever increasing introduction of legislation and regulation.

Membership of EEF gives immediate unlimited access to the team of specialists - including the largest specialist employment law team in the UK, which provides professional no-nonsense advice and guidance either by telephone or in person.

In addition, EEF represents the interests of its members at UK Government, European and international level, and can provide advice and support on issues and legislation that can affect almost every aspect of business.

Visit www.eef.org.uk for further information