"I want you to be delighted with the breadth and quality of our service"
Terry Scuoler, CEO
Leading from the front
I have been involved with EEF for the past decade and as someone with a real passion and commitment to British manufacuring, it seemed a natural next step for me to take up his exciting leadership role at EEF.
I would like to see us continuing to make a tangible difference to your business both through the range of services we offer, and our dynamic policy engagement with Government and its supporting agencies.
Speaking up for you
We can start by really defining ourselves as the one true voice of manufacturing.
Like many of you I have been frustrated that our industry has been pushed into the background of the UK economy. This, I am pleased to report, now appears to be changing. It is changing, in part, due to the efforts of the team here at EEF.
EEF has a hard-won reputation of sticking to the facts. Our engagement with Government is built on survey-based evidence, research and detailed professional analysis.
The stronger our reputation for tackling the policy issues, the greater the impact we have on your behalf.
The new coalition government faces a tough task to repair the public finances, but we will continue to press them to put manufacturing at the heart of a re-balanced economy.
Engaging with you
Of course our representation work is limited if we do not accurately reflect the needs of our members. So one of my personal key priorities for 2010 is to re-engage with our members.
I will be focusing on our strong and active network of Regional Councils to do some of this. As a former member, I know what a useful forum they can be for exchanging intelligence and views with fellow manufacturers.
We have ten around the country, each with up to 30 member businesses. It's a great opportunity to meet some of our most active members.
Focusing on Brussels
Up to 50 per cent of legislation affecting UK industry now has its origins in the EU. I had first-hand experience of this on a recent visit to Brussels, where I met several influential MEPs. As the volume of regulation and legislation inevitably increases we must be at the forefront of ensuring it is necessary and adds value.
Numerous amendments have been tabled to a number of employment-related bills aimed at easing the burden on your businesses. It's vital that we continue to maintain and develop our presence in the policy arena.
Consistent excellence
Ultimately I want you all to be delighted with your EEF membership. The best way to do this is to improve the breadth and quality of our range of services. We will constantly look at ways we can improve so that your business can get the benefit.
I look forward to meeting you at future EEF events, and working together to continue to build the future of manufacturing in the UK.
A manufacturer's view
I believe there is a huge opportunity for our sector as we come out of the recession. A number of markets will develop rapidly, and we as manufacturers need to grab the opportunity to rebuild market share.
Relatively low interest rates and a very competitive exchange rate are the ideal economic conditions for future growth. We must also aggressively grasp and invest in technology, alongside a renewed focus in the skills of our people.
We live in interesting times. If our industry gets it right in the next few years, then we will enjoy strong growth in the future. I want to see EEF standing alongside you and your business, helping you get there.