EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation has announced a two-year strategic partnership with Infor, the leading provider of business software for mid-market customers,. Under the terms of the partnership, EEF recognises Infor solutions as its technology of choice for UK manufacturers.
Infor will undertake a range of activities with EEF throughout the two years including headline sponsorship of the 2010 Future Manufacturing Awards; research among the EEF membership on key topics; networking events and speaking opportunities. In addition Infor will be involved with the EEF as it develops strategic technology offerings to the EEF membership. Infor will also assist the EEF with initiatives for the representation of UK manufacturing to the government.
"The UK manufacturing industry is undergoing radical change and a great deal of Infor’s customers are caught up in these developments," explains Emma Rainey, UK marketing director, Infor. "The UK still has a lot of benefits to offer manufacturers – we have advanced infrastructure, a highly developed skills base and strong protection for intellectual property rights. Manufacturers are leveraging these benefits and adapting to different ways of doing business. As a result we have seen a reassessment of IT and the use of technology. There is more investment in the supply chain and gaining better visibility of critical data. Technology is also supporting innovation – both in terms of product development and the internal working practices. Infor’s partnership with EEF will help to strengthen what we can offer UK manufacturers."
Recent EEF research has shown that while heavier industry has suffered strongly during the recession, small, agile, R&D focused manufacturers have thrived. In addition 14% of UK manufacturers have brought production back onshore. However, the "balance sheet recession" has seen not only a drop in demand for manufacturing but also aggressive restructuring of many companies. It is against this backdrop that Infor and the EEF have joined forces.
"As the UK manufacturers' organisation, the EEF helps thousands of companies to evolve and compete in a fast-changing world," explains Lee Hopley, chief economist, EEF. "The UK is the world’s sixth largest manufacturing nation, and it is good news that economic recovery is now underway, although its strength remains in doubt. But to keep the UK’s place it needs to keep ahead of global competition. Technology is one part of that advantage and as we support manufacturers to grow their businesses, especially with regards to export, we are confident that our partnership with Infor will help deliver added value to our members."
Infor's Manifesto:
At Infor, we work with a core belief. We believe in the customer. We believe that the customer is seeking a better, more collaborative relationship with its business software provider. And a new breed of business software: created for evolution, not revolution. Software that's simple to buy, easy to deploy and convenient to manage. Our 70,000 customers in more than 100 countries and 8000+ employees stand with us. We look forward to your sharing in the results of our belief. There is a better way. For additional information, visit www.infor.co.uk.
> Infor sponsored EEF report on manufacturing IT
About EEF
EEF is dedicated to the future of manufacturing. Everything we do is designed to help manufacturing businesses evolve, innovate and compete in a fast-changing world. With our unique combination of business services, government representation and industry intelligence, no other organisation is better placed to provide the skills, knowledge and networks they need to thrive. Around a quarter of the UK’s manufacturing businesses are our members and many more use our services to help them work better, compete harder and innovate faster. Because we understand manufacturers so well, policy makers trust our advice and welcome our involvement in their deliberations. We work with them to create policies that are in the best interests of manufacturing, that encourage a high growth industry and boost its ability to make a positive contribution to the UK’s real economy. www.eef.org.uk