'Don't change the formula, it's working', MPs are told at manufacturing tech event
Some 120 delegates celebrated the five year anniversary of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult in Parliament this week.
The High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult – catalyst for the growth and success of advanced manufacturing in the UK – celebrated its five year anniversary with a reception at the House of Commons on 28 June.
Despite extraordinary political times, the event was attended by over 120 MPs, peers and industry stakeholders, taking the opportunity to find out about HVM Catapult, network and talk to the engineering apprentices, many of whom had brought exhibits along.
Chris White MP, member of the BIS Select Committee and longstanding supporter of UK manufacturing, hosted the event. He congratulated the HVM Catapult on five years of success and urged delegates to be positive about what we can achieve, particularly in terms of innovation, good practice and world leadership in technology areas.
Andrew Churchill, MD of small engineering company JJ Churchill, talked about the benefits he gained from his engagement with the HVM Catapult over the years. Working with the Manufacturing Technology Centre for example, he improved his manufacturing cell lay-out, saving £140k in capital cost and over £280k per annum in operational cost, making the company globally cost-competitive.
“Don’t change the formula; it’s working. That sense of consistency upon which we plan, in our business, in a five, six, seven year lifecycle, is what we need the confidence to invest in”, said Churchill.
Dick Elsy, CEO of the HVM Catapult, emphasised that industry needs reassurance and sight of long-term stability in order to support a ‘business as usual’ stance during this period of political and economic uncertainty.
He set out the urgent need for constancy of purpose. Whatever the future holds, the UK needs:
-
To maintain and grow its world class innovation translation model to support UK companies and to act as an enduring attractant to international investment.
-
To exploit its world class research capability and bring new products and services to market.
-
To drive productivity improvement in manufacturing to keep the UK globally competitive. Innovation is absolutely key to achieving this.
-
A rich seam of advanced manufacturing value-added in its economy.
At the event the High Value Manufacturing Catapult was offered up as the example of constancy.
Permanent Secretary Sir Martin Donnelly congratulated the HVM Catapult on its unmitigated success and said “going forward, the work that the Catapult does is at the heart of being a successful, knowledge-rich advanced manufacturing economy.”
For more information about the HVM Catapult and to download its 2015-16 Annual Review, visit www.hvm.catapult.org.uk.
PoliticsHome Newsletters
Get the inside track on what MPs and Peers are talking about. Sign up to The House's morning email for the latest insight and reaction from Parliamentarians, policy-makers and organisations.
