Manufacturing Critical To British Economy, Says Richard Caborn

Guest speaker at the annual BMPCA lunch, the Right Hon Richard Caborn MP, contended that manufacturing is critical to the future of the British economy and that this country could become the ‘factory for the world’ for green energy technologies. In his welcoming address, the BMPCA Chairman, Kevin Parkin, announced that the association is changing its name to the British Manufacturing Plant Constructors’ Association, underlining its commitment to manufacturing generally and potentially broadening its membership beyond the metallurgical industry, to the process, defence and nuclear sectors.

Held at the Merchant Taylor’s Hall in the City of London, this annual event was attended by around 180 BMPCA members and their guests. Kevin Parkin, who is MD of Sheffield heavy engineering company DavyMarkham, reminded those attending that Britain is still the world’s sixth largest manufacturer, with some 150,000 producers generating around £500 billion annually, and that, to maintain this global status, industry needs an inflow of skilled young people, who have acquired core technology and engineering skills through their secondary education.



Introducing the main speaker, Kevin pointed out that as well as being a qualified engineer, Richard Caborn had long been a friend to British manufacturing, particularly during his terms in office as Minister for Trade and Minister for the Environment.

Mr Caborn, who is Member of Parliament for Sheffield Central and was recently appointed Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s Ambassador for the 2018 World Cup bid, made the point that the PM’s new National Investment Corporation, with its £1 billion investment fund, provided the kick-start for a real manufacturing renaissance, particularly with regard to low-carbon energy technologies like nuclear, renewable and ‘clean coal’ power.

“With this kind of investment, British manufacturing can get a head start on other countries,” he said. “We already know how to use these technologies and it is about making them more efficient, to take us forward into a greener age. So, we are not starting from scratch – we have the skills and knowledge of how to make this plant. We must advance on what we already have and make Britain a leader in world manufacturing, to supply future energy needs.”

Further enquiries to Kevin Parkin on 0114 291 4212, email kevin.parkin@davymarkham.com
or to the BMPCA at Swinden House, Moorgate Road, Rotherham S60 3AR, telephone 01709 362288, email rruddlestone@eef.org.uk

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