Following our meeting with Chancellor George Osborne, we have followed up by meeting Business minister Vince Cable, to maintain our position as the voice of manufacturing.
This took place at a private event with MIM represented by CEO Jason Pitt (right) and non-exec Andy Moore. They had the opportunity to question him on issues that concern manufacturers. We asked him:
1. What are the implications of a Euro exit for Midlands manufacturers?
2. We are suffering from a chronic skills shortage in manufacturing and engineering following the demise of apprenticeships in the 1980s. What is the government doing to ensure that we have a young, skilled workforce to sustain the current growth in this sector?
In the run up to a May 2015 election, we will take further opportunities to pose questions and challenge those in power and those currently in opposition.