Midlands manufacturing and engineering membership association Made in the Midlands (MIM) celebrated a record-breaking turnout at it's annual Summer Drinks.
Over 160 delegates from member firms including Jaguar Land Rover, I M Kelly Automotive, Hayley Group PLC and ADI Group amongst others attended the event at Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham, to network and celebrate a positive first half of the year as MIM nears the 400 member milestone.
In a special speech, MIM non executive chairman Lord Mike Whitby praised Midland manufacturers for their collective spirit and drive.
The Midlands Peer, who ran Europes biggest local authority for 8 years from 2004 to 2012 stated: The membership has increased by over 50 new members since last year. We are now talking to the government following our executive meetings.
We are also putting together a Manifesto for Britain which I will submit to the Minister for Industry, Rt Hon Greg Clarke. The profile for Made in the Midlands is growing mainly because it's a membership full of great people that are doing so much work which is necessary for the United Kingdom.
During a passionate speech, Lord Whitby wished members a prosperous future and assured them that their voices would be heard by the Government.
Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt said: Its been incredible to see the growth of the membership since last year and it is a really exciting time to be a part of Made in the Midlands. Our Manifesto for Britain will put us at the forefront of positive change within the industry. Its fantastic to see the growth of the Made in the Midlands family and we will only become stronger together.
The event was sponsored by Birmingham-based adi Group, who offer a single source, integrated service to provide totally engineered solutions.
Made in the Midlands President, Christopher Greenough concluded: Weve got more members than ever. We have got over 385 manufacturing companies in the Midlands looking to build relationships with other Midlands manufacturers. We are going to bring work back to the UK and back here to the Midlands.