Made in the Midlands News

Lord Whitby joined by over 40 Midlands manufacturing leaders at Industrial Strategy workshop

Made in the Midlands News — 10/05/2017

Directors of over 40 Midlands manufacturing and engineering firms met with Lord Mike Whitby and Baroness Lorely Burt at a recent Industrial Strategy workshop, to enable Midlands industry to feed directly into the government's Industrial Strategy.

The workshop, entitled 'Our Manifesto For Britain' was led by Lord Mike Whitby in his role as non-executive Chairman of Made in the Midlands and was hosted by Birmingham City University.

Attendees were split into five tables, each tasked with brainstorming and presenting ideas around two pillars of the Industrial Strategy green paper. The ideas will then be 'seeded' to every MP, Lord, Baroness and external organisation that will be given public sector funding to manage these projects - as part of a Visual Manifesto.

At least one idea from each group was required to be community led, meaning that it could be achieved regardless of government support.

Addressing attendees at the end of the workshop, Lord Whitby commented: "The Midlands is a formidable exporting region, with a strong skills base that is ultimately responsible for 25% of the UK's total manufacturing output. What an opportunity we have here, to feed directly into the government's Industrial Strategy and ensure that the best interests of Midlands manufacturers are heard and considered, regardless of what government are responsible for moving this strategy forward.

"Joining me today and sharing your ideas marks the start of this happening, and I will ensure that you are kept up to date via Made in the Midlands as to the progress of seeding your ideas directly into government."

Lord Whitby was joined in leading the workshop by Baroness Burt, who added: "This has been a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from real business leaders the challenges that you are facing and the real issues that need to be considered as part of the Industrial Strategy. Whilst a lot of discussion has already taken place, there is still room for ideas to be voiced and heard and it is essential that as a region, we make this happen."

The event was attended by senior decision-makers from a wide range of Midlands engineering and manufacturing firms. David Rose, Sales and Marketing Manager of interior trim automotive component manufacturers, I M Kelly Automotive concluded: "This was an excellent opportunity for us to share ideas in what is hopefully the start of having our voices heard by government. Lord Whitby displayed a lot of passion and the format stimulated a great discussion today."

Lord Whitby tells Midlands manufacturers 'world is our oyster' after Brexit

Made in the Midlands News — 03/08/2016

Former Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby has taken on a new high profile role to champion Midlands manufacturing - and help the UK attract 2 million more engineers in the next 10 years.

The Midlands Peer, who ran Europe's biggest local authority for 8 years from 2004 to 2012, is the new non executive chairman of Made in The Midlands a key support group for the region's manufacturing base.

Lord Whitby greeted his appointment by calling on the Government to recognise the key importance of wealth creators and inventors by elevating their status and standing nationally.

With 300 members ranging from Jaguar Land Rover to Aston Martin and scores of SMEs, Made in the Midlands aims to support the growth of manufacturers and foster key links with government.

Lord Whitby said the lobby group would play a 'crucial role' in helping the Government establish a new manufacturing blueprint for the nation and rebalance the economy.

In a passionate speech the Midland Peer said 'the world is our oyster' post-Brexit, with unprecedented opportunities for global trade.

Lord Whitby was unveiled as the new non executive chairman of Made in the Midlands at a launch event at the Hotel du Vin in Birmingham when he told assembled guests that the UK was currently in a state of flux.

'We are where we are but there is a whole world to trade with'.

'We believe in the Midlands and we believe in our manufacturing capacity and it is essential that the UK recognises our importance - we should be seen as a major component in complementing the UK's growth agenda.

'We are the only region in the UK that has a trade surplus with China. Some of us in this room are doing extremely well.

Lord Whitby told The Post 'As the new non executive chairman of Made in the Midlands I hope that our voice will be heard and influence the outcome of the business strategy that can rebalance the UK's business model.

'We want the business strategy to recognise and accept the importance of manufacturing to a balanced UK economy.

'The 23rd June has come and gone and now it is the global economy that is our oyster.

'The UK is the second largest European exporter to China after Germany and the Midlands is the only region in the whole of the UK which has a trade surplus with China - many of our members of Made in the Midlands are part of that supply chain'.

Lord Whitby said he would be using his key contacts with senior politicians including new Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Greg Clark and Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade, to champion the region's manufacturers.

'I will be taking members of Made in the Midlands to meet a range of ministers.

'The UK will need 2 million engineers in the next 10 years and I see no reason why the Midlands, through its history and excellent academic institutions cannot contribute a significant proportion of those people.

'It is important if we are to attract the calibre of people into engineering that we hold them in the esteem they deserve.

'We have in the Midlands a formidable history of innovation, technology and production. What we need are more JLRs with the aspiration to be a global player. It is all about skills, technology and aptitude and if we are not careful we will lose that aptitude.

'Made in the Midlands will play a crucial role in formulating a business strategy for manufacturing which will not only benefit the Midlands but also the UK'.

Lord Whitby has fostered key trading links with China in recent years and was instrumental in negotiations to retain MG's presence in Birmingham. More recently he has been acting as an international advisor to part Chinese owned body panels firm Covpress, which has seen annual sales rocket from 36 million pounds to 126 million pounds and the workforce doubled to around 1200.

What have you done today to make you feel proud? Enter our Awards!

Made in the Midlands News — 28/07/2014

The Made in the Midlands Awards are back and we're seeking your nominations. This year you can apply online and by October you could be receiving your award at our free breakfast ceremony.

We speak to manufacturers every day and it never fails to astonish us that what anyone else would see as truly amazing, they see as just 'part of the job.'

Let Made in the Midlands bang the drum on your behalf so we can share your incredible stories of innovation, investment and growth. Not just your run of the mill stuff either, but truly inspirational tales direct from the coalface!

Last year's overall prize was won by Automotive Insulations and we're looking for more. MD Jim Griffin said: "We were delighted to have our success formally recognised at the Made in the Midlands Awards. The region is such an important hub for manufacturing and industry, so the competition is always pretty stiff."

We've been impressed by the exceptional standard each year and 2014 can be the best so far. Our Emily will be contacting you soon to tease out your inspirational stories. The awards are easy to enter so make sure you put yourself forward for recognition.

The awards this year take place in Wolverhampton on Thursday October 16th. Remember it's free for Made in the Midlands members, so we look forward to seeing you on stage and across the media afterwards.

Pictured left to right: Mark Evans - R&D Tax Claims, celebrity speaker Richard Noble, Jim Griffin - Automotive Insulations and Charles Addison - Made in the Midlands.

Which Apps Should I Use to Carry Out My Online Meetings?

Made in the Midlands News — 23/03/2020

For many companies across the world, the internet and other digital technology have totally transformed business operations. For many other businesses, the global Covid-19 situation has forced remote working onto them, meaning they are now relying on potentially unfamiliar technology and internal processes.

However, business can still carry on as usual in many instances - with the likes of team meetings, conferences, sales pitches and even networking events all having the potential to be carried out online. This demand for online meetings has evoked the supply of many different meeting apps and software, meaning that it can be easy to become overwhelmed with the wealth of choice available.

To help you maximise business results and carry out seamless online communication from a remote working space, the digital team at Made in the Midlands has put together a list of our favourite online meetings apps and tips of best practice for using them. Get in touch about our Digital Membership today.

Join.me - Simple and Effective Screen Sharing

This online meeting app is a sound choice for those who want something simple and effective with no training required. Join.me also brings the added benefit of being web-browser friendly, meaning you don’t have to download anything to your computer to use it.

The major drawback here is that, unlike some other apps, Join.me has a paid premium subscription fee. However, a free trial is available, allowing you to weigh up if the extra benefits are worth the cost.

Online training sessions or sales pitches are particularly effective through this application, as you can easily share your screen with multiple participants whilst you talk them through what is going on. This app also brings the functionality of being able to record meetings, share files, join from a mobile device and more.

Google Hangouts - All-In-One Functionality

Whilst there are many different online meeting applications to choose from, what makes Google Hangouts stand out is that it offers various different utilities in one application. Text and video messages can also be used in this online meeting app.

As well as one-to-one meetings, Google Hangouts also gives you the opportunity to create visual content for your audience and carry out a one-to-many approach to your digital communications. This can be done both through conducting webinars and also recording and sharing content via YouTube.

Some SMEs favour Google Hangouts to carry out their online client meetings, as they can be easily set up through Google Calendar invites and Gmail. However, it is important that yourself and your clients already have a Google Account setup in order to maximise on the benefits of Google Hangouts.

Zoom - The Made in Group App of Choice

Whilst all applications have their benefits and preferred uses, Made in Group advocate Zoom as being the app of choice when it comes to effective, flexible and reliable online meetings for businesses.

Zoom is a great online meeting app for businesses of all sizes and industry, due to its flexibility, being able to scale to fit any user count and budget. This app is equally suitable for an entire team meeting (up to 100 participants) or a one-to-one sales pitch.

In regards to both flexibility and simplicity, Zoom is the obvious choice. This application can be used seamlessly across a variety of platforms, giving you the choice to be able to connect via desktop clients, browsers, conference rooms & mobile devices.

When it comes to a remote working solution that ticks all the boxes, Zoom really is the modern communication service for your dispersed team. Made in Group are currently in the process of bringing a Zoom based functionality to the digital platform for all of our paid members - so watch this space…

Optimise Remote Working Results with Made in the Midlands

A Digital Membership will give you maximum online industry exposure throughout the region. You will be given the unique opportunity to produce professional content to a tailored group of manufacturing professionals and champion your success stories through a genuine high traffic medium.

Browse Made in the Midlands' range of membership plans today or get in touch for more info.

Made in the Midlands Patron helps manufacturer achieve 15% cut in energy usage

Made in the Midlands News — 23/05/2018

Made in the Midlands Patron CEC Direct has enabled a leading tier one supplier of castings and machined components to better control its energy costs.

Shield Group, which operates from six different manufacturing divisions across Coventry, Leicestershire, Northampton and Oldham, opted to tap into CECs specialist support so it could maintain a growth trajectory that has seen its sales soar by £15m.

It has just hit £80m for the first time in its 69-year history after securing new work to supply lightweight parts for the off-highway, automotive and power generation markets.

The company was faced with major increases in production and needed to manage energy consumption and spiralling utilities costs so it could manage the surge in volumes and create a platform for attracting even more work.

It turned to CEC Direct, a specialist in utility management, procurement and support services, to provide a complete audit of the utility accounts and a review of how it could reduce its carbon footprint while also cutting spend.

This has proved a wise approach, with the outcome of the report revealing a number of ways where the firm could reduce energy expenditure by adopting new working practices, agreeing fixed utility contracts and introducing more efficient manufacturing processes.

When you are growing at the rate we are, one of the biggest costs to the business will be the amount of energy we use, Chris Shield, Group Managing Director, explained.

We used to look after this in-house, but recognised the need to get an expert in to take a holistic overview to all of our outputsit wasnt just a case of reviewing it though, we wanted someone who would be pro-active and come up with solutions that would give us performance and cost improvements.

This is exactly what CEC did, with Chris Ellis leading a team of specialists that have successfully reduced the amount of energy we use by 15% - a significant achievement when you consider how energy intensive our businesses are.

They understand how to negotiate the best contracts, can advise on the schemes out there that give you support and have a fantastic overview of legislation so we know all of our activity is compliant.

One of the recent exercises completed by CEC has been to reduce Shield Groups Green Tax liability, resulting in six figure savings per annum.

Other improvements have been the installation of LED lighting across all of its six sites, investment in a new form of melting and supporting training to help employees understand the role they have to play.

CECs Chris Ellis said: Chris and the team have done a fantastic job in growing the group and it is fast becoming one of the UKs best manufacturing success stories.

When you are expanding quickly, it can sometimes be easy to lose sight of non-core activities, which is where we come in. Working with all levels of Shields workforce, we were able to put in place a blueprint for not just saving energy, but also making operations more efficient and identifying Government support that makes introducing these processes easier.

CEC works with more than 900 companies across the UK every year, with its team of analysts providing an initial, no-obligation audit and then working with the customer to identify existing issues and opportunities to reduce bills or secure better supply contracts.

The company has recently opened a new Bromsgrove office to service its expanding Midlands client base, whilst also launching CEC Direct as a transparent, clear and valuable alternative to the majority of energy brokers.

Chris Ellis (CEC), left, is pictured with Chris Shield (Shield Group)

How to Use the Made Logo to Boost Traffic to Your Microsite

Made in the Midlands News — 25/03/2020

Having a link going from your main company site back to your Made in Microsite is a fantastic way to promote your membership whilst simultaneously boosting traffic and supporting search engine rankings.

With a Made in Microsite you can capture visitors from the Made in the Midlands homepage, utilise the search directory to contact relevant companies, capitalise on the vast array of external links to your unique digital space and much more.

In order to ensure our members are getting the most from the membership resources at their disposal, we’ve compiled an easy-to-follow 3 step guide to boosting traffic with the Made in Group logo.

To improve your membership value further, read our article on 7 Ways That Members Can Use the Made in the Midlands Logo.

1. Download the Logo

If you haven’t done so already, you should be sure to download the “Proud Member” of the Made in the Midlands logo — which can be accessed on the “Resources” section of your online dashboard.

2. Pinpoint the Best Spot for Your Website

Once you’ve downloaded the logo, you should find a suitable spot to proudly promote your Made in the Midlands membership on your company website. The best place to situate your logo is the most visible spot for users, such as the top banner, underneath your logo or wherever else stands out.

3. Link to Your Microsite

Here’s the important part: create a hyperlink from your main website to your Made in the Midlands social media microsite. By having links which go both ways, this will improve your link building in the eyes of Google and benefit your SEO.

Shoutout to Acoustafoam who are wearing the Made in the Midlands logo loud and proud on their company homepage to maximise their digital exposure

Getting Your Microsite SEO Ready

In order to reap the full SEO benefits of linking to your microsite from your main site, it is essential to craft unique content for your Made in the Midlands Platform.

Talking about what midlands manufacturing means to you is one of many ways to get the interest of Made in the Midlands whilst crafting some unique, SEO-friendly content that appeases Google at the same time.

Get in touch with either of our Digital Content Specialists, Alessandro (alessandro@madeingroup.com) or Yasmin (yasmin@madeingroup.com), for support with getting some positive success stories posted on your microsite.

Enhance Remote Working Results Today

Browse Made in the Midlands' range of membership plans today or get in touch for more info.

Recognition for MIM member at Express & Star Awards

Made in the Midlands News — 07/06/2018

Made in the Midlands member, Petford Group has been recognised for its sustained growth over recent years with a leading award.

The company is the recipient of this years SME Business of the Year award at the Express & Star Business Awards.

The award rounds off what has been a busy year for the Dudley-based group, which is also the current holder of the Made in the Midlands Manufacturing Achievement Award.

The toolmaker and injection moulding specialist has embarked on a major expansion over the past few years - the latest phase of which was capped off last year by a £1.8m investment in its new moulding facility.

But the firm is not finished with its investment and plans further outlay as its looks to reach its goal of growing turnover to £20m over the next three years.

Joining Made in the Midlands in 2014, the company has always been a strong advocate for the MIM network, citing it as helping to engineer new orders as well as improving its connections with other suppliers.

The group has eagerly embraced the MIM ethos and is one of the most actively engaged members in the network.

One of the latest examples of this has seen it become an early adopter of MIMs new Inclusivity campaign.

Jason Pitt, CEO, Made in the Midlands, said: I would like to offer my congratulations to Petford Group for their success in the Express & Star Business Awards. It is always rewarding to see our members recognised for their achievements.

The recognition comes as the group gears up for its appearance at the annual Made in the Midlands Exhibition, which takes place at the Coventrys Ricoh Arena on June 21.

The group will be exhibiting on Stand 211 where it will be explaining more about its services and why it is proving to be so successful.

With hundreds of Made in the Midlands members exhibiting and thousands of ticket registrations, this years event promises to be the best expo to date.

As well as being a fitting showcase for the great work being carried out by manufacturers across the region, the expo will also provide one of the largest networking opportunities of its kind this year.

By attending you will be guaranteed exposure to one of the largest manufacturing networking opportunities to be found anywhere.

To make sure you dont miss out on this very special event, register for your ticket here.

Manufacturing excellence showcased at Made in the Midlands Exhibition

Made in the Midlands News — 04/06/2018

The diverse range of manufacturing capabilities available within the Midlands deserves major recognition - and thats exactly what the Made in the Midlands annual exhibition offers.

When the doors open at Coventrys Ricoh Arena on June 21 it will reveal a stunning array of firms that are proud to reflect what this region is really capable off.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the event and to make sure you dont miss out on what they will be seeing, register for your ticket here.

Talking of what will be on offer, heres just a flavour of some of the firms that will be exhibiting.

CeraCon, which will be exhibiting on Stand 95, is a specialist foam sealing technology business, mainly focused on the automotive sector.

The company maintains that its single-component foam sealing technology produces the best performing robotic-based sealing process available.

With a UK base in Leamington Spa it is perhaps unsurprising its major customer is invariably Jaguar Land Rover.

The company is also one that recognises the intricacies of the supply chain and that even a product as dynamic as a new Jaguar or Land Rover is only as good as the sum of its parts.

While many of the JLR contracts drop the vehicle name in favour of a production code, the contribution made by all suppliers is important.

CeraCons ethos is that while its easy to overlook the small black plastic component it produces, it remains part of something much bigger.

Its Contract Gasket business in Leamington Spa is growing dramatically. New investment in capital equipment saw the company increase its capacity by 30% during 2016.

Elsewhere, Frost Electroplating is the UKs largest independent supplier of high-quality barrel, rack and reel-to-reel strip plating to customers in the UK and around the world.

The Kings Norton company has a wide range of capabilities which allow it to cope with almost any combination of size, production volume and specification.

By building on its position in traditional markets, the firm has innovated and invested in developing high-performance coatings and processes for new industries, technologies and customers.

It will be explaining more about its products and services, including Its range of electroless nickel coatings, which meet a wide range of technical needs for specific hardness, corrosion resistance and low-friction requirements. They also make it possible to plate non-metallic substrates such as glass and ceramics.

The company, exhibiting on Stand 239, has also recently commissioned a new facility dedicated to the needs of the aerospace and defence sectors, with a wide range of sulphuric and hard anodized treatments.

Remember not to miss out, register for your ticket here.

Exclusive offer for MIM Members - Birmingham Post Business Awards

Made in the Midlands News — 07/10/2013

The Birmingham Post are hosting their Business Awards on 17 October at Edgbaston Stadium, with Natasha Kaplinsky as guest presenter. Many of the great and good of the Midland business community will be in attendance.

Thanks to our relationship with the Post they have offered Made In The Midlands members a special discount on places and tables.

They are offering 15% off all individual bookings and 20% off a table of ten to our membership - saving £200 per table. Theyll also put a complimentary bottle each of white and red wine on every Made In The Midlands table booked.

All the details are here http://www.bpbusinessawards.co.uk/2013/book-a-table/ to claim the discount you are asked to phone Kirsti Tomkinson or Claire Roberts direct on 0121 234 5238 and quote the code KAPLINSKI.

Copia - Taking business to accounts

Made in the Midlands News — 12/11/2013

Wolverhampton chartered accountants Copia Wealth & Tax have sponsored a seminar on how to
increase business and personal bank account balances at the Visualisation Centre, Wolverhampton Science Park.

The seminar featured guest speaker Steve Pipe FCA. Steve, a chartered accountant and
author, is one of the UKs leading business speakers. His LinkedIn profile shows recommendations that rate him as the most highly rated accountant in the world. He is the author of three business books, all of which hold five star ratings on Amazon.

The seminar focused exclusively on proven ways to improve delegates business and personal
finances through integrating simple but entirely legal business and tax processes.

The seminar used as its basis a case study that demonstrated how one small business obtained £2.3 million to spend as they wished by using Steve Pipes methods. Steve then demonstrated to delegates how other businesses can get broadly similar results by using the same principles.

Steve used an illustration of a £20.00 being torn up to explain that the average business
owner has £20.00 stolen from them every 40 minutes by not using business common sense. He then promised to find an extra £50,000 for everyone in the room.

Steve went on to state his three golden rules to use in a recession Cash is King; Cash is King, Cash is King. Recession brings the need to up our focus, said Steve. People talk of having 25 years experience in running a business very often, its one years experience repeated 25 times.

He extolled the virtues of the Performance Measurement and Improvement (PMI) system Get the facts; Measure the stuff that matters; Explore possibilities; Create an improvement plan; Test it, build on it and move the business forward.

At the end of the seminar Steve encouraged everyone to estimate what impact the concepts he
had introduced might have on their businesses. The audience replied with figures ranging from £200k to £8m. A delegate from a leading high street bank confirmed that using PMI makes a bank lending proposition much more viable as it allows a business owner to provide credible numbers and evidence of business confidence to any bank to support their request.
The event closed with networking and a buffet.

Shaun Philpott FCA, business development manager at Copia Wealth & Tax, says, This seminar was the first of its kind weve hosted. Steve Pipe is an extremely entertaining speaker, the knowledge and experience he imparted was first class and the feedback has been excellent. Were looking forward to continuing to offer our clients and guests the very best in help and assistance for all their tax and profit improvement requirements.

Pic: L to R Mark Evans, managing director, Shaun Philpott, business development manager, Copia Wealth & Tax; with speaker Steve Pipe

Record number of deals sealed at MIM Expo by James Pozzi

Made in the Midlands News — 27/05/2014

The fifth annual Made in the Midlands exhibition, showcasing 100 regional manufacturers and engineers, attracted over 1000 delegates to the conference facility at Wolverhampton Racecourse.

Highlights included keynote seminars from a range of industry experts and meet the buyer opportunities with Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin Lagonda.

Made in the Midlands chairman David Wright, who is also head of manufacturing at the Technology Strategy Board said the event provided a chance for businesses to showcase the reality behind recent growth headline figures.

You can read the full article on The Manufacturer website

http://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/record-number-of-deals-sealed-at-made-in-the-midlands/

Follow James Pozzi on twitter @jegpozzi

Manufacturing exhibition opens doors to next generation

Made in the Midlands News — 22/04/2013

College and university students and young job seekers are being given the opportunity to meet the company at this years Manufacturing Show from Made in the Midlands. The event, being held on Thursday 2nd May at Wolverhampton Racecourse, will open its doors to students currently enroled on college or university courses which are interested in pursuing careers in the manufacturing and engineering sector, to meet a range of its member companies and guests.

The event will be free for students and young job seekers to attend, upon presentation of their NUS or student card from 1:30pm onwards. Made in the Midlands is offering the ideal opportunity to speak to over 70 Midlands based manufacturing and engineering companies and around 1000 attendees from national manufacturing and engineering companies including Jaguar Land Rover and other key companies in the automotive, aerospace, rail, oil and gas and defence supply chains.

As an exhibition exclusively dedicated to manufacturers and engineers from raw material supply through to OEM, the manufacturing show is the place to be to gather an informed view of what is happening in the Midlands supply chain and meet hundreds of directors from across the manufacturing and engineering sector.

The exhibition is being held in the main concourse area of Wolverhampton Racecourse.

Amongst those exhibiting will be: Jagaur Land Rover, Avon PDC Ltd, Samuel Taylor Ltd, SSC Laser, Erodex Ltd, J8 Precision Ltd, Polymac Ltd, Laser Process Ltd, CH Barnett Ltd, Global Metal Finishers Ltd, CJ Tool & Mouldings Ltd, Ortlinghaus Ltd, Trojan Diecasting, Lister Gases, Multi-Stroke Ltd, TBF International, Amvar, JJ Engineering Ltd, Malthouse Engineering Ltd, Multiforms Ltd, Boxes & Packaging Ltd, Midland Pressure, Diecasting, Zero Cases, Anochrome, Midland Deburr & Finish Ltd, Sifco ASC UK Ltd, HT Brigham Ltd, Crow Clark Whitehill, Cube Precision Ltd, Malcolm Enamellers Ltd, Midland, Swindell & Pearson, Tool & Design Ltd, Hexagon Metrology Ltd, Mason Metals Ltd, Assembled, Electronics Solutions Ltd, Ravenace Metals Ltd, JJX Ltd, Benteler, Distribution, Wolverhampton University, Lloyds TSB, Arco, Threeway Pressings Ltd, Clayton Holdings Ltd, WH Marren Ltd, Yeomans Pressings Ltd, BSC Diecasting, Ltd, GTP Engineering Ltd, Machined Component Systems PLC, Waste Efficiency, Ltd, Precise Saw & Tool Co Ltd, Birmingham City University, Powerkut Ltd, R&D Tax Claims, Delcam UK, Metafin Group, Bruderer UK, Initiative Quality & Safety, Cab Automotive Ltd, WMG, SJG International, Ostling Etchmark, and many more

Student tickets are now available. To obtain yours or for further information please call 01902 255033.

For more information on Made in the Midlands, click here:

https://www.madeinthemidlands.com/events

Business to take the red tape challenge

Made in the Midlands News — 25/07/2011

The Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands (MAS-WM) is urging manufacturers to seize a unique opportunity to tell the Government what they really think about the rules and regulations that affect them.

Between Thursday 21 July and Thursday 11 August, the Government’s Red Tape Challenge turns its attention to manufacturers, giving small and medium sized businesses a chance to shape future policy decisions.

Companies will be able to share their opinions about the regulations that affect them – which should stay, which should be simplified and which should be removed. The good news being that the default presumption will be that burdensome regulations will go. If Ministers want to keep them, they have to make a very good case for them to stay.

MAS-WM Chief Executive Simon Griffiths commented: “The Red Tape Challenge really is a rare opportunity for manufacturers to have their say on the regulations that affect them. That’s why we are urging them to take part and tell the Government what changes they would like to see.”
MAS is designed to help manufacturers achieve improvements in their productivity and competitiveness. It frequently works with small and medium sized businesses to help them meet regulatory and industry standards and sees the pressures that they are under first-hand.

Those wishing to contribute should visit the Red Tape Challenge website www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk. Input will then be reviewed by Ministers who have three months to decide which regulations they will scrap, with the presumption that all burdensome regulations that cannot be justified will go.

If you would like to know more about how MAS-WM could help improve your manufacturing business performance visit www.mas-wm.org, call 0845 254 0845, e-mail info@mas-wm.org or follow @MAS_WM on Twitter.

Automechanika Birmingham - opens next week! Have you pre-registered?

Made in the Midlands News — 02/06/2016

The world's largest automotive show is coming to the UK for the first time, from
Tuesday 7 - Thursday 9 June at the NEC Birmingham.

Make sure your pre-register and get your badge emailed directly to you and avoid the queues.

Click on the Event Preview below for all the latest information about the event and plan your visit:

Supercharge SEO Success with a Multi Domain Microsite Strategy

Made in the Midlands News — 12/03/2020

A multi domain strategy can be a fantastic way to add extra firepower to your brand’s SEO strategy.

Instead of simply ranking for one domain, ranking for multiple domains will enhance the odds that a user clicks a link to one of your company websites.

A personalised microsite with Made in the Midlands provides the perfect opportunity to supercharge your SEO results with a multi domain strategy which distills unique content throughout the manufacturing and engineering industry.

Keep reading to discover how you can supercharge SEO success with a multi domain microsite strategy.

What Are the Positives of Multi Domain for SEO?

Essentially, through operating with a multi domain strategy, your company will have the potential to win more real estate in Google. Through having multiple domains operating within the same search engine, you are far more likely to have more clicks to your website.

In short, a multi domain strategy allows you to take over the search engine results page, meaning that users are more likely to land on your website, as they have less choice. More websites to represent your brand mean you will have more opportunities to rank for specific keywords on Google, as well as taking up more space on SERPS.

Using Microsites the Right Way for SEO

Whilst a multi domain strategy is a fantastic way to supercharge your brand’s SEO strategy, it has to be rolled out in the right way for Google to be cool with it. Why?

If it becomes obvious that a site has been created for the sole purpose of providing a company’s main website with backlinks, in order to artificially boost authority and rank keywords — known as a “blackhat SEO” trick — then Google will come down hard on this.

Sites which fall under this classification will be deemed “low quality” and penalised, meaning that your microsite will not bring the potentially lucrative benefits of SEO for your mainsite which it could have done. However, it turns out that avoiding this is actually quite simple:

Google insists that a microsite must have been created for a unique purpose that relates to a business’ overall branding. If it has, then your microsite could bring fantastic results when it comes to your SEO optimisation on both sides of the link.

And even more good news, what would qualify as a unique purpose? A specific product, service, brand or company district — such as operating in a certain region — would all fall under this category of “unique”.

The Importance of Unique Content

Essentially, as long as Google deems that your microsite serves a unique purpose, with unique content, it will have a wholly positive effect on your SEO.

The fact that a Made in the Midlands microsite is inherently set up to champion and support manufacturing within the region, means that there is an easy opportunity to insert unique, original and SEO-friendly content into members’ digital platforms.

Alongside this, members having the primary domain of “.madeinthemidlands” attached to their microsite means that they are inherently set up to communicate a unique purpose.

Choosing the Right Multi Domain Strategy

A microsite is an individual web page that exists outside of your company’s homepage and acts as an entirely discrete entity. This can be an effective way to deliver a multi domain strategy for your business.

Made in the Midlands will work with you to create a bespoke, SEO-ready microsite which supercharges brand exposure throughout the manufacturing industry. Browse Made in the Midlands range of membership plans today or get in touch for more info.

TS16949 quality accreditation drives growth potential for RDM

Made in the Midlands News — 23/01/2014

A leading Coventry manufacturer has improved its quality management system and is now targeting a host of new business wins.

RDM Group, which is based on the Bilton Industrial Estate in the City, has taken just nine months to secure the global TS16949 International Quality Management Standard.

The benefits of being awarded this coveted accreditation are immense as the certification is accepted throughout the automotive supply chain as an industry benchmark and is being used when selecting suppliers for new models and platform launches.

David Keene, Chairman of RDM Group, explained: We are incredibly proud of this achievement. This essentially rubber-stamps our business credentials and allows us to present ourselves as a globally recognised supplier.

"Ultimately, the car makers have procurement specifications that require this certification as a pre-requisite for tenders. We are thinking big and have made significant investments to ensure we have the capability to win and deliver new business.

Subscribers to the standard include Rolls Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Ford and Volkswagen. The process was overseen by RDM's Quality Manager Ian Tyson.

He added: "The process was extremely robust and challenging, but worth the effort that everyone here has made. After our initial registration was submitted we were assessed and audited at two different stages. Following on from the accreditation there will be a programme of annual surveillance visits and a three yearly recertification audit."

Since the TS16949 standard was introduced in 2002 it has resulted in substantial improvements in all aspects of quality, delivery and overall efficiency throughout the automotive supply chain. It has also reduced the requirement for multiple audits of manufacturers.

RDM Group, which celebrates its 21st birthday this year, employs 38 people. In addition to the automotive work, it also boasts telematics and meditec divisions that provide cutting edge hardware/software solutions and innovative assisted living products respectively.

For further information, please contact Miles Garner on 024 7663 5818, visit www.rdmgroup.co.uk or follow @rdm_group_

MiM Exhibition 2016 to be held at GTG Training Academy

Made in the Midlands News — 16/02/2016

Made in the Midlands are delighted to announce that our Made in the Midlands Exhibition will be held at GTG Training West Midlands on 12th May, 2016 in Wolverhampton.

GTG West Midlands is the latest addition to GTGs expanding company and is their first facility based in England. The new training academy was built in response to the success of their Glasgow and Edinburgh centres. GTG West Midlands is a brilliant location for training courses, meetings, conferences and events.

The facility is a 58,000 sq ft state-of-the-art training centre and has 130 free parking spaces. We are pleased to reveal that GTG has an on site cafe, restaurant and a conference suite with 250 seats.

GTG will provide Made in the Midlands with a contemporary and spacious venue capable of any technological or presentation requirements. GTG pride themselves on investing in the workforce of the future. This reflects the views of Made in the Midlands members, as manufacturers remain passionate about investing in apprenticeship and training programmes to strengthen the skill set of their employees.

Our exhibition is set to be our biggest event of the year and will see over 150 exhibitors showcase their company. The Made in the Midlands Exhibition will bring together the very best of Midlands manufacturing and engineering services from across a variety of sectors. Companies involved with aerospace, automotive, rail, marine, medical, oil and gas are expected to attend.

The day is not limited to the exhibits of members and manufacturing businesses, as a series of seminars hosted by our partners will examine topics that directly affect Midlands manufacturers.

Tickets are available for free to manufacturers and members of Made in the Midlands. There are also a very limited number of tickets available to service sector businesses.

Tickets are already beginning to sell for exhibitors, to enquire about exhibition availability please contact: charles@madeinthemidlands.com or call 01902 255033 to make sure your firm is part of our great celebration of British manufacturing.

Made in the Midlands awards applications ready for judges

Made in the Midlands News — 03/10/2016

Following a record amount of interest in our awards, from 12pm on Wednesday 5th October at Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham the Made in the Midlands team and Patrons will be attending the awards judging panel to decide the winners.

This year, we received over 25 high quality applications from our members in categories ranging from growth or investment, diversification, investment, innovation, overseas success and women in engineering.

Danielle Brown MBE will be presenting the award to the overall winner at the Awards ceremony, which is set to be hosted on 20th October at IET Birmingham: Austin Court. Brown is a double Paralympic gold medallist in Archery and she was world number one throughout her entire career.

Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt said: We are delighted that we have received a record number of awards applications this year. I am looking forward to analysing all of our member applications, as I am certain that the quality and standard has never been higher. Midlands manufacturing has flourished throughout a year of uncertainty, as proven by the increase in members wanting to highlight and celebrate their achievements.

The Made in the Midlands awards are a celebration of the success within local Midlands manufacturing within the last year. Throughout the year, manufacturers achieve or produce astonishing material and work on a daily basis that is vital to the local economy and supports the Midlands engine. Our awards help to highlight the phenomenal work that is completed throughout our membership group.

Furthermore, our awards provide a spotlight for the companies that are currently achieving great success within the industry. All of the awards submissions will be highlighting how they have achieved this success. This presents a fantastic opportunity for attending companies to learn more about the growth of fellow Made in the Midlands members. The awards have the potential to be used for future collaboration and partnership opportunities between members to secure future success.

There are still a limited amount of tickets available for the awards ceremony. We would advise that all members who have submitted an application attend the ceremony as there will be professional photography at the event. Any members who did not submit an application are welcome and can use the event as a taster prior to submitting an application for next year.

Tickets to the Made in the Midlands awards are available here: MIM Awards 2016 tickets

Made in the Midlands partners with Baker Tilly to offer expert business solutions for manufacturers

Made in the Midlands News — 29/10/2014

Made in the Midlands has this week announced a strategic partnership with Baker Tilly, leading chartered accountants and business advisers, as patrons of Made in the Midlands to help and support its members with business solutions and financial advice.

It is the joint opinion of Made in the Midlands and Baker Tilly that manufacturing is growing, and with it comes a need for an industry expert to help companies further expand and innovate. It became clear that there was a significant opportunity for Made in the Midlands to link up with a strong brand name giving its members the platform to tap into government initiatives and an international network.

Made in the Midlands Chief Operations Officer Charles Addison said; Were delighted to welcome Baker Tilly on board. They will be able to advise our members, supporting them with things like financial forecasting, cash management and Tax and VAT planning. Their expertise will help to save time and money but most importantly relieve some of the stresses that financial forecasting can bring.

There is a clear link between our offers that will add real value to our membership. Our selection process for all of our partners is a robust one and our members trust the decisions that we make. We are really proud to bring a blue chip brand into Made in the Midlands.

Mark Evans, Partner at Baker Tillys Telford office added; The Midlands is highly regarded for its engineering innovation and expertise. Made in the Midlands seeks to enhance this reputation by promoting the excellence in the region and helping local and larger businesses prosper by accessing new opportunities and providing forums for the sharing of ideas. Baker Tilly is pleased to support Midlands manufacturing by helping these businesses with their financial and strategic planning to allow them to concentrate on innovation and growth with the confidence that having a robust financial plan provides.

Baker Tillys long standing relationship with the manufacturing and engineering sector gives front line visibility on the challenges industry faces and allows their team to offer pre-emptive and value enhancing business solutions.

Made in the Midlands exhibition highlights the strength of Midlands industry

Made in the Midlands News — 30/05/2017

The recent Made in the Midlands exhibition proved to be a celebration of the success and strength of Midlands industry.

The event attracted over 2,000 representatives of the Midlands manufacturing sector to the world-class Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Almost 200 exhibitors promoted their company capabilities at the show, which led to a wealth of conversation regarding the creation of future business.

Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt said: I could not be more pleased with the outcome of todays show. We welcomed over 2,000 people to a world-class venue, to further highlight the togetherness, passion and quality of Midlands manufacturing. The exhibitors exemplified the united strength of the Midlands manufacturing community.

The exhibition included seminars from a number of respected figures from the sector. Jaguar Land Rovers Supply Chain & External Engagement Manager, Michael Mychajluk welcomed a host of visitors to his seminar reviewing JLRs record-breaking sales year. Managing Director of Hadley Group, Stewart Towe CBE explained to guests the worldwide growth of their company in an impassioned seminar.

FARO Technologies, Paul Colegate said: Its been a lot bigger event this year. We have received a wealth of leads here, we have loved it. FARO always get something out of the exhibition and we are on the verge of completing another deal from this event.

Made in the Midlands were recently invited to sit in the All Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group. The company has since reassured members that their voices will be heard at the highest levels of government.

Baroness Burt of Solihull attended the exhibition to discover more about the strength of the Midlands manufacturing base. Commercial Director of Salop Design and Engineering, Christopher Greenough added: The exhibition was absolutely fantastic, there was more footfall and stands than ever. This show is the perfect example that UK manufacturing is alive and kicking. We are all here to bring more connections together, more work and to keep the work here in the Midlands.

Threeway Pressings raised £1,650 in support of West Midlands Air Ambulance with their charity raffle at the exhibition. Managing Director of Threeway Pressings, Phil Stanley said: I am delighted with the amount we raised for such a great charity. It is fantastic to see so many Midlands firms uniting here today. With our raffle, we also proved the communal spirit within manufacturing and we can all be proud of our contribution.

Expo ‘star’ Bloodhound SSC saved from collapse as new buyer comes forward

Made in the Midlands News — 18/12/2018

The star of the Made in the Midlands’ annual exhibition, the Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SSC), has been saved from collapse after a buyer stepped forward to salvage the project from administrators.

There had been fears that the project, which aims to break the world land speed record by getting a car to exceed 1,000mph, would have to be scrapped when the Bloodhound business lapsed into administration in November.

Now Yorkshire businessman Ian Warhurst has come forward and purchased the business which will allow it to continue with its record-breaking quest. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Mr Warhurst, a mechanical engineer by training, is the founder and former managing director of Barnsley-based turbocharger business, Melett.

In a statement on the Bloodhound website, the project team said: “The team is delighted to announce the successful sale of the business and assets, which allow the project to continue.

“Ian (is) a long-term Bloodhound enthusiast (and) has a strong background in managing highly successful businesses in the automotive engineering sector. He will bring considerable expertise to bear in taking the project forward.

“The team are thrilled that Ian has saved Bloodhound SSC for the country. It’s the best possible Christmas present for the many supporters around the world who have been inspired by the project.”

Mr Warhurst said: “I have been overwhelmed by the level of interest and messages of goodwill following the news that I have bought Bloodhound. It’s clear how much this unique British project means to people, all around the world. My family and I have been supporters too for many years and I am delighted to have been able to safeguard the business and assets.

“Having built a successful engineering business I also know how hard it can be recruiting people with the right skills, and how important it is to inspire young people about science, technology, engineering and maths. Bloodhound brings these subjects to life in the most exciting way possible and I want to ensure it can continue doing that into the future. To that end I will be meeting with the team to draw up a plan, which we look forward to sharing in the New Year."

Designed and constructed in the UK by a team of Formula 1 and aerospace engineers, several of the MIM members exhibiting at the exhibition supplied parts to the vehicle.

Powered by a 135,000 horsepower Rolls-Royce EJ200 jet engine normally found in a Typhoon Eurofighter, the car produces 20,000 lbs of thrust - roughly equivalent to the combined output of 360 family saloons.

Its solid aluminium wheels will revolve 170 times a second as it accelerates to a top speed capable of covering a mile in 3.6 seconds - faster than a bullet.

The SSC will bid to make history in South Africa where a 12-mile track at Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape has been specially-prepared for the record attempt.

MIM chairman secures assurances on transport masterplan

Made in the Midlands News — 04/04/2018

The chairman of Made in the Midlands has received assurances from Government that a transport masterplan underpinning the development of the Midlands Engine will be a legislative priority.

Midlands Connect is a collaboration of local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Network Rail, Highways England, central government and the regions business community.

The partnership is working together to produce the overarching transport strategy which will play a major role in determining the success of the Midlands Engine.

Speaking in the House of Lords, MIM chairman Lord Whitby said: The Midlands is the largest economic area outside London. It attracts more inward investment and creates more start-up businesses than anywhere in the UK outside the capital.

Its companies export to 178 countries wordwide, and it is still the only region in the UK with a trading surplus with China.

In order to capitalise on and build on this robust achievement and complement the Governments growth agenda, will the Minister say whether Midlands Connect can benefit from devolution arrangements similar to those of Transport for the North.

Responding, Transport Minister Baroness Sugg said: We full intend to create more statutory transport bodies, and I welcome the work of Midlands Connect in bringing together local authorities and partners, including Highways England, HS2 and Network Rail.

My noble friend rightly points out the potential of the Midlands. We look forward to seeing the proposal for Midlands Connect, and we hope that it will become Englands second statutory transport body.

The strategy compiled by the Midlands Connect Partnership and the Department for Transport identifies the major infrastructure projects needed to improve the connectivity of the regions roads and rail network.

While many businesses in the region are enjoying record demand for their products, one of their most common complaints is the difficulty they have simply transporting their goods from A to B.

Many fear that unless the challenge is addressed then the region will struggle to attract the inward investment it needs to sustain growth.

Sir John Peace, chairman of Midlands Connect and Midlands Engine, has said the regions strategic location at the heart of the country cannot be underestimated and transport investment would be a benefit not just to the Midlands, but to the wider UK by boosting industry, skills and infrastructure.

Outlining the rationale behind Midlands Connect, he said: This strategy will help to secure the further infrastructure funding needed to lay the groundwork for improved connectivity across the Midlands, bringing the East and West closer together and opening the regions businesses to the world.

Shire Leasing named Show Partner for Made in the Midlands Expo

Made in the Midlands News — 20/06/2018

Tamworth-based Shire Leasing is to be the official Show Partner of the 2018 Made in the Midlands Exhibition.

The exhibition, which takes place at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena on Thursday (June 21), is the ninth annual exhibition showcase for Midlands manufacturing and this year is the biggest ever Made in the Midlands event with more than 200 exhibitors, plus the Bloodhound SSC car.

Supporting SME manufacturing companies, Shire Leasing was formed in 1990 as an innovative and agile company working with manufacturers, resellers and distributors - offering today a world class service in assisting SME firms in their growth.

As a British Business Bank partner, Shire Leasing are committed to supporting British businesses and have helped more than 60,000 customers over their 27 years of operation. As a B2B funder with an Own Book exceeding £100m, Shire Leasing specialise in asset based finance, ranging from traditional finance leases and hire purchase through to loans and seasonal leases.

Their Midlands-based account managers will be present on the day of the exhibition on Stand 90 to raise awareness of and discuss their wide range of alternative finance solutions to support business growth plans - where traditional sources such as mainstream banks may not always be the most effective or available choice.

As well as informative chats and information on how they can tailor finance packages to suit businesses in the manufacturing sector, the Shire Leasing team will also be able to offer indicative pricing and quotes at the stand for equipment or machinery that visitors may be considering purchasing in the future, or even viewed from one of the MIM partners at the exhibition on the day!

Visitors are encouraged to have a no-obligation chat to discuss their growth plans and finance options, get quotes for their upcoming equipment/machinery requirements and of course to get their hands on some freebies (while they last)!

Leasing and finance options allow SMEs to invest in assets or equipment for growth more affordably, by alleviating cash flow and spreading costs. Employing over 150 staff, Shire Leasing already supports over 66,000 SMEs across the UK and has been a partner of the British Business Bank since 2014, where investment helped bolster their Own Book funding facility.

MIM CEO Jason Pitt said: "We are very excited to be working with the Shire Leasing team - our members are growing and need choice in the best way to fund their growth, traditional lending methods have come under pressure with the way banks have changed their funding criteria and this partnership helps Made in the Midlands pull off its biggest ever exhibition, whilst giving our members and visitors much needed information on ways to fund their growth."

Charles Addison, Director of Made in the Midlands, added: "Our £120bn manufacturing network is growing very quickly and requires an agile and effective partner to help assist firms make the best choice on how they support growth and considering the needs of manufacturing businesses in this region from communication, telecoms, security, fleet vehicles, IT and much more and Shire Leasing are a well-established and reputable partner to help Made in the Midlands members."

Quest for speed inspires exhibitors at Made in the Midlands Expo

Made in the Midlands News — 06/06/2018

The quest for speed seems to be an unofficial theme of this years Made in the Midlands annual exhibition, represented by the appearance at the show of the Bloodhound SSC - the latest all-British attempt to break the world land speed record.

However, one or two other members also have their eyes on the speedometer, although their focus is on two wheels rather than four.

With more than 20 years experience in the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a wide variety of control systems within a multitude of industries, Brierley Hill-based Banelec considers itself one of the leading suppliers of control systems in the UK.

The company, which made its MIM Expo debut last year, is planning on making a lasting impression with visitors to this years show.

Occupying pride of place on Stand 103 will be Managing Director Dean Banner's 200mph Kawasaki Ninja H2 sportbike.

Visitors to the stand will be able to get up close and personal with the machine while they talk to staff about what the company does.

Banelec is also using the exhibition to hand out its brand new automation brochure, which has been produced to coincide with the companys new video.

The company is in the second year of its MIM membership and is a strong advocate of the network.

It states: We have been a member of Made in the Midlands for over a year now and have enjoyed the opportunities we have been given to meet and network with other manufacturing companies within the Midlands. Since joining last year we have increased our membership to Gold cover, which allowed us to hold our breakfast morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Meanwhile, De-Met is a principal mechanical engineering company specialising in sheet metal fabrication, laser cutting, fabricating, welding and powder coating.

The Dudley-based company specialises in the manufacture of a diverse range of products from folded steel double-skin doors and panels, through to smaller intricate laser cut parts used in the manufacture of industrial locks.

It has the capability to manufacture all products in mild steel, stainless steel or aluminium.

The firms in house powder coating plant can powder coat items up to 6m in length, 1.8m high and 800mm wide. This, together with the LVD Laser, LVD Turret punch, CNC brake presses and fabrication shop enables it to offer a one-stop-shop service.

The company has attributed its continuing growth to investment in the most up-to-date machinery.

As a new member of MIM, it is the first time the company has exhibited at the Expo and it is looking to make an immediate impression.

To help achieve this, focal point of the stand will be a Suzuki GSXR1000R racing bike. It will also be launching its new company brochure.

It has invited visitors to come and view the bike and to talk about their sheet metal fabrication or powder coating requirements.

The company is exhibiting on Stand 110.

Hundreds of firms are exhibiting and thousands of delegates are expected to visit the exhibition at Coventrys Ricoh Arena on June 21.

The event is now in its ninth year and bigger than ever, with firms exhibiting representing the full manufacturing spectrum in the region.

To make sure you dont miss out on this very special event, register for your ticket here.

Midlands Manufacturing is alive and kicking

Made in the Midlands News — 15/10/2014

Manufacturers have gathered from across the Midlands at an awards ceremony to share their success.

Now in their sixth year, the Made in the Midlands awards celebrated the very best of manufacturing has to offer, giving recognition for investment, innovation, growth, export and diversity across the sector. 2014 saw record levels of entries.

Collectively the 12 recipients of the main Manufacturing Achievement Awards have won over £10m of new business this year alone and have had the confidence to invest a total of over £3m in equipment, processes and their people.

The overall winner was Aldridge based Chemique Adhesive & Sealants Ltd. They are a leading manufacturer and supplier of high performance industrial adhesives and adhesive application equipment.

Following a sustained period of domestic growth Chemique implemented an overseas growth strategy selling to markets in Europe, North America and the Middle East. This has accounted for a 47% growth in exports and almost 20% of their total turnover. Staff levels have also increased to keep pace with demand.

Marketing Manager Darren Lambert said: We are a mixture of shocked, surprised and delighted. Working for a great manufacturing company and taking our products all over the world from our base here in the Midlands is something that were really proud of.

The runner-up was awarded to Redditch based A E Oscroft & Sons. After investing over £2m in their family owned business the company have successfully re-located and expanded into a 53,5000 sq ft premises. A further £300k in start-of-the-art equipment has enabled them to process and manufacture tooling more accurately and efficiently.

Managing Director, Chris Oscroft, said: One of the most important aspects of the expansion of the tool room is the additional staff required to help us grow further. We want to further invest in the young people of this country, enhancing their skills through training and apprenticeship schemes for future manufacturing.

Made in the Midlands Chief Operating Officer, Charles Addison said: Manufacturers in this region are doing amazing things that they simply regard as a normal days work. To some extent, thats quite right, but its our duty to ensure that their stories demonstrate that we still make things here in the Midlands and make them better than anybody else.

This was demonstrated in the fiercely contested Young Inventor category. The runner up George Starkey from Black Country UTC, set up work experience with F1 team Red Bull to develop designs for a new wheel nut that will speed up change over times and increase safety.

He was only just beaten to the chequered flag by apprentices Josh Watson from Faurecia and Sam Parke from Neida Products who worked together at In-Comm Training to impress the judges with an fully operational interlocking tool divider.

Addison continued: The message that came across loud and clear in every single acceptance speech was that manufacturing is alive and kicking. Theres so much to be positive about including the ingenuity of our young inventors and the move to encourage young women to consider engineering as a credible career choice.

To that effect two inspirational women were honoured for their success and their encouragement to the next generation of female engineers. The runner-up was Flo Wood Managing Director of Datalink Electronics in Loughborough who has risen to the top and passionately believes that young women should be encouraged into engineering.

The winner was Linda Bates a Project Director at B. Hepworth in Redditch. Her skills have helped the company to become one of the leading suppliers of bespoke wipers to the rail industry. She couldnt attend the event, so her award collected by two of her young female colleagues who paid tribute to the companys equality values.

Addison concluded: One of our winners said that the Midlands based manufacturers within the room, collectively, have the skills to make absolutely anything - I couldnt agree more.

The awards took place on Thursday 16th October in the main auditorium at Wolverhampton Science Park. The guest speaker was Lorely Burt MP for Solihull.

Made in the Midlands - the voice of manufacturing, is the industrial membership body for Managing Directors of Midlands based manufacturing SMEs.

Requirement for an M12 Banjo body

Made in the Midlands News — 01/11/2011

We have been given a requirement for an M12 Banjo Body.

Material 11SMnPb30+C (1.0718)

The client in question would expect these parts to be made on a 12 station hydraulic rotary transfer machine using an inverter.

Volume is approx 800k per year

Contact charles@madeinthemidlands.com or phone 01902 482450 to get further information and drawings.

How inclusivity can drive industry productivity

Made in the Midlands News — 07/12/2017

Made in the Midlands Female in Engineering Award winner Rachel Wiffen discusses industry diversity.

The government recently released its Industrial Strategy, aiming to drive productivity within the UK. But is a lack of engineering skills and inclusivity agenda within UK industry holding back productivity and competitiveness? For example, only 9% of UK engineers are women and 6% from a BME background. Here, winner of the Made in the Midlands Women in Engineering award, Rachel Wiffen, gives her take on the engineering industrys skills shortage and how this may be related to a severe diversity and inclusivity issue.

Since starting in the manufacturing industry, I have spent time working as a STEM ambassador. Having visited schools and delivered sessions to both GCSE and A-level students, it is evident that many young people, both male and female, dont entirely understand what engineering is let alone the opportunities available in the sector.

One of the most striking problems in todays engineering industry is the lack of engagement and information for students. At school, I enjoyed mathematics and physics. In fact, my physics teacher was always an incredible advocate for girls pursuing science paths.

I was lucky to have an inspiring teacher, who regularly spoke about the feats of female scientists and encouraged us to realise our potential. However, its evident that not every student has this advantage. It wasnt until my final year in sixth form that I began to realise my talent in physics and maths could help me pursue a career in the engineering field.

Engineering is an incredibly broad topic and young people need to be informed about the different aspects of the industry. When leading site tours at Bridgnorth Aluminium Limited, I often notice that visitors are overwhelmed by heavy industry and its likely that young people also experience a feeling of being saturated with information when attempting to understand the opportunities available to them.

For those curious about the field, I would encourage them to ask questions, put themselves out there and, most importantly, be ready to learn.

One of the most common concerns for budding female engineers is that manufacturing is a male dominated sector. From the outside, society views engineering as an industry sector driven by white, middle aged men and to some extent, they are right.

Statistics prove that just nine per cent of the manufacturing workforce is female. But, do these figures deter female engineers from pursuing a career in the sector? As someone thats been there and done it, I can safely say that starting out can certainly be daunting.

During a leadership course for young people in my industry sector, I received some feedback that, despite my engineering capability, Its a shame that youre a woman, because people dont take you seriously from the outset. While the comment wasnt made maliciously, it encompasses a lot of the problems that female engineers face.

By nature, engineers want to invent, create and be challenged but we shouldnt be facing outdated social challenges just to feel appreciated in our sector. As engineers we should all be striving for equality, we need to challenge these perceptions and we certainly cant let them affect our performance.

In October 2017, I was awarded the Made in the Midlands female in engineering award. The ceremony highlighted the achievements of a selection of other incredible female engineers from the Midlands manufacturing world and served to showcase the importance of tapping into the talent pool of women in engineering.

This month, Made in the Midlands will launch our Inclusivity campaign, backed by Baroness Lorely Burt, Liberal Democrat peer and party spokesperson for small businesses and women, to raise awareness of and up skill Midlands industry in the area of inclusivity best practice. The campaign will also be rolled out in Yorkshire by sister company Made in Yorkshire.

There is a lot of work to be done to improve the equality of Britains engineering industry, but doing so will produce incredible results. Businesses are 15 per cent more likely to improve their performance if they are gender diverse. In fact, diversity has proven to be crucial for innovation 85 per cent of corporate diversity and talent leaders agree.

Its time to tackle the engineering inclusivity and diversity issue and, by doing so, increase competitiveness and avoid the pitfalls of the industrys impending skills shortage.

The Made in the Midlands Inclusivity Campaign launch event takes place on Monday 22nd January at Manor Grove, Handsworth. The event will include cutting edge insight from leaders in the field of inclusivity as well as real business examples of how a more diverse workforce has led to competitive advantage. BOOK Tickets

Manufacturing subdued in June - but growth still evident

Made in the Midlands News — 03/07/2018

The performance of the UK manufacturing sector remained relatively subdued in June, but growth was still evident.

The latest UK Manufacturing PMI was broadly unchanged at 54.4 last month - any reading above 50 indicates growth.

The moderation in output growth offset a mild acceleration in new order growth and improved job creation. The 54.4 reading was slightly above May’s 54.3 but almost four points below the 51-month high reached in November last year. The average reading over quarter two as a whole (54.2) is the weakest outcome since the final quarter of 2016.

Sector data indicated that the upturn remained broad-based during June. Output and new orders rose across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods industries. However, the overall rate of expansion in manufacturing output slowed, as growth of new order inflows improved only mildly. Some companies noted that higher output had been partly sustained through inventory-building and clearing backlogs of work.

Although the rate of increase in new business edged up to a three-month high, it remained among the weakest registered over the past year-and-a-half. Rates of growth in new work received were broadly steady in both domestic and overseas markets. Where an increase in new export business was reported, this was partly linked to increased sales to mainland Europe, China, South America and Australia.

June saw a solid improvement in the rate of job creation, with staffing levels rising at the quickest pace for three months. Employment increased across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods sectors. However, the overall rate of jobs growth remained below those seen through much of 2017.

Input cost inflation accelerated to a four-month high in June, with companies reporting a wide range of inputs as up in price. Some noted that cost increases were being exacerbated by shortages of certain raw materials. Part of the rise in costs was passed on as higher selling prices.

Business optimism remained positive in June. Over 51% of the survey panel forecast output to rise over the coming year, linked to market growth, investment spending, organic expansion, planned promotional activity and higher capacity.

However, the degree of positivity dipped to a seven-month low, as some firms expressed concerns about input price increases, possible future trade tariffs, the exchange rate and Brexit uncertainty.

Black Country to take international spotlight at huge engineering show

Made in the Midlands News — 23/10/2013

In three weeks time thousands of delegates from the UK and overseas will be flocking to Advanced Engineering UK at the NEC. Black Country business leaders will be among the high-profile speakers at the two-day event, flying the flag for the regions engineering prowess and inward investment opportunities.

Advanced Engineering UK is returning to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham next month. On Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 November 2013, over 600 specialist exhibitors and more than 200 speakers will share best engineering practice and new technologies with thousands of visitors.

Among these speakers will be leaders from the Black Country business community, using the prestigious platform to promote the Black Country as a vibrant, profitable place to relocate and grow.

Matt Neal, three times British Touring Car Champion with Honda Yuasa Works

As well as driving for Honda Yuasa Works, Matt is Marketing Director with Black Country-based alloy wheel manufacturer Rimstock Plc. Matt will address the floor on both days of the show, officially unveiling the Black Country Bullet a virtual high-performance car which showcases the Black Countrys world-class automotive supply chain.

Alan Edwards, Senior Purchasing Manager for Jaguar Land Rover

JLR has invested heavily in the Black Country region recently, choosing the Enterprise Zone to locate its new £500m Engine Manufacturing Plant. Alan will talk about JLRs Just in time, just in sequence strategy, explaining how the Black Countrys central UK location, skilled workforce and established automotive supply chain were perfect for supporting it.

Stewart Towe, Chair of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

Stewart will open the Black Country programme on Day 1 of the show. He will outline Invest Black Country's offer to businesses and reveal a multi-million pound programme of funding available to support existing and prospective businesses looking to set up in the Black Country.

Tim Elsey, UK Supply Chain Manager for Moog Aircraft Group

In 2012 Moog, which designs and manufactures products that include control systems for aircraft cockpits, chose an 11-acre site within the Black Countrys Enterprise Zone to establish a purpose-built 205,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility. Tim's presentation will highlight the skilled Black Country supply chain, which is capable of rising to any engineering or manufacturing challenge.

Also:

Tom Westley, Black Country LEP Board Member, highlighting the benefits of the Black Country Enterprise Zone.

Colin Parker, Director, Black Country Skills Factory, on Developing an engineering workforce and the steps being taken within the Black Country to meet the ever-growing need for skilled people within the high-value manufacturing sector.

Wayne Langford is Head of Investment at Invest Black Country, which has the strapline: Built in the Black Country sold around the world. Invest Black Country and Business Birmingham are joining forces to take pavilion space at the event and showcase the region as a brilliant place to do business. Wayne said it is time to show the world some of the developments and regional initiatives that are happening in the Black Country.

At the show, the presence and support of co-speakers from prestigious partners and global brands such as Honda, Jaguar Land Rover and Moog, as well as two LEP board members, demonstrates that this is a region which connects with big business, he said. It shows that we are ready to take in more internationally successful engineering giants and support them to flourish further.

You can sign up for a free visitor pass to Advanced Engineering UK 2013 at www.advancedengineeringuk.com

Image is of Matt Neal.

Sir Patrick McLoughlin discusses importance of manufacturers

Made in the Midlands News — 22/11/2016

The Chairman of the Conservative Party and MP for Derbyshire Dales, Sir Patrick McLoughlin opened our East Midlands Exhibition with a passionate speech regarding the vital importance of manufacturers in a post-Brexit Britain.

We have OEMs such as Bombardier, Rolls Royce and various others. But beyond that we have got thousands of other businesses supplying into those businesses which is so vital for us here in the East Midlands.

One of the things that I am particularly pleased to see here today is the way in which our Universities and Colleges are playing a leading role in training, helping and supporting our small businesses. For me, that is why this event is so important.

The diversity of businesses that have been attracted here, is absolutely essential and very important. I think that gives us confidence in the future. Because over the next few years, you will hear a lot of talk about one issue and that is Brexit.

Exhibitions like this, promoting whats going on in the East Midlands, promoting whats going on in other parts of the country are really very important indeed. That is why I was delighted when I was invited to come along and open the East Midlands exhibition.

Chief news reporter of BBC East Midlands Today, Quentin Rayner asked McLoughlin about how the government are reacting to the Brexit result.

McLoughlin concluded: The Prime Minister along with the ministers that are most directly involved in the negotiations are getting on with the job. Of course we will be scrutinised by Parliament, of course questions will be asked. But we are not going to offer a running commentary because actually that would damage our negotiating situation.

West Midlands Mayor to open Made in the Midlands Exhibition

Made in the Midlands News — 22/05/2018

Hundreds of manufacturers will be demonstrating their resilience in the face of a slowing sector when they take part in this years Made in the Midlands exhibition.

The exhibition, now in its ninth year, takes place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on June 21st. It features a stellar array of industry talent with more than half of the value-add SME, Tier One and OEM manufacturing companies within a 100-mile radius of the Ricoh having a presence in the arena.

Included amongst them are: Jaguar Land Rover, GKN Driveline, robotics group Fanuc - which has recently opened a new 107,000 sq ft base at Ansty Park, Queens Award for Enterprise winner Fortress Interlocks, refuse vehicle supplier Dennis Eagle, MIM member of the year - Petford Group, steel specialist Hadley Group, Siemens, IMI Precision Engineering and automotive suppliers Arlington, Sertec, ZF Lemforder, Lander and Autins Group.

The event is being opened by arguably, the most powerful politician in the region, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

Mr Street, former managing director of the John Lewis Partnership and ex-chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, is a strong advocate of the advanced manufacturing sector and champions its ability as a wealth generator for the Midlands economy.

His presence at the event is further recognition of the standing in which Made in the Midlands is now viewed within the political arena, not just for its strong membership network but for its ability to act as a voice for the manufacturing industry.

Jason Pitt, CEO, Made in the Midlands, said: We are delighted to welcome Andy Street as our guest. Attracting a politician of his standing is a real coup for Made in the Midlands and a recognition of how the organisation is now viewed both in the Midlands and Westminster.

This years event also coincides with Clean Air Day and MIM is challenging its members to champion the campaign by illustrating how they are helping to reduce their carbon footprints and cut harmful emissions.

The Made in the Midlands exhibition is free to attend for Made in the Midlands members and manufacturing and engineering companies.

Register for your ticket to the show here

The sell-out debut of Automechanika Birmingham – just 2 weeks away!

Made in the Midlands News — 25/05/2016

The worlds largest automotive show is coming to the UK for the first time, from 7-9 June at the NEC Birmingham.

Heres just a few of the hundreds of reasons to make sure you visit next month. Pre-register today for FREE!

550 domestic and international exhibitors
150 different product categories
A packed seminar programme - 60+ talks across 3 theatres: Keynote, Aftermarket and Technical
The latest innovation and technology on display in the New Product Showcase & Innovation Trail
Workshop of the Future - interactive feature to equip your workshop for the future

£32m Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering appoints first director

Made in the Midlands News — 24/03/2014

Coventry University and Unipart have appointed a director for the recently established Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), located at Uniparts Foleshill site in Coventry.

Carl Perrin will head up the new institute, which will be welcoming its first cohort of undergraduate and postgraduate students in September this year.

The £32 million initiative is set to pioneer a new higher education model for manufacturing engineering degrees, offering a blend of innovative activity-led teaching, product development and research to create a unique learning environment.

Its aim is to develop the next generation of highly skilled, specialist engineers and operational leaders by providing up to 40 students every year with direct access to Uniparts operations, allowing them to work on live issues in a real world manufacturing production environment.

Research and testing carried out in partnership between the University and Unipart is intended to stimulate new product and process development, boosting innovation in both the regional and national economy.

Carl, who is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, is moving from Rolls-Royce where he was Head of Technology at a joint venture based in Nottingham.

Here he was instrumental in the introduction of new coating technology and manufacturing processes for the latest generation of Trent engines.

Previously, the former graduate of Sheffield University was R&D director at Dana Glacier Vandervell and responsible for delivering several powertrain projects for Formula 1 teams.

It is expected that Carls experience of engineering and manufacturing across both automotive and aerospace sectors will fuel the innovative approach to teaching on the frontline of industry and in delivering new business opportunities for the advanced research centre.

Carl Perrin, who takes up his role as institute director on April 28th, said: I am delighted to be joining this innovative new institute at an exciting time as we bring in our first group of students and prepare for our first commercial research projects.

Coventry and the surrounding area has a history of leading edge manufacturing and engineering and we will look to build on that heritage by providing highly skilled engineers who are industry ready, both for Unipart and for businesses in the Midlands and beyond.

Carol Burke, Managing Director of Unipart Manufacturing Group, explained: We are delighted to welcome Carl to this unique initiative and look forward to him driving the Institute to be at the forefront of cutting edge research and development.

He will provide the necessary leadership to drive a learning facility that will develop young people at a faster rate, using a hands-on approach in a challenging technical environment.

Not only will the new institute address the national skills shortage, but by placing the best and brightest young engineers with Uniparts skilled industry specialists, we will also accelerate the development of new technologies across a range of industrial sectors.

John Latham, acting vice-chancellor of Coventry University, concluded: I would like to congratulate Carl on his appointment as director of the institute. He has considerable experience in the sector having previously delivered new advanced technology for Rolls-Royce, and this will bring great benefits to the students and to R&D activities.

It will be a different model for developing engineering talent and we are confident that bringing the teaching and research environment on to the factory floor will generate a unique experience for students and fresh thinking for industry.

Record growth and 800 new jobs for Made in the Midlands

Made in the Midlands News — 19/10/2011

Made in the Midlands is reporting record growth and additional jobs for many of it's members.

The association is also continuing the good news story by recognising 20 local manufacturing firms at the second annual Made in the Midlands Awards to be held at the Banks's Stadium, Walsall on the 21st October.

A judging panel consisting of UKTI, MAS-WM, R&D Tax and Grants and Birmingham City University helped decide who should receive this year's Made in the Midlands award winners from a selection of the best manufacturing achievements in the region.

The winners will be unveiled this Friday at the Banks's Stadium. The event is also being publicised on Radio WM this Friday morning so be sure to tune in.

Charles Addison, Commercial Director said, "Made in the Midlands is a gateway to the midlands manufacturing community and a way for local firms to make connections on their doorstep.

"Members who are part of our network have a real 'can do' attitude. It is this ethos and positivity has seen our members create new jobs and growth within the regional economy."

This month's event will feature networking, exhibition and an awards presentation for outstanding achievements in industry. Many of the 2010 award winners went on to have record years. Amongst some of this year's nominations are Laser Process in Staffordshire, Moog Aerospace in Wolverhampton and Cab Automotive.
Made in the Midlands this year invested £50,000 in a new software application that allows members to engage with each other via an online portal.

It is free for members to attend and new membership certificates will be handed out on the day.

Expansive tour of Hayley Group at MiM Breakfast event

Made in the Midlands News — 05/02/2016

On Thursday 4th February, Made in the Midlands members were provided with a tour of Hayley Groups incredible 120,000 square feet factory in Halesowen, during their Breakfast Morning Networking event.

Hayley Group catered for just over 25 attendees in their expansive premises, to ensure that everybody felt comfortable whilst networking. Hayley Group supplied guests with a wealth of bacon rolls, egg rolls and even fruit skewers.

National Accounts Director, John Holden discussed the history of Hayley Group and welcomed everybody to the venue. Initially, Hayley Group was formulated as Hayley Bearings Ltd in 1976 and, as the name implies, specialised in bearing sales.

Hayley Bearings Ltd quickly established itself in the engineering market and with a rapidly expanding company with increasing product lines, the company changed its name to Hayley Group Plc.

Hayley Group is one of the fastest growing engineering inventory suppliers in the UK. Established for 38 years they now have 38 branches in the UK, and one in the Czech Republic.

During 2014/2015, Hayley Groups forecast was £105 million. Their stockholding is in excess of £23 million, split 40-60, 40% held at their 120,000 sq. ft. warehouse at head office in Halesowen, the balance of 60% is held locally at their 38 branches.

National Accounts Manager, Mark Harrison explained Hayley Groups capabilities and their stockholding platforms. National Accounts benefit from a totally professional service which is structured to satisfy the needs of customers and provide the security of a Supply Partnership. Attendees were then provided with a factory tour and viewed Hayley Group's exclusive Smartvend machine.

Similar to Januarys breakfast event at Wrekin Sheet Metal, Hayley Groups morning represented a continual growth in the popularity of our breakfast events. The number of attendees at Hayley Group reflected the maximum capacity of their venue. Hayley Group's event sold out within a few weeks of the start of this year. Our breakfast event tickets are usually limited, which means that for any future events please ensure that you book early so that you can potentially experience a detailed factory tour.

MiM are looking forward to our next Breakfast Event on 10th March, at O.L.D Engineering in Leicestershire. This will be the first event of the year dedicated to the East Midlands region. If you are interested in hosting a breakfast event of your own, please contact our Group Events Manager Iwona at: iwona@firstorchard.com

Made in the Midlands set for largest exhibition in its history

Made in the Midlands News — 21/06/2018

This year's annual Made in the Midlands exhibition is finally here and we hope you're as excited as we are for what promises to be one of the highlights of the Midlands manufacturing calendar.

With more than 200 firms exhibiting and hundreds of buyers and decision-makers from the manufacturing sector attending there is a lot to celebrate - not the least of which will be a massive networking opportunity.

We know the exhibition is always a massive adrenaline rush but this year we have pulled out all the stops as we look to ramp up the excitement levels. So, as if the prospect of displays by hundreds of MIM members were not sufficient reason to attend the event, we have an extra incentive in the shape of the Bloodhound SSC, set to be the first car ever to reach 1,000 mph.

Also assembled is a high profile collection of speakers, headed by arguably the most powerful politicians in the region, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

Joining him will be GDPR specialist Johnty Mongan (who has been invited to speak by MIM Patron Arthur J Gallagher), Mike Mychajluk, Supply Chain Products & External Engagement Manager at Jaguar Land Rover, Lee Price, Group Sales Director of new MIM Patron, adi Group and Alan Norbury, Chief Technical Officer at Siemens, who will be speaking about the latest developments surrounding Industry 4.0 and how digitalisation is set to change the very foundations of the manufacturing sector.

Not forgetting the opportunity to win a hospitality package for two to a Wasps Rugby game, courtesy of Wasps Rugby, for the Best Stand in Show.

Rounding off what promises to be a very eventful day will be MIM’s Summer Drinks event, which takes place in the Legends Lounge at the Ricoh Arena and which will offer members an opportunity to unwind after the busy day and network with fellow guests.

The event has been designed to be a showcase for excellence in Midlands manufacturing so please, enjoy the show.

Who is exhibiting at this year’s show

Company	Stand
A. E. Oscroft & Sons	131
Accurate Cutting Services	177
Acoustafoam	230
ActOn Finishing	58
Adey Steel	217
adi Group	148
Adwin Springs	124
Aerodyn	145
Air Kraft	84
Air Products	257
Aktrion Automotive	64
All British Precision	188
AM Tooling/Hydraulics & Engineering Services	191
AMCO Services	256
Anochrome Group	146
Arco	39
Arlington Automotive	210
Assembled Electronic Solutions	69
Aston University	207

AW Precision	101
B. Hepworth & Co	44
Banelec	103
Bauromat (UK)	118
Benteler Distribution	50
Bernstein	194
Birmingham City University	106
Birmingham Prototypes	102
Blackburns Metals	49
Boneham and Turner	93
Bowyer Engineering (Midlands)	236
Bracebridge Engineering	199
Bromford Iron & Steel Company	294
Brown McFarlane	104
Business Solutions Centres	161
Camozzi Automation	133
Carrs Toolsteel Technologies	162
CeDo	254
Central Scanning	258
CeraCon	95

Chemique Adhesives and Sealants	121
Citizen Machinery	107
City of Wolverhampton College	47
Clamason Industries	55
COBA Plastics	227
Control Energy Costs	143
Cooper Freer	252
CPE Precision Engineering Company	233
CTR Carbide Dies	89
Cube Precision	62
D&J Steels	173
Daher Aerospace	57
De-Met & De-Met Colourcoat	169
Dennis Eagle	98
Department for International Trade (DIT)	86
Derby College	116
Direct Air & Pipework	94
Donguha	139
Dormer Pramet	158
Dual Metallising	37

Dudley College	61
East Midland Coating	83
EBC Group	63
Efaflex	D5
Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills	261
Encompass Group	147
EWS Manufacturing	65
Excel Labels	42
Expert Tooling & Automation	263
Express & Star	46
FANUC UK	228
FARO Technologies	195
Fata Automation	52
FBC Manby Bowdler	215
Forward Industrial Products Group	216
Frederick Cooper (Birmingham)	77
Frost Electroplating	239
Gleeson Recruitment	232
Global Metal Finishers	40
GOM UK	189

Hadley Group	168
Hainbuch UK	105
Hallam Plastics	114
Hanley Robotics	129
Hayley Group	156
HELLER Machine Tools	154
Heraeus	198
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence	250
HT Brigham	78
Hucknall Sheet Metal	75
Hyfore Workholding	119
Hanley Robotics	129
Iconsys	143
igus	186
IM Export	38
IMI Precision Engineering	178
In-Comm Training & Business Services	196
Inductelec	174b
J Banks & Co	231
JLF Manufacturing	245

KALLER UK Nitrogen Gas Springs	41
Kilby Packaging	172
Kloeckner Metal UK	190
Knoxford Fabrications	225
Lake Chemical & Minerals	271
Lanemark Combustion Engineering	130
Laser Process	266
LCL Electronics	270
LEMA	67
Lineview Solutions	127
Lloyds Bank	74
Lucy Castings	235
Lumenox Group	151
Lutterworth Ecolighting	73
Lycett Fabrications	224
M.A.Ford Europe	180
Machined Component Systems	4
Made in the Midlands	D6
MAHLE Powertrain	152
Malcolm Enamellers	282b

MAN Group	237
Manufacturing Advisory Service	149
Mattioli Woods	268
MCS Control Systems	150
Metal Processes (1959)	68
Metpro Global Manufacturing	167
MHA MacIntyre Hudson	264
Micro-Mesh Engineering	135
Midland Deburr and Finish	163
Midland Pressure Diecasting	184
Minster Micro Computers	81
Multi-Stroke	123
MyWorkwear	234
NDT Midlands	120
Network Packaging	160
Norton Fluid Power	282c
Nufast	200
O.L.D. Engineering	82
Ovako	165
Pemberton Engineering	203

Pentangle Engineering	218
Petford Group	211
Phoenix Tooling and Development	141
Pilz Automation Technology	251
Plastic Coatings	66
Plastil (UK)	202
Portakabin	153
Power Capacitors	244
Power System Services	187
Pressmark	213
Pro-Tek Engineering	136
Production Engineering Solutions	225b
R&D Tax Claims	91
R A Labone	115
Rapitypes	274
RationalFX	208
Recycling Management	159
Rhopoint Metrology	238
Rical Group	137
Ricoh UK Products	175

Rossi Group	96
Rozone	183
RS Components	229
RSD Pressings	259
S&S Plastics	2
Salop Powder Coating	262
Samuel Taylor	87
Sharmic Engineering	174
Shire Leasing	90
Siemens	155
Sims Metal Management	212
Smart Space	126
SMB Pressings	92
Smith Metal Centres	85
Sorion Electronics	192
Sprint Tool & Die	280
SSC Laser Cutting	260
Stainless Steel Services	140
Star Micronics GB	80
Stockton Engineering	71

Subcon Laser Cutting	197
Summit Engineering (Birmingham)	117b
Talisman Plastics	122
Temple QMS	142
The Access Group	45
The Alternative Pallet Company	182
The Manufacturing Technology Centre	164
Thermaset	54
Thermotec Plastics	72
Threeway Pressings	185
TLM Laser	132
Top Tubes	60
Torus Technology Group	171
TP Engineering	125
TQC	214
Tri-Tech 3D	193
TSI Packing	219
Tungaloy	D3
UKF Stainless	144
University of Derby	99

University of Wolverhampton Science Park	267
Vero Software	265
Vision Profiles	226
WAGO	128
Wallwork Heat Treatment	204
Walsall College	5
Walter GB	157
Walther Trowal	3
Wenzel UK	255
WinMan	220
WLR Precision Engineering	209
WMG SME Group	253
Wrekin Sheet Metal	179
X-Treme Systems	278
Yeomans Pressings	221
Zicam/MAN Commercial	138

MIM Launches the 'Manufacturing Information Base'

Made in the Midlands News — 11/09/2013

Made in the Midlands has launched their dedicated 'Manufacturing Information Base.'

Call free on 08000 12 44 66 to get answers your wide-ranging industry related questions - Funding streams, sourcing, training and more are all on the agenda.

We look forward to taking your call...

Made in the Midlands brings manufacturing to Westminster

Made in the Midlands News — 16/07/2013

Manufacturing network Made in the Midlands has visited Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, to discuss the future of British manufacturing and highlight the challenges especially businesses in the Midlands are facing.

Spanning a five-member strong delegation, including some of the Midlands most innovative and inspiring manufacturing leaders, the network met up with the Minister in London to learn about the governments plans for the sector. Based on the concerns and suggestions of its members, Made in the Midlands addressed rising energy tariffs and increasing climate change directives affecting the industry, the reluctance of many banks to lend money to manufacturing businesses, alternative forms of funding available through the government and young peoples lack of interest in the sector.

According to John Faulkner, President of Made in the Midlands and Director at Tipton based Cab Automotive, Meeting Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP has presented us with a great opportunity to deliver some questions directly to the heart of the government. It was good to see that he was willing to listen and, in many instances, it became quite clear that we were not the only people delivering the same message.

With regards to Made in the Midlands aim to help members breaking into emerging markets such as Brazil, export was another key issue addressed by the parties. Particular emphasis was placed on the support UK manufacturers can expect from the government and its active efforts to balance trade with big importers such as China and India.

John Hayward, Director of Walsalls Metal Processes, says, The meeting gave rise to some constructive replies from the Minister, in particular on how to get school leavers and unemployed young adults interested in production work, leading to a skilled vocation in the industry. It was also good to talk about other ways the government can work closer with organisations like Made in the Midlands to stage a nationwide campaign to put manufacturing back at the forefront of the UKs economy.

Clearly inspired by the Midlands manufacturing businesses, the Minister also promised the delegation to come and visit the region, including a trip to Cab Automotive in the coming weeks.

Made in the Midlands fast-tracks latest networking session

Made in the Midlands News — 02/05/2018

Made in the Midlands members held a successful networking session as guests of The University of Wolverhamptons School of Engineering and MIM patron, law firm FBC Manby Bowdler.

The School of Engineering is based at the universitys Telford Campus, which has undergone an investment of £12m - with more set to follow, including the installation of a new wind tunnel.

The School runs under and post-graduate courses in subjects including aerospace engineering, automotive, chemical, electronics and telecoms, as well as mechanical engineering, mechatronics and motorsport.

It aims to turn out 250 industry-ready graduates and engineers each year. It is also running three-year manufacturing apprenticeship degrees.

The University showcases the work of the School of Engineering under the banner UWR (University of Wolverhampton Racing). The academic institution is the only University which competes in the Formula 3 F3 Cup competition, while the team also races in the Morgan Championship.

The UWR team is made up of 31 students from various courses, who work under the guidance of experienced staff from the professional motorsport industry.

While studying for their university degrees, students spend their evenings and weekends gaining valuable industry experience in professional motor racing, developing road cars via racing, or designing and building a race car from scratch.

With aspirations to work in motorsport, the engineering students are taught how to run a car professionally under the help and guidance of university staff. Their professional approach and passion for racing has seen the team take second place in the 2016 and 2017 F3 Cup championship - coming within a single point of the overall title in 2016, collecting a string of race wins along the way.

The 2018 season has also got off to a strong start with UWR driver Shane Kelly claiming victory in the race at Donington Park.

Members were told of the Universitys hopes for the school in a presentation from Vice Chancellor, Professor Ian Oakes, before being invited to tour the workshops where the race cars and prepared by the students.

Several MIM members have recognised the costs of running a race team and have agreed to sponsor UWR.

FBC Manby Bowdler and Tungaloy both have their logos emblazoned on the race cars.

MIM Statement: Beware of scam emails

Made in the Midlands News — 03/10/2017

SCAM ALERT Beware of scam emails from www.listinfous.com & www.umaxmedia.us & www.accubd.com selling Made in the Midlands Attendee Details

4th October 2017

Event sponsors, exhibitors and members contact information gathered using a scraping method from the internet and social media have received emails from a company claiming to be in the possession of the Made in the Midlands Exhibition 2017 attendee list (see below for example of one of their emails).

This sophisticated scam sounds genuine but is, in fact, a scam and you will not be receiving the Made in the Midlands attendee list, but rather adding your own company details to a list of people susceptible to phishing attempts and funding criminal activity.

Made in the Midlands does not sell its data and the attendee count information provided by the scammers does not match the real information. We strongly advise all members to remain aware and vigilant to these kind of scams and in no event share your own information/engage with them.

Kind regards

Jason Pitt, CEO

Made in the Midlands

Example scam email received by a MIM Member:

On 3 Oct 2017, at 13:52, Daisy R******* <d******@umaxmedia.us> wrote:

Hi,

Hope you are doing well.

I understand that your company is Participating/Exhibiting at Made in the Midlands Exhibition 2017

Would you be interested in an Attendees list for Multi-Channel Marketing?

We have available 1000+ Attendees complete contact information including Opt-in email address and direct phone numbers.

Awaiting your response.

Thanks & Regards,

Daisy R*******

Marketing Executive

SCAM ALERT - Beware of scam emails claiming to sell MIM data

Made in the Midlands News — 06/12/2017

SCAM ALERT Beware of scam emails from www.listinfous.com & www.umaxmedia.us & www.accubd.com selling Made in the Midlands Attendee Details

6th December 2017

Event sponsors, exhibitors, and members contact information gathered using a scraping method from the internet and social media have received emails from a company claiming to be in the possession of the Made in the Midlands attendee list (see below for example of one of their emails 2017). This sophisticated scam sounds genuine but is, in fact, a scam and you will not be receiving the Made in the Midlands attendee list but rather adding your own company details to a list of people susceptible to phishing attempts and funding criminal activity. Made in the Midlands does not sell its data and the attendee count information provided by the scammers does not match the real information.

On 3 Oct 2017, at 13:52, Daisy Ridley <daisy@umaxmedia.us> wrote:

Hi,

Hope you are doing well.

I understand that your company is Participating/Exhibiting at Made in the Midlands Exhibition 2017

Would you be interested in an Attendees list for Multi-Channel Marketing?

We have available 1000+ Attendees complete contact information including Opt-in email address and direct

phone numbers.

Awaiting your response.

Thanks & Regards,

Daisy Ridley

Marketing Executive

Made in Members in pole position to deliver F1 in Schools

Made in the Midlands News — 05/11/2019

Shropshire pupils are being urged to emulate Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and their amazing pit teams by taking part in an international STEM challenge.

12 local schools are wanted to take part in the next ‘F1 in Schools’, a global competition that encourages young people to build, market, promote and race their own purpose-built cars. Teams of six pupils - from Years 10 to 13 - can enter and, for the first time in the region, will be supported by the Marches Centre of Manufacturing & Technology (MCMT) and The STEM Workshop.

The two organisations have joined forces to ensure Shropshire has the strongest possible entries and will hold a special launch event on December 6^th at the state-of-the-art MCMT training academy in Bridgnorth.

Here schools will be teamed up with a business that will mentor them throughout the project, as well as hearing from Brian Sims (former Commercial Director of Benneton F1), Mark Wemyss-Holden (Engineering in Motion) and engineering social media influencer Chris Greenough (Salop Design & Engineering).

They'll also have the rare opportunity to meet with the Champions of Formula 3 from the University of Wolverhampton race team and see up close a Formula 3 car.

Amy Farley, ESF Growth for Skills Compliance Manager at MCMT, is leading on the project: “F1 in Schools is a great way of getting pupils involved in STEM-related subjects, especially engineering and manufacturing.

“This is just the start. In addition to building a car that is powered by a CO2 cannister and capable of completing the 22-metre track, they will also be encouraged to look at how they market and promote their designs and racing team.”

She continued: “Shropshire was the home of the industrial revolution and we’d love to make a real impact in this competition, which is run on a regional, national and international stage.

“We have joined forces with STEM Workshop and local businesses, including MyWorkwear, to come up with a way where we can provide assistance and facilities to help our teams develop the best possible car.”

There are spaces for 12 Shropshire schools and four have already signed-up, including Burton Borough, Hadley Learning Centre, The Marches School and TPS Trust.

These will be assigned local businesses and, so far, the call for industrial support has been well received, with Bauromat, GWR Fasteners, Hexagon Metrology, HCI Systems, SCU Motorsports and Shropshire 3D Print all agreeing to add their commercial knowledge and expertise.

The European Social Fund supported launch event on December 6^th, which is being held alongside a Made in the Midlands and MyWorkwear Breakfast Briefing for 50 manufacturers, will give teams the chance to take part in a number of practical workshops that will prepare them and help them understand what is expected of them.

From there, a number of support sessions will be held at MCMT, the University of Wolverhampton and onsite at schools, with the emphasis on making the assistance bespoke to the needs of each individual team.

This may involve using CAD/CAM software, 3D printing, design support or just being able to access the track to test early ideas and more advanced prototypes.

Leanne Mee, the founder of The STEM Workshop, continued: “This is a real opportunity for schools and businesses to work together to develop the next generation of designers, engineers, marketers and commercial experts.

“We need to make sure Shropshire has a talent pool it can dip into in order to maintain our reputation as a world leader in engineering and manufacturing. And what better way to do that then build, race and win a F1 in Schools competition!”

The F1 in Schools Regional Finals will be held in January 2021 at MCMT and this will be followed by the National and International finals later that year. Entry is just £75+vat per team and this can be paid by the school or the business.

To register your interest, please visit email leannemee@thestemworkshop.co.uk/amyf@mcmt.co.uk or call 01746 802079

Christmas Shutdown

Made in the Midlands News — 12/12/2018

The Christmas holidays are coming and we would like to inform you of our scheduled shutdown over Christmas and New Year holidays.

Both our offices in the Midlands and Yorkshire will closed from Thursday 19th December and we will back on Wednesday 2nd January 2019 to promote our members and the manufacturing sector..

Please don't hesitate to contact a member of our team across the group should you have a query in the coming weeks.

We will expect to receive all your urgent requests as soon as possible, in order to be able to perform all your requests in the remaining working days in December.

Here’s to a great 2018 and an even better 2019!

The Made in Group

Manufacturers waving the flag for Staffordshire at MIM Expo

Made in the Midlands News — 14/06/2018

MIM members in Staffordshire will be out to impress visitors to this years exhibition at the Ricoh Arena.

Tamworth-based Lycett Fabrications is a first time exhibitor at the show and will be showing off its capabilities from Stand 224.

With 30 highly skilled employees based at a 26,000 sq ft production facility, the company has invested in all aspects of steel fabrication.

The factory includes provision for welding, flame cutting, sawing, machining, jig-boring, shot blasting and finishing. This enables the firm to provide a one-stop-shop service taking drawings through to finished fabrications and in doing so, ensuring complete material traceability and consistent quality control.

Lycett, which is ISO 9001: 2008 accredited, supplies bespoke, precision-made, medium and heavy gauge fabrications to customers across a wide range of demanding sectors. These include farming and agriculture, environmental, waste management, transport, mining, architectural and yellow goods.

Exhibiting at Stand 200, Nufast is one of the UKs leading suppliers of specialist fasteners, machined items, bespoke forged components, pressings and assemblies.

The Burntwood companys products include cold forged components, pressings and fasteners, and its in-house precision tool room and production facilities, complete with a full range of presses, mean the firm is prepared to rise to any challenge.

Fastener products include nuts, bolts and rivets ranging in size from M5 M33. It accommodates a variety of head styles, dimensions, grades, and finishes to create bespoke fasteners to individual requirements.

It operates partnerships with multiple vendors in the industry, which enable it to supply special finishes, patches, adhesives and many other secondary processes.

Thermaset is the UKs largest privately owned powder coatings manufacturer and supplier.

The Tamworth-based company, which has more than 30 years experience, supplies companies in sectors such as automotive, architectural services, furniture making, even garden equipment suppliers.

It has enjoyed a strong start to 2018 and uses exhibitions and trade shows to meet new people, as well as catching up with some familiar faces.

Its Expo team will be sharing the firms considerable knowledge, answering queries and providing expert advice. It will be happy to accept challenges in the expectation it can provide a suitable solution.

Staff will also be explaining how the expansion of its Tamworth plant is allowing its various teams to work more effectively. It is also looking at expanding its workforce.

Along with this, the firm has also invested in a contemporary spray room, complete with all of the latest technologies to assist its laboratory staff.

It fulfils bespoke orders requiring just a few kgs of powder coating, right through to long-term contracts requiring tonnes.

Nigel Crane, Commercial Manager, said: Each made to match colour we receive provides us with a chance to do some highly convenient and effective research and development. Our R&D team are also busy on new projects that we are excited to share with you all in the future.

The company will be exhibiting on Stand 54.

To make sure you dont miss out on this very special event, register for your ticket here.

Reuters: Surprise jump in UK services PMI heralds continued strong growth

Made in the Midlands News — 04/08/2014

Britain's services industry grew last month at the fastest pace since November, raising the chance that the rapid economic recovery will continue for the rest of the year and potentially bringing forward a rise in interest rates.

The monthly Markit/CIPS purchasing managers index for the services sector beat economists' expectations and contrasted with a mostly downbeat recent string of economic data.

A similar survey of manufacturing hit a one-year low last week, but the rebound in services took the composite PMI for the private sector as a whole to a three-month high.

This may encourage the Bank of England (BoE) to rethink a prediction made in May that the economy would slow slightly in the second half of 2014.

The British central bank publishes new forecasts next week, and some economists said the data could prompt one or two policymakers to back a rate rise at this week's policy meeting. The BoE will announce its rate decision on Thursday although a breakdown of how policymakers voted will not be available until minutes of the meeting are published later in the month.

"The pick-up in the composite PMI somewhat increases the chances that the Monetary Policy Committee decides to raise interest rates before the end of the year, and may even produce a split interest rate vote (this week) for the first time since July 2011," said Samuel Tombs at Capital Economics.

Expectations rates might rise this year got a boost in June when BoE Governor Mark Carney said markets had underpriced the risk of higher borrowing costs but later faded due to mixed recent data and more equivocal remarks on policy by the Bank.

Economists polled by Reuters last week did not expect rates to rise until the first three months of 2015.

Sterling rose and British government bonds led euro zone debt lower on Tuesday after the services data, however, as traders bet again on an earlier BoE rate move.

July's services PMI reading of 59.1 comfortably beat economists' forecasts of a small rise to 57.9 from the 57.7 recorded in June. The composite PMI rose to a three-month high of 59.1 from 58.4 in June.

The equivalent survey in the euro zone also showed an increase in growth, though at a slower rate.

Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit, which compiles the PMI, said the numbers were consistent with Britain's economy continuing to grow at a quarterly rate of 0.8 percent, well above its long-term average 0.5-0.6 percent.

The economy grew by 3.1 percent in the year to July, extending a surprisingly strong recovery from a deep recession and years of stagnation caused by the 2008 financial crisis.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research, a leading think tank, said Britain's recovery was more entrenched and it expected the economy to grow 3.0 percent this year, up from 2.9 percent in its previous forecast.

Markit's Williamson said the strong PMI did not imply the BoE should raise rates soon, with prices in the services sector barely rising. "An absence of inflationary pressures means there is still a strong case for any tightening of policy to be delayed until 2015," Williamson said.

Strikingly low wage growth despite record employment is also widely seen staying the BoE's hand.

Services growth was helped by new orders and investment and hiring slowed only slightly from June's record high. Firms' confidence about the future was down slightly at 71.2, an eight-month low, although it was still high by historic standards.

The PMI survey covers private-sector services firms excluding retailers, and represents almost half of the economy.

(Reporting by David Milliken; Editing by Catherine Evans)

Backing Britain Book will celebrate 'manufacturing heroes'

Made in the Midlands News — 31/03/2020

In a bid to showcase the inspirational stories from Made members, the Backing Britain book will include a series of articles based on how manufacturers have demonstrated strength in a time of crisis. As part of the Backing Britain Live 2020 events, the book will also display the exhibiting members and information about the companies.

As announced yesterday, by Jason Pitt, CEO of the Made in Group, the annual Made in Group exhibitions will no longer physically go ahead. This is due to the prediction from the Government that though we may not be in full lockdown in the summer months, it is likely that social distancing measures will still be in place. Therefore to protect guests and members, the group will be launching a new immersive digital event, to take place across two weeks, demonstrating all of the benefits of a physical event, minus the risk.

Aiming to encourage 5,000 delegates to attend, not only will guests have the opportunity to visit a unique online exhibition, but they will also receive a gift bag delivered straight to their homes. This will include the Backing Britain Book, a poster of the exhibition hall, a Backing Britain lanyard and more.

The Backing Britain book will replace the quarterly magazine usually printed by the Express & Star called the Made Mag. Due to the current situation with COVID-19, the Made Group was notified that the publisher will not be able to print the magazine for the foreseeable future. Talking about this, Jason said:

“Although I am disappointed, I refuse to give up and will not let people down. As someone who has worked in publishing in my early career, I know we have a great digital team who can deliver once in a lifetime project.

However, doing what the Made Group do best, they have kept a positive outlook and have decided to create the 100pg Backing Britain book that will highlight ‘Manufacturing Heroes’ who have conquered during the current pandemic. It will also highlight a time in history in which has affected the industry in an unforeseen way. Talking about what the book will stand for and entail, Jason said:

“There can be no doubt that 2020 will be a significant time in history. One hundred years from now, people will talk about this year. People will not only talk about the virus, but they will talk about the people, communities and businesses. We want to share some of those stories from business, create a catalogue of ‘manufacturing heroes’, including stories of innovation, community support and resilience.”

Scheduled to be available in August or September time 2020, The Made Group would like to include as many stories as possible from it’s members. Jason said:

“The ‘Backing Britain’ book will be our bible; it will be an opportunity to show the world and broader business community, the British spirit and showcase some of our amazing companies.”

If you have any inspirational stories on how your company has innovated, diversified or have demonstrated community support and resilience please get in touch by emailing newsdesk@madeinthemidlands.com

Previewing MIM's Great Brexit Debate

Made in the Midlands News — 26/04/2016

On Thursday 28th April, Made in the Midlands will be hosting the Great Brexit Debate at Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre to discuss the proposed question which was accepted by MPs: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?"

Made in the Midlands are giving our members a chance to debate the future of the UK and Europe, looking into why we should vote, how to vote and what is going to happen afterwards.

The discussion panel will be Chaired by MIM President, Christopher Greenough. Scott Harrison, Director of Swindell and Pearson and Graham Yeomans, Director of Yeoman Pressings will be representing the Bremain opinion. Whereas, Bill Good, CEO of Diverco Limited and Deryk Law, CEO of Clayton Holdings are in favour of a Brexit.

Prime Minister, David Cameron has agreed a package of changes to the UKs membership of the EU, which will take effect immediately if the UK remains in the EU. These changes will effect: Child benefit, migrant welfare payments, Eurozone, Protection for the City of London, Sovereignty, Red card for national parliaments, competitiveness and some limits of free movement.

There are a range of arguments for either opinion, as the Brexit side could argue that the Euro currency will never work, as nineteen different countries with highly variable attitudes to tax, corruption and work become united as one. Whilst the Bremainers can argue that the EU is a single market in which no tariffs are imposed on imports and exports between member states. "More than 50 per cent of our exports go to EU countries," says Sky News, "and our membership allows us to have a say over how trading rules are drawn up."

Make sure you join in the heated discussion this Thursday, as MIM members aim to draw a conclusive opinion, that successfully reflects the manufacturing community. If you are interested in joining the Great Brexit Debate, please contact our Group Events Manager, Iwona at: iwona@firstorchard.com Alternatively, you can book your tickets at the following link: http://bit.ly/1NPpyGO

Raise your profile with Made in the Midlands

Made in the Midlands News — 21/07/2014

We hope you are taking advantage of the brand new features on our revamped website. There are so many ways that your business can raise its profile within it.

Your messages can reach key manufacturing decision makers and 35,000 other visitors every single month.

Did you know - When members place a news item or blog, their content also reaches over 6,000 twitter followers as well as approaching 10,000 subscribers to our weekly news digest.

The new microsites make your company look amazing too and we're delighted with the feedback that we've had from you so far.

Members and non-members alike can advertise right across the Made in the Midlands site starting from just £360 per month (plus VAT). We have positions and options to suit every pocket and above all it is highly targeted to a manufacturing audience and completely measurable in terms of your return on investment.

To discover how you can take your business to the next level call Emily on 01902 255030 or drop her an email...

Made in the Midlands raise £750 for Save the Children

Made in the Midlands News — 21/12/2016

Made in the Midlands are delighted to announce that we raised £750 for Save the Children in celebration of Christmas Jumper Day. The money was collectively raised at our Christmas drinks celebration at Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham.

At the event, we hosted a charity raffle in association with Threeway Pressings, who regularly complete charity work alongside cancer charities throughout the year. Threeway announced that they would donate a Bullbarrow full of alcohol to the eventual winner of the raffle.

Managing Director of Threeway Pressings, Philip Stanley stated: This is a fantastic achievement from Made in the Midlands members. We eclipsed last years total comfortably and it is great to show people that manufacturers are a very proud collective of people that do a lot for charity throughout the year.

The winner of the raffle was declared as the Managing Director of Hucknall Sheetmetal, Jason Thorpe. Hucknall are a first tier supplier to the Aerospace Industries and also supply into the Transport, Environment, Energy, Food and Drink and Health Care sectors.

Thank you to @threewaypress for providing a fantastic prize in aid of @SavetheChildren and @madeinthemids team . Merry Xmas All, CHEERS !!! https://t.co/nocBc8wARi
Hucknall Sheet Metal (@HucknallSheet) December 16, 2016

Made in the Midlands Managing Director, Jason Pitt said: It is great to see Midlands manufacturers working as a collective for the benefit of a great charity in Save the Children. We all contributed towards raising £750 for the charity and we we will continue this competition as a Christmas tradition. Its a brilliant time to have fun with the members and gives them a chance to win a great prize from Threeway Pressings.

We would like to thank every member or non-member for their participation in our charity raffle for Save the Children. We would also like to thank Threeway Pressings for supplying the prize, as great local charity ambassadors within our membership group.

To find out more about Save the Children, please visit: www.savethechildren.org.uk

#BackingBritain continues to unite and champion UK manufacturing in the Midlands

Made in the Midlands News — 03/02/2020

On the 30th of January 2020, the eve of the UK's exit of the European Union, over 70 manufacturing leaders descended on Boneham & Turner in Sutton-in-Ashfield to discuss, share, and learn how three Made in the Midlands members are Backing Britain to safeguard its future and create a lasting legacy.

The third Backing Britain event, and the second held in the Midlands region, took place at the premises of Boneham & Turner, following November's event at Outokumpu and the first Midlands event at RAF Cosford.

Kicking off with breakfast, refreshments and networking the event was keynoted by both the Chairman of the Made in Group, Lord Whitby and the CEO, Jason Pitt. Three members of Made in the Midlands, Charles Boneham of Boneham & Turner, the hosts, James Perry of Gardner Aerospace, and James Underwood of Micro-Mesh Filtration took to the stage to talk about how their respective companies are Backing Britain.

In a room of over 70 guests, Jason Pitt, the CEO of the Made in Group introduced the members to the premises, thanking Charles Boneham for hosting the event before handing over the stage to the Chairman of the Made in Group, Lord Whitby.

Lord Whitby, who only the night before had been entertaining potential new investors in the UK economy at an event in London, spoke about the power of the Made in Group family, and why the industry should be positive.

Speaking to the room, he explained how, despite "What you may read in the news, what's really going on in the manufacturing reflected in this room by those of you here today."

He went on to discuss how that reflection is present in the fact that 23% of the UK's GDP - over $600 Billion - is either directly created, or underpinned by manufacturing, including those in the room, and that beyond the room 20% of those figures are represented by the 450 members of the Made in the Midlands group.

Speaking first, Charles Boneham talked about the history Boneham & Turner, which is an over century-long story, has its foundations solidly in Backing Britain. The company started in the 20th century as a Jig manufacturer, before moving into the creation of engine components for the 1920s and 1930's era ERA and BRM race car engine.

Charles then went on to showcase how during the Second World War, it created Tail Fins for the Lancaster bomber, components for both the Merlin Engine and the Spitfire gearbox. Yet, in 2020, over a century since the company's humble beginnings, which included a humorous tale about a fight with an Indian prince, which you listen to in the support event video below, it was discussed how the company is today Backing Britain.

As we are now post-Brexit, in the period known as the transition period, trade is all the talk, and it's here where Charles explained that one way they're Backing Britain is by continuing to grow their American Market.

With a factory, which employs 10 in the United States, New Jersey, it was explained to the audience that this expansion, of a British company, has allowed them to work with some of Fortune 500's biggest companies, including Ford Motors (Number 12) and General Motors (Number 13). As a result, the USA market now accounts for 40% of all of Boneham and Turner's business.

The next to speak was one of our newest members, Gardner Aerospace. With 16 sites across the globe, James Perry is the site manager at their largest plant within the company, both in terms of turnover, which stands at £65 Million last year and number of employees at 225.

As a specialist, the company is a leading part manufacturer in the aerospace sector, where they create both fuselage and cabin elements for aircraft. Perhaps then it's no surprise that according to James, to Back Britain, your company, if it's focusing on similar high-complex products, must concentrate on its differentiation.

In James own words, "That product must add value, while also continually reminding them, your clients, what value means to them." Yet but in the case of Gardner Aerospace, they're also Backing Britain due to the locality of both their suppliers and buyers and the advantage they find it gives them in the field.

But besides Backing Britain, what does Britain do to back manufacturers? For James, it's also down to the countries great good labour laws and the flexibility of its workforce.

The final speaker of the event was James Underwood, of Micro-Mesh Filtration. The company, which has its routes back in the mining industry, spoke about how even back in their original design as a company they were Backing Britain. "85% of customers and 90% of suppliers were within a 50-Mile radius."

Not shying away from their history, James spoke about the company struggling to find a place in the post-pitt-closure world of the UK. Yet it's this struggle and the determination of the company which shifted the company to where it is today.

Now, in 2020 the company has redesigned itself and provides a range of services from the filters used in the British Army's main battle Tank, the Challenger 2 to signing an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Ministry of State for Military Production and Advanced Engineering Solutions in Egypt, to manufacture and supply their renowned air filters for use in gas turbines in Egyptian power stations.

When asked about how they managed to turn-around their companies success, James spoke about how he discovered that people, "Really value the family business aspect because it allows them to create a relationship with the same person and creating long-lasting ties."

In addition to the networking, breakfast and tour, the guests were also treated to a look at the University of Wolverhampton's Racing Teams Formula 3 Racing Car, a local project that Made in the Midlands Sponsor.

Later in the event, those who were attending were also able to speak to the newly elected Conservative Party MP for Ashfield, Lee Anderson, who spoke to the guests about everything from Brexit to the importance of manufacturing in the UK economy.

The Backing Britain campaign started in October 2019 and will continue throughout 2020. Born out of our shared passion for supporting local manufacturing, the year-long campaign was established to eliminate negativity within the manufacturing sector and to act as a beacon of light during times of uncertainty.

The campaign will visit a location every month alternating between the Midlands and Yorkshire, with the next event taking place on the 20th of February at Made in Yorkshire Member Appris premises, located in Bradford. For more details, please follow this link.

MIM members to feed in to Industrial Strategy through Manifesto event

Made in the Midlands News — 10/04/2017

At a Made in the Midlands (MIM) Council meeting earlier last week, it was agreed that the organisation would hold a 'Britain's Manufacturing Manifesto' event on the 8th May at Birmingham City University, providing members with the perfect opportunity to discuss and feed in to the ten pillars of the governments' Industrial Strategy.

Taking the format of an open forum brainstorming session, there will be 100 places available for Directors of Made in the Midlands member firms to discuss and contribute ideas regarding what support you believe Midlands and UK industry should receive from government over the coming five years and beyond.

Made in the Midlands will then summarise the findings as part of a published report, which will then be handed by our Non Executive Chairman Lord Whitby directly in to Greg Clarke and Theresa May in Downing Street.

"We've all moaned for so long about not being given share of voice in Government discussions. Well this is our opportunity, now is the time to take it."

- MIM Council member David Lindsey, of Laser Process

The government insists that the recent industrial strategy green paper represents an ambitious long-term vision for the UK, however it has been accused of being "short-termist" and a continuation of existing policies rather than the step change that's needed in reality by many MP's.

Furthermore, the green paper offered an "open door" challenge to industry to approach government for "sector deals". Whilst the concept of sector deals has been questioned by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy select committee, it is very apparent that the strategy provides little clarity on how regional rebalancing will work and there is significant opportunity for industry to stake their claim in regions such as the Midlands.

"This is the first time something like this is being done, with industry being able to feed directly in to the Industrial Strategy of Government. The Industrial Strategy needs to have ownership, needs to consider the social and cultural yield of any decisions that are made as part of it - as well as the economic. It has to benefit the wider society. Economic benefits are too often short lived, whereas social benefits are longer lasting."

- Lord Whitby, non executive chairman of Made in The Midlands

Made in the Midlands 'Britain's Manufacturing Manifesto' event is your opportunity to have your voice heard. We want you to get involved in these discussions and for your ideas to be heard. For too long Midlands industry has been ignored and undervalued. As Made in the Midlands' influence grows within government, our aim remains steadfast, to represent our members and the wider Midlands manufacturing community. To achieve this, we need you to turn up to events such as this.

Agree or disagree with the contents of the Industrial Strategy green paper, we cannot argue that this represents a huge opportunity for Midlands industry to shape governments industrial plans moving forward. We urge you to get involved with our event. Places will be limited to 100 Directors, so please act quick to avoid missing out.

To confirm your attendance, please email iwona@firstorchard.com

How Manufacturers Can Drive Business Growth with Content Marketing

Made in the Midlands News — 10/02/2020

Whether you embrace it kicking and screaming or with open arms, the manufacturing and engineering industry is going digital.

A recent study found that internet sales accounted for 11.5% of B2B earnings in 2018, which is predicted to climb as high as 13.1% by 2022. The 2014 Acquity Group State of B2B Procurement study also found that a monumental 94% of B2B buyers reported that they always conduct some form of online research before purchasing a business product.

Despite this, many manufacturing firms are reluctant to embrace the new digital age. The reasoning for many of these companies is understandable: they are still producing success from their pre-digital business strategy.

However, with such a large proportion of the industry failing or even refusing to implement a successful digital brand strategy, this leaves the door open for new, forward-thinking and proactive firms to take over in the upcoming decade.

Made in the Midlands members are able to use their bespoke microsite to supercharge any digital marketing campaign. Keep reading to discover how manufacturing companies can drive business growth with content marketing.

Upload Frequently

Essentially: Google loves frequent updates. You will have a far better chance of Google ranking your site higher with each update, if you are regularly updating your site with valuable content.

The more fresh content you upload, the more “authority” you will be deemed to have on a particular topic or within a particular sector, by both Google and industry experts alike. Frequently updating any site with fresh content, in the form of updating an article, will mean that it is indexed more frequently by a web crawler (e.g. Googlebot).

We recommend Made in the Midlands members ideally upload new articles every 4 weeks to reap the wholehearted benefit of this. All success stories which are posted by members to the site may be added to our weekly newsletter and shared with over 20,000 followers on social media.

Utilise Backlinks

Backlinks are vital for SEO, as Google will give far more credit to websites that have quality links going to their site. These websites will be considered more relevant by Google in the results pages for a search query by a potential customer.

Linking your personalised social media microsite and uploaded content to your company’s main site is a fantastic way to maximise business traffic by boosting SEO. As a paid member, you can link from your main site to your microsite using a Made in the Midlands logo.

By having links which go both ways between your microsite and main site, this will improve your link building in the eyes of Google and benefit your search engine ranking overall.

Cultivate Unique Content

As long as Google deems that your microsite serves a unique purpose, with unique content, it will have a wholly positive effect on your SEO.

The flexible nature of microsites, compared to company homepages, make them a great platform for exploring new opportunities within a safe environment. Innovative businesses will often take advantage of these benefits through treating microsites as a wholly separate entity from their main website, focusing on a singular goal, product, service, brand segment or other marketing campaign.

Our digital team can work with you during any and every step of the microsite optimisation process to ensure that you have a personalised, SEO-ready microsite which complies with both your company’s wants and needs, alongside those of Google.

Supercharge Business Growth Today

Whilst all successful manufacturing firms will eventually be forced to adapt, a repeatedly seen lack of knowledge on digital marketing, combined with a reluctance to change, provides your company with a fantastic opportunity to grow within the new age of industry.

Our digital specialists work with you to create a bespoke, SEO-ready microsite which supercharges brand exposure throughout the manufacturing industry. Browse Made in the Midlands range of membership plans today or get in touch for more info.

Exclusive offer for MIM Members - Digital video content for your business

Made in the Midlands News — 29/10/2013

If you came to the 'Made In The Midlands' Awards 2013 last week you would have noticed that the presentation material used throughout was dynamically brought to life through digital film media - courtesy of a partnership between Made In the Midlands and RGA Media Services.

In a hugely competitive market and with the ever increasing use and massive impact of social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, the need for high quality on-line video content as opposed to text and images has never been greater or moreover expected.

Once the preserve of blue chip companies with huge marketing budgets, film and video has now become eminently affordable and the opportunity to reach a wider marketplace has never been better.

As the digital film partner of 'MIM' and in response to demands by leading manufacturers and business, RGA Media Services have focused on creating new ways to produce engaging promotional videos for websites, presentations and more.

They have also built a price package exclusively for Made In The Midlands members incorporating a 20% discount on newly commissioned films.

For further information and a film and social media consultation exclusive to MITM members please contact Charles Symons on 07837 525 288 or visit our website www.rgamediaservices.co.uk You may have also seen our R:Evolution flyer in the sponsor pack.

Alternatively please call Matt Eccles at MIM on 01902 255060 and he will forward your details.

Made in Members: Driving international trade forward amidst Brexit

Made in the Midlands News — 24/09/2019

It’s an interesting time for UK manufacturers who export their goods and services. On one hand, the looming and ultimately unpredictable fallout of Brexit casts a shadow of uncertainty for all companies dealing in international trade. Despite this, many of our members are setting both personal and industry standards for their exports across all sectors of Manufacturing.

Our Annual Member survey revealed that members are selling their goods in 122 different countries across the world. It also shed light on the notion that member companies are less concerned with how their end-market products will be affected, but more concerned with the available pool of skilled labourers which may be impacted by Brexit.

From talking to Made In members, we’ve found a common feeling of confidence, optimism and a commitment to resilience as we move forward through 2019. These feelings represent the adaptability and resourcefulness which has driven British manufacturing forward for centuries.

Let’s take a look at what some of our members have to say about the current and future state of exporting from the UK.

C Brandauer & Co LTD

Known throughout Europe as one of the most prominent presswork and stamping companies, Brandauer manufacture precision metal components which are delivered to customers on a global scale. With a heritage stretching back over 150 years, Brandauer specialises in the complete prototyping, design and in-house tool production for companies in a wide range of industries.

With a primary focus on exporting out plumbing components, automotive electronics, and components for domestic goods, as well as a growing portfolio in electric motor laminations, Brandauer’s exports make up 80% of their business.

They’ve also recently received The Queen’s Award; a highly prestigious award for excellence in international trade. Rowan Crozier, Managing Director at C Brandauer & Co LTD, states that this accolade shows the company’s readiness in terms of the uncertainties of future exporting, adding:

“It’s something we can say which offsets any discussions over Brexit - it’s something we point to in terms of our excellence in exporting.”

Mr Crozier advises other Made In members to step forward with their exporting by supplying a product which is in demand for the particular market being targeted. In terms of Brandauer, Mr Crozier describes the company as being unworried by potential ramifications of Brexit, due to their strength within the niches they’ve developed and their ability to deliver the services on a global scale.

Gardner Denver

Specialising in a wide range of compressors, pumps, blower systems, and loading systems, Gardner Denver delivers their highly-experienced and expert services to all kinds of industries. They take a tailored, hands-on approach so that they can provide the best possible service to each of their customers.

Gardner Denver recognises the utility of maintaining a global presence to support their customers and market position. With 6,400 members of staff across 40 key manufacturing facilities and 30 service centres, GD has recently established new facilities in India, China, and Brazil.

Peter Satchwell, Sales Director at Gardner Denver Ltd, discusses how their long-standing history and capable employees are the pillars upon which they have built their success:

“For the GD high-pressure business, we’re working upon a foundation 140 years of British heritage, and we retain the capabilities of our talented engineers.”

Mr Satchwell goes on to explain how GD’s global presence helps to secure them against whatever Brexit may bring:

“A large portion of our business is outside of the concerns of Brexit; a large amount of our supply chain is UK-based, and we export globally, not just Europe.”

In terms of advice for other companies who may be uncertain about the ramifications of Brexit, Mr Satchwell points to the renowned reputation of UK manufacturing and how contributing to this reputation will only benefit companies looking to export.

He adds that:

“The British brand is still very, very strong, and should only be promoted more as the industry continues to grow. I don’t see this changing.”

Clevedon Fasteners

Founded in 1939, Clevedon Fasteners produce cold-formed components for a wide range of uses within the commercial and automotive sectors. The company operates with a focus on technical expertise and excellent customer service, and export their products to countries all across the world. Clevedon Fasteners were awarded “Best New Exporter” in 2003 by the Birmingham Chamber Of Commerce, and have since seen their exports increase exponentially.

Steve Hardeman is the Managing Director of Clevedon Fasteners and despite uncertainty over Brexit he is confident in terms of exporting. He also feels other members should maintain confidence as well as export customers love UK manufactured products. He said:

“Clevedon manufacture fasteners in Birmingham and is mainly driven by our export business, including China and India. We learned a long time ago that export customers love UK manufactured products.

"Brexit holds no fears for us as we already the processes in place export anywhere in the world”

Regardless of the current state of affairs in terms of trading, it seems many members and the manufacturing community as a whole is optimistic for the future. The Made in Group strive to keep a positive outlook on what is happening within the manufacturing sector and this is reflected through our members.

Come and see us at Subcon - Hall 3, stand J37

Made in the Midlands News — 01/06/2014

We'll be at the NEC as a media partner of Subcon, our stand is located in Hall 3 - J37.

If you're there come over and say hello to Sharon, Richard and Emily. If you're nice to them they'll let you have a go in the MIM Formula One simulator.

Look forward to seeing you there...

£35m order is JCB’s biggest of the year - 'From the Express and Star'

Made in the Midlands News — 28/07/2014

Midland's digger giant JCB has secured a fresh order for more than 1,000 machines from one of the UKs leading plant hire companies in a deal worth £35 million.

A-Plant, part of equipment rental group Ashtead, has bought a huge fleet mainly consisting of mini and midi excavators and JCB Loadalls, as well as rough terrain forklifts, Teletruks and 3CX backhoe loaders.

Also for the first time, A-Plant has also ordered a number of JS130 tracked excavators from JCB as it looks to expand its range into the 13-tonne machine market.

The new deal comes on the back of 800 machines ordered by A-Plant last year and a further 550 in 2012.

All the machines, which are being supplied by dealer Greenshields JCB, will be built at JCBs Staffordshire factories. The cabs for all the machines are made at JCB Cab Systems in Rugeley where 400 work. The backhoe loaders and Loadalls are put together at the companys world headquarters at Rocester, the mini and midi excavators at JCB Compact Products in Cheadle, the Teletruks at JCB Utility Products, Cheadle and the tracked excavators at JCB Heavy Products in Uttoxeter.

JCBs chief executive Graeme Macdonald (pictured) said: This is a highly significant order and the biggest of the year so far for JCB in the UK. We are delighted that our relationship with A-Plant, which now stretches back more than 25 years, continues to go from strength to strength. The UK market is currently the fastest growing in the world and JCB is on course for its best performance in the UK since 2007 which helps to offset downturns in markets such as Brazil, India and Latin America.

Read the full story here

Made in the Midlands Director Charles Addison added: "This is more great news for JCB and Staffordshire and comes hot on the heels of their Made in the Midlands World Cup triumph!"

Made in the Midlands champions more women into manufacturing

Made in the Midlands News — 20/08/2013

Made in the Midlands is asking manufacturing firms across the region, to put their female engineers forward for this year's Made in the Midlands awards.

Firms can nominate an employee, or directly apply for the inaugural Female Engineer of the Year Award. This award is aimed at encouraging more women into engineering and will be presented by Richard Noble, OBE on the 22nd October.

Applicants are open to all women who work in industry, the award recognises achievements made in showing innitiative, innovation, engineering competence and the ability to be a role model.

Members interested in nominating someone should contact Sophie Whittingham on 01902 255035 or email sophie@madeinthemidlands.com

Made in the Midlands release Top 5 tips to improve your digital presence

Made in the Midlands News — 03/07/2017

In a world based on traditional principles, where solid processes will produce products that meet the needs of your well-developed supply chain, it may seem difficult to focus on creating a digital presence.

However, its almost essential.

Made in the Midlands have officially released our top 5 tips to improve any manufacturers digital presence.

In the digital age, it is clear that any business needs an online presence. It would be near impossible to name one business who doesnt have a website at the very least. Nevertheless, some companies may still believe that their customer base is sat in their order book. However, their competition are scouring online searching for new business opportunities all of the time.

If anybody in the 21st century wants to learn anything, then Google has become their best friend. People will be out there searching for (insert your company) to learn more about your products, services and more. New customers wont put in a mass amount of effort to find you though, which is why establishing a bold online presence will give you the competitive edge.

Your online presence can be filled with testimonials, portfolios, photo albums all about your business. Your website will put in work, that no human can even compete with. Your presence never sleeps online and it will provide all of the answers regarding your business to new customers.

Having a voice on social media also humanises your brand. It allows you to get to know potential customers virtually. If your company isnt currently using social media, you are missing out on a huge opportunity to connect with your peers and target audience.

The above content is simply an observation of the importance of an online presence, to read through tangible steps and a real guide, please: Read More about improving your digital presence and visit our E-Book page here:

http://www.madeinthemidlands.com/raise-your-online-profile

MAS officially launched as online help desk by MIM

Made in the Midlands News — 25/08/2017

Made in the Midlands has launched the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) as a dedicated online help desk and signposting service to support Britains manufacturing industry and help businesses access information they need in order to grow. The launch event, attended by over 150 leading Midlands manufactures, was held at Hotel du Vin on Thursday, August 24, 2017.

MAS was initially a Government initiative that was introduced as part of the Business Growth Service (BGS) with the support of up to £125 million in funding. However, in 2015 the service was ended as a result of funding cuts much to the dismay of businesses and entrepreneurs.

Following several years of political uncertainty and recent industry concerns about the Governments industrial strategy, Made in the Midlands arranged a meeting with a selection of its members in April 2017 to see what could be done. During this meeting, it became apparent that the main concern among manufacturers was a lack of awareness of where to turn for help.

When the original Manufacturing Advisory Service closed due to lack of funding, it left a gap in the manufacturing industry, said Charles Addison, Business Development Director. Prompted by the uncertainty surrounding the Governments industrial strategy, we gathered a coalition of our members, led by non-executive chairman Lord Mike Whitby, to see what could be done about the industrys uncertainty concerning who to turn to for advice and for help navigating the innovation minefield.

It became clear that there was the technical capability and industry knowledge among our members, and the capacity in the Made in the Midlands team, to combine efforts and launch MAS as on online help desk for Britains manufacturers. The service will help businesses find the support and advice they need, about everything from process improvements and research and development (R&D) grants, to access to finance and marketing best practice.

Speaking at the launch at Hotel du Vin, Lord Mike Whitby, Non-executive Chairman of Made in the Midlands, said, Manufacturing contributes over 10 per cent to Britains GDP, and the Midlands contribution is even more significant. Its vital that the sector continues to grow, but one of the biggest challenges the sector is currently facing is a lag between true entrepreneurship and access to financial support.

Its essential that we share experience and that the financial sector becomes more transparent about why funding may be denied or take so long to be granted. The launch of MAS, by a superb organisation that really listens to its members and is sponsored by financial institutions such as the Royal Bank of Scotland, is a great step towards a strong future of growth for Britains manufacturing industry.

The launch of the MAS help desk is sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, Baldwins Accountants, ART Business Loans, Finance Birmingham and The Manufacturer. By creating a service that is provided by business for business, Made in the Midlands hopes to create something that lasts and evolves.

This is the business community showing leadership, said Jason Pitt, Chief Executive of Made in the Midlands. At times of political uncertainty, as we have seen in recent years, this is vital. The UKs industrial strategy needs to be strengthened, and businesses need to lead the way and help the sector grow.

People will ask how we, as non-manufacturers, dared to launch MAS but taking action to support our members is better than doing nothing. This launch is us working with a handful of sponsors and members of Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire. Just imagine how this will grow, and what we can achieve, collectively?

Find out more about how MAS can help your business at www.manufacturingadvisoryservice.com

5 Things Your Made in the Midlands News Articles Need to Have

Made in the Midlands News — 14/02/2020

Posting articles on your Made in the Midlands microsite is a great opportunity to share positive success stories and champion industry knowledge through your brand.

A social media microsite gives you a genuine platform to champion your company’s success stories amongst thousands of other industry professionals. By posting regularly, every 4 weeks ideally, you will become recognised as a regular face by members and they will be more likely to click on your content in the future.

All success stories which are posted by members to the site may be added to our weekly newsletter and shared with over 20,000 followers on social media. The best bits of news are also shared within our quarterly magazine publication — in partnership with the Express & Star — to 11,500 people across The Midlands and Yorkshire.

The Made in the Midlands digital team are on hand to help members with every stage of the process, from coming up with ideas, to producing the articles and getting them SEO-ready to maximise exposure.

Keep reading to discover the 5 things that all Made in the Midlands articles should have to maximise member engagement and brand exposure.

1. A Unique Featured Image

Whilst we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, a lot of people still do. Having a clear, striking featured image can be vital for getting clicks to your Made in the Midlands news article.

Your featured image should also be used to summarise your story, preferably using a unique image of people or the subject in question.

2. Memorable Quotes

Inserting quotes into an article is a fantastic way to add both colour and credibility to your news story. Memorable quotes should be featured in bold to the reader, which summarises the essence of what your story is about.

If your article is related to another company or organisation, then if possible you should ask for a quote to include within your release.

3. Backlinks

Creating hyperlinks from your Made in the Midlands article back to your original site (and vice versa) is vital for maximising digital exposure. By having links which go both ways between your microsite and main site, this will improve your link building in the eyes of Google and benefit your search engine ranking overall.

As a paid member, you can also link from your main site to your microsite using a Made in the Midlands logo.

4. A Positive Success Story

Made in the Midlands and our members prioritise positive, investment and feel-good stories – staying in line with what the group is all about.

In terms of what content is generally well received by members, there’s three words that sums this up best: positive success stories.The sort of things which would be perfect for the digest and magazine are generally what receives the most traffic as well.

Examples of positive success stories include:

Winning new projects
Company milestones
Increasing capacity
Investing in new equipment
Investing in people
Helping to solve industry-wide problems (e.g. tackling the skills gap by investing in apprentices)

5. Structure

It isn’t just the content that is important, but the way it is formatted and structured as well.

All of the best Made in the Midlands articles, which are most likely to be featured in one of our publications or newsletters, will follow some form of cohesive structure.Writing succinctly, with clear and concise information which stays away from “waffle” is also vital here.

Members who are not sure exactly what sort of structure to follow can get in touch with the digital team at Made in the Midlands for more support with how to structure and write their content.

Alternatively, members can use the widely-studied “inverted pyramid” of journalism as a general guide to on how to structure their press release articles.

Get Support With Your Content

If you’re unsure just how suitable and effective your articles are for the Made in the Midlands membership group, get in touch with our specialist digital team for a free review of your microsite content.

To maximise the value of the digital side of your membership, please get in touch with the Made in Group team today or browse our range of membership plans.

Calling Coventry & Warwickshire Manufacturers!

Made in the Midlands News — 08/01/2015

Semta and Pera Training are currently working with Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to conduct vital research into the higher-level skills and training needs of local employers around emerging technologies.

If you are an employer in the engineering and advanced manufacturing sector based in Coventry or Warwickshire, please take the time to complete this short survey - Coventry and Warwickshire Technology and Skills Consultation.

Your feedback will help us better understand your higher-level skills requirements and assess the regional demand for accredited training in emerging technologies such as Rapid prototyping, Robotics, Computer Controlled Cutting Equipment and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).

Pera Training are currently offering fully funded (subject to eligibility) New Product Development (NPD) courses for companies based in Coventry and Warwickshire.

If you are interested in attending an open course, or in-company delivery (4 or more delegates) please contact: Steve Gledhillsteve.gledhill@pera.com Telephone 07787283892 for more details.

Claim Two Free Wasps Tickets when you exhibit or attend the Made in the Midlands Exhibition

Made in the Midlands News — 05/06/2018

Ricoh Arena, hosts of the 2018 Made in the Midlands Exhibition are offering all exhibitors and visitors of the show two complimentary tickets to a Wasps home game (not including category A games).

To claim the tickets, simply register for for the exhibition and complete the form and send back to ticketoffice@wasps.co.uk

Register for the show here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/made-in-the-midlands-exhibition-2018-tickets-41137000877?aff=ricohwasps

Download the forms to claim the free tickets here: http://docdro.id/1oVlcDd

Please note this will work as an exchange on information for marketing purposes for the Ricoh Arena so customers would be contacted post event when processing the tickets.

Danielle Brown MBE announced as celebrity speaker for MIM Awards 2016

Made in the Midlands News — 22/08/2016

Made in the Midlands are delighted to announce that double Paralympic gold medallist in Archery, Danielle Brown MBE will be our celebrity speaker at our Awards ceremony.

Danielle is a three time World Champion and was number one throughout her entire career. Furthermore, she also managed to transition onto the able-bodied Archery team, a feat which very few disabled athletes manage to achieve. Brown won Paralympic Olympic Gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 for the womens individual compound event.

Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt said: We are thrilled that Danielle will be presenting to the overall winner of the Manufacturing Achievement Award. She is a fantastic example of a person who has never given up in the face of adversity. Her fantastic talent has established her name as an ambassador for Paralympic Archery and British sport as a whole.

Our widely acclaimed Made in the Midlands Awards ceremony takes place on 20th October 2016 at the IET Birmingham: Austin Court. Our ceremony provides manufacturers with a fantastic opportunity to meet the regions top manufacturing talent and celebrate local manufacturing success stories.

A lot of the stories told at our previous ceremonies, have led manufacturers to become inspired by fellow Midland manufacturing heroes, prior to the start of a new year. Furthermore, our awards reveal the companies that are currently achieving great success within the industry. This opens the door for a range of future networking and creates partnership opportunities.

Last year, GWR Fasteners were crowned the overall winner of the Manufacturing Achievement Award. Within the last 18 months, GWR have doubled their factory space to accommodate their rapid expansion and are set to install their fourth CNC machine in the coming months. They are also sponsoring Pulsar in the newest series of Robot Wars. Evidently, they have continued to thrive and flourish their business since winning our prestigious Award.

To submit your application for this year's awards, please contact: iwona@firstorchard.com or please visit our Awards page.

Made in the Midlands Discusses the Future of Manufacturing at the European Parliament

Made in the Midlands News — 28/09/2015

Following a successful visit to Westminster earlier in the year, a select group of Made in the Midlands members went to the European Parliament in Brussels to talk to MEPs and find out how the EU impacts manufacturing firms in the build up to in/out referendum.

Members had discussions with several British MEPs who are elected from Midlands constituencies from Conservative, Labour and UKIP to discuss their thoughts on how the EU operates and what the UK leaving the union would do for the county and manufacturing sector.

Made in the Midlands met with Jim Carver, a UKIP MEP who sponsored the visit and Dan Dalton from the Conservative party on the first day before having a tour of the Parliament and getting to see where the 781 MEP from across Europe vote on new legislations.

Members then spoke with Anthea McIntyre, a conservative MEP and Neena Gill from the Labour Party who shared their viewpoint on the European Union's impact on the single market and its effects on SMEs.

The members even had the chance to speak to UKIP leader Nigel Farage, who was in Brussels to meet with Jim Carver.

The trip was an excellent opportunity for members to learn more about the European Union. Andy Evans, managing director of SSC Laser said "It was a great opportunity to get an insight into the way the European Parliament operates. I personally think that Westminster need to focus more on the UKs trading relationship with Europe rather than more needless legislation"

Christopher Greenough, Director of Salop Powder Coating and Salop Design and Engineering said Having met four MEPs, my overriding impression was that this was more a forum where party politics played a smaller role than nationalism. All the MEPs were staunchly defensive of the UK line, regardless whether of their differing views on the In / Out question. The group I was with from the Midlands had set views when they arrived in Brussels, but it was interesting to see how some of these views changed during the tip, and after speaking to the MEPs.

Jason Pitt CEO of Made in the Midlands said "The UK is about to vote on its future in Europe and I think it's fair to say as a nation we do not have the right information to make an informed decision.

This event was an opportunity for us to learn more about the European parliament and debate the future of the uk in Europe.

We now intend to debate this further with members and once we have reached a consensus, will promote the manufacturing communities viewpoint to help the British public understand how this will affect our economy.

‘Full house’ as students sign up for the UK’s first ‘Faculty on the Factory Floor’

Made in the Midlands News — 09/09/2014

More than 20 students are set to take part in a new approach for delivering industry-ready graduates it was announced today.

The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), a £32million joint collaboration between Coventry University and Unipart Manufacturing, has exceeded the number of applications it had expected with interest coming from all over the country for its three-year BEng and four-year MEng courses.

Senior management at the UKs first Faculty on the Factory Floor said they have passed their first year target and believe its a further indicator of the sectors growing popularity and the desire from undergraduates to participate in activity-led learning that gives them real-world manufacturing experience.

This is a fantastic first response to what we are looking to achieve at AME and shows that weve certainly got the student world excited, explained Wendy Garner, Associate Head of Mechanical, Automotive and Manufacturing at Coventry University.

Our courses have been designed to meet industrys need for graduates that can have an immediate impact on the shopfloor and also help to ensure our students gain skills that accelerate their own career paths.

She continued: External construction work on the new 1700 square metre manufacturing hub is nearly complete and this will provide the focus for a lot of the activity and will house more than £2m of robotics, CNC tube manipulation machinery, metrology equipment and simulation software.

The undergraduates will be learning on cutting-edge technology, not to mention working with Unipart engineers who have years of experience. Its a real win-win situation for them.

Studying at AME will be split into two 16-week semesters per academic year, with students focusing on specific industry disciplines and then working in teams to apply what they have learned to commercial shopfloor projects.

Over the course of the three years this will include manufacturing processes and materials, quality and metrology, advanced manufacturing and automation, design and sustainability and strategic management.

In the final year, they will have the choice to specialise in lean systems and production control or engineering materials and manufacturing technology.

At the end of the degree they should be ready to apply and enter into employment either at Unipart or within the manufacturing supply chain. For those interested, we will also be operating a Masters course, which takes a further year to complete and

will be suited to students looking to become a technology leader, continued Wendy.

Charlie Bond from Kenilworth is among the first undergraduates heading to AME after he completed a BTECLevel 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at Warwickshire College.

The former Princethorpe College pupil is looking forward to putting the skills he has learned in the classroom to use on commercial manufacturing exercises and working on projects that could change the way powertrain systems are developed all over the world.

Ive always enjoyed making things and definitely want to try and make a career for myself in engineering and manufacturing.

He went on to add: I enjoy a more hands-on approach to learning and this gives me the chance to use my practical skills in a number of different scenarios.

The fact I can be part of a UK first and will be learning from researchers, experienced lecturers and Unipart engineerswere all major selling points, not to mention having access to the latest machines and technology.

Charlie, who has just turned eighteen, concluded: Studying at AME should also help me gain valuable shopfloor experience that a lot of other manufacturing and engineering graduates will only get after a year out.

AME, which has received £7.9m of Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), is also recruiting for ten postgraduates as part of its first year of activity.

For further information, please visit www.ame.co.uk or follow @ame_uk on twitter.

Mechatronic Solutions commemorate 25th anniversary

Made in the Midlands News — 19/03/2013

Mechatronic Solutions, who is the UKs leading provider of innovative automation products to the manufacturing industry, commemorated their 25^th anniversary with a celebration event attended by customers, suppliers and employees past and present.

Based in Birmingham, Mechatronic develops a range of automated processes that combine production, mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering to deliver improvements in quality, cost and speed to manufacturers. Initially working within the automotive industry, the company has expanded rapidly despite the recession and in recent years has diversified to work with the aerospace, food and drink, medical, pharmaceutical and business equipment sectors as well.

Birmingham City Councillor Peter Griffiths, who was a guest at the event, praised Mechatronic on their success within so many sectors. He said: Its fantastic seeing a born and bred Birmingham business supplying market leaders and recognised names in manufacturing with such innovative solutions. I would be delighted to support Mechatronic in their desire for future growth as I believe it will provide more skilled jobs for local people. I look forward to working closely with them in the future.

Guests at the anniversary event, including Richard Burden, Labour MP for Birmingham Northfield and representatives of local schools and colleges, were treated to a guided tour of the shop floor to see how Mechatronic has gained its reputation for expert design and engineering. The Concept Kaizen Workshop was of particular interest. The Workshop enables full-scale models of complex prototypes to be built, allowing right first time realisation of specifications and a greater opportunity for customer involvement in the process. This means potential issues and safety risks can be identified and addressed prior to production, resulting in quicker builds, reduced costs and less wastage.

Richard Burden MP said: Im hugely impressed with what Mechatronic is doing here. They add real value to both the business community and this part of Birmingham. Mechatronic demonstrates a huge depth and breadth of innovation and skills and Im particularly impressed with their approach, which is built on fostering long term relationships with both customers and suppliers or as they call it, organic gardening.

As well as the tour there were demonstrations throughout the day from suppliers including Fanuc, Staubli and Omron, who were given a designated area of the shop floor to showcase the latest innovations in robotics technology.

Mechatronics Managing Director Richard Evans presented engraved glass tankards to all the employees and thanked them for their hard work and commitment to the company. Of the event, he said: Im delighted. Its been a huge success which has exceeded all our expectations. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to showcase our services and network with so many of our suppliers and customers and also to have the opportunity to stand back and reflect on the past and future. Im looking forward to expanding Mechatronic in the future through growing our customer base and further developing our solutions to meet market demands for innovation, quality, traceability and productivity.

Regional recognition beckons for R&D Tax Claims Ltd

Made in the Midlands News — 13/03/2014

Wolverhampton based tax specialists R&D Tax Claims Ltd have been nominated as finalists in the Best New Business Category in the Express and Star Awards 2014.

The awards, held on the evening of Thursday 15 May will showcase the best of West Midlands business talent.

R&D Tax Claims was founded by Mark Evans FCA in January 2012. The company employs five people. R&DTC specialises in helping companies in the manufacturing and technologies sector that invest in research and development (R&D) to claim back, from HMRC, extra tax relief on every pound the business spends in developing new products or introducing new and improved processes. The company has a 100 percent success rate in claims.

Mark, a chartered accountant, spotted an opportunity to help manufacturers when the recession started to bite in late 2008. Companies began to realise that the only way out of a worsening situation was to look at new ways of working; innovate, research, streamline, work leaner, fitter, better. Marks research showed that few manufacturing companies knew about the existing R&D tax credit scheme and how it could ease financial problems; problems caused by reduced cash flow due to a slow order book, cessation of bank lending and lack of revenue and profit from product still in development.

Moreover, he discovered that the people aware of the scheme were battling to survive and considered any investigation of it to be time consuming and complicated, and therefore expensive, at a time when their energies needed to be concentrated elsewhere.

After establishing the need for a specialised tax consultancy service for embattled company owners fighting their way through the worst recession in decades, Mark formed R&DTC.

The company works with SMEs, that is, companies with less than 500 employees and a turnover of less than 100 million euros, to help them receive tax refunds quickly, as well as similar annual reductions on their corporation tax bills in the future. The company operates on a no win, no fee basis. Claims are made every year, and many of R&D Tax Claims clients are now enjoying their third and fourth year refunds.

The Government scheme is open to businesses operating in the UK manufacturing sector, which includes engineering, electronics, aerospace, pharmaceutical, bio-tech and communication systems and any business involved in innovating, exploring new products or niche markets or software development. Certain environmental improvements could also be eligible.

Research and development that results in a failed experiment or prototype is also included under the scheme and is eligible for a tax saving.

Since 2012, total refunds for R&D Tax Claims have been £4,176,300 with an average claim of over £67,000 per client, but when including other claims made in addition to his new company, Mark has won back an incredible £15 million for businesses since 2009.

www.rdtaxclaims.co.uk

Twitter: @RandDtaxrefunds @RandDTaxExpert

Plans revived for major Midlands link road

Made in the Midlands News — 29/05/2018

Plans are being revived for the possible construction of a major link road bypassing the M5 and M6 to the west of the Greater Birmingham conurbation.

Midlands Connect, the transport arm of the Midlands Engine, is looking at the so-called Western Strategic Route as a means of cutting congestion along the M5/M6 corridor.

The plan is similar to that which emerged in the late 1980s for the Western Orbital Route, which at the time was envisioned as one part of an M25-style ring road - along with the then Birmingham Northern Relief Road (now the M6 Toll) and M42 - circling Greater Birmingham and the Black Country.

Full details of the route of the new road have yet to be revealed - as have costings. However, Midlands Connect has labelled the new road as one of its transport priorities as it looks to ease the congestion which cripples the regions roads on an almost daily basis.

The transport body said part of the reasoning behind the new road was to enable businesses in the region - especially those in the advanced manufacturing sector - to move their goods more freely and ease access to new markets.

In its 2018/19 transport priorities document, Midlands Connect states: The Midlands motorway network is important to the national economy and the heart of the UK logistics industry, but daily congestion on the M5, M6 and M42 is holding back growth.

The Government allocated Midlands Connect an extra £4m in the 2017 Autumn Budget to develop plans to create a more reliable, resilient Strategic Road Network around the West Midlands conurbation that can help to unlock new homes and jobs.

Were looking at how a new road linking the M5 and M6 to the west of Birmingham can support economic and housing growth.

It is also looking at how to make the best use of the M6 Toll and is will be encouraging more motorists to use it during incidents as an alternative to congested routes.

Earlier this year, the chairman of Made in the Midlands, Lord Mike Whitby received assurances from the government that the Midlands Connect transport masterplan would be made a legislative priority.

Lord Whitby said that in order to capitalise on the Midlands economic strengths the region must be the beneficiary of devolution arrangements similar to those offered Midlands Connects counterpart in the North West, Transport for the North.

RAPRA saved by Made in the Midlands in historic deal

Made in the Midlands News — 13/01/2017

Made in the Midlands have officially saved the Rubber & Plastics Research Association (RAPRA) in a historic deal for the future of the nation's manufacturing sector.

RAPRA are the leading non-profit membership association that offer impartial specialist support to the whole of Industry through a network of world class technical centres. They connect companies to leading polymer scientists and engineers to provide short and long term R&D solutions.

Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt stated: Its very exciting for us to be given the opportunity of acquiring and growing RAPRA, this comes off the back of our expansion into Yorkshire and will help us become an integral part of the future industrial strategy of the UK.

Although there is uncertainty globally, I dont think the future of manufacturing and industrialisation is uncertain. With America taking the lead, I expect to see growth in industry, in particular those businesses and sectors that have invested in R&D. The acquisition of RAPRA will help us to deliver that message more powerfully.

RAPRA encourages modern manufacturing by providing members and clients with unlimited access to an extensive Network of Technical Support. They understand that manufacturing is driven by time sensitive systems which virtually remove any possibility of failures.

RAPRA director, Stephen Shaw explained: We are very excited and encouraged to see the success that Made in the Midlands and Yorkshire have had in the years that it has been in existence. We are looking forward to working and developing the joint model together in the coming months and years."

Made in the Midlands are a privately run peer group for MDs and CEOs of local manufacturing and engineering firms within the Midlands. The membership group currently has over 340 members and hosts over 30 events throughout the year. Each year, Made in the Midlands attract over 1,000 representatives of the industry to the largest regional manufacturing exhibition.

Made in the Midlands COO, Charles Addison added: It is a great privilege to be overseeing part of the stewardship of a historical organization that benefits manufacturing and being able to put a 21st century spin on a membership model, we are using our technology and expertise that has worked for seven years and represents billions of pounds worth of industry in the UK."

RAPRA respond to industry needs, in order to help initiate manufacturing improvements and the introduction of new applications involving polymers. The aerospace and defence supply chains are continuously setting increasingly challenging requirements. By helping companies meet those challenges, RAPRA contributes to the success of the whole sector.

With over 100 years of history, the acquisition of RAPRA by Made in the Midlands signifies a pivotal moment in the development of a future industrial strategy for Great Britain. The continual rise of Industry 4.0 technology will generate increased interest in the services of RAPRA, which will now only be strengthened by the support of Made in the Midlands.

Made in the Midlands extend Christopher’s Greenough’s Presidency

Made in the Midlands News — 23/01/2017

We are pleased to announce that the Made in the Midlands President, Christopher Greenough will be extending his term until the middle of the year.

Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt stated: We will be extending Christophers presidency for the first half of the New Year. Christopher has done a fantastic job as President as a driving force within the manufacturing community. He consistently aims to promote the success of manufacturing within the Midlands region and he shares the ethos we have here at Made in the Midlands.

Christopher is also the Commercial Director of Salop Design and Engineering based in Shrewsbury. Salop specialise in the production of metal pressings and assemblies which are manufactured for use in a variety of market places. Salop recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, which is a testament to their level of service, quality and commitment to customers.

Christopher explained: I welcome the chance to carry on the role for the first half of 2017. I thank the members, patrons and council for their continues support. I will continue to push, promote and shout about members, patrons and MiM at every opportunity. I have a passion and real enthusiasm for Midlands manufacturing. We are truly the makers driving the UK economy.

Made in the Midlands recently announced ambitious plans to expand our exhibition to the world-class Ricoh Arena in Coventry. The Ricoh is an award-winning venue with state-of-the-art facilities, with over 20,000 sqm of space along with 2,000 onsite car parking bays. Made in the Midlands aim to welcome over 2,000 representatives of the Midlands manufacturing sector and will have a record-breaking 200 exhibition stands.

Christopher added: The MiM expo, and indeed the group is growing and getting stronger and better every year. I look to the 2017 expo as a real chance to get to know more members. We have world class manufacturing within the region, and this Expo is a showcase for this. There will be a record numbers of attendees, with the target of 1200+ easily in our sights.

Made in the Midlands members now generate over a £4 billion combined turnover which has led to our exhibition growing consistently by 25% each year. This year, Made in the Midlands will host a record amount of networking events to facilitate the growth within the membership group. The first event of the year was hosted at Salop and received a wealth of praise from attendees.

Christopher concluded: MiM is now the go to group for local manufacturing. For SMEs and smaller business, the groups allows access to 350 member companies, and the website can help raise your google rankings, and drive business to you.

The MiM members are indeed building their own community, there is a real sense of working together. This joined up thinking and collaboration means that every member can share in the success.

The Voice of Slovak Business visit Made in Group

Made in the Midlands News — 08/02/2019

Made in Group hosted a visit from Christopher Plant, director of The Voice of Slovak Business and former CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic to explore opportunities to develop bilateral relations between CEE) central and eastern Europe.

A number of Made in the Midlands members including Clamason, Arlington, and JLR have ventures already in Slovakia and despite the obvious concerns around JLR investment in Slovakia, it is important that the UK has a strong presence in the EU.

Members of Made in the Midlands and Yorkshire recently took part in an annual survey which was showed that more than 65% of members actively export to 122 countries, we also produced an international trade map of all of our members to show where in the world members trade.

Ahead of the global uncertainty Made in Group is exploring ideas on how members can access markets more easily and widening the connection to knowledge from around the world.

Jason Pitt said, "As a nation, we have arguably one of the best engineering sectors in the world, the fear of big companies leaving the UK for perceived low-cost destinations is really a fear born out of the sell-off of large UK OEMs over successive years. For the UK to prosper in a changing environment though we need to think globally and that doesn't just mean imports and selling off the family jewels, true bilateral relationships are based out of mutual value and it is those relationships we are interested in nurturing."

Christopher, said, "I was honoured to be invited as a VIP to the Made in the Midland latest Membership event at East End Foods premises in West Bromwich. It was a classic example of a successful business opening up its doors to show the latest technologies in production and manufacturing in the UK exclusively to the Members of the Made in Group. There are only 10 Rice mills in the whole of the UK and seeing one in action was very interesting and to hear all about the humble beginnings of the company from MD, Roger Wouhra, A day well-spent meeting like-minded manufacturing business from the Midlands.

Thank you to Mr. Jason Pitt, CEO of the made in Group and his incredibly hard-working team."

Manufacturing Technology Centre to host our next Breakfast event

Made in the Midlands News — 08/08/2016

Made in the Midlands upcoming Breakfast morning event will be taking place on 18th August from 9:30 to 11:30 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Antsy Park, Coventry, Warwickshire.

The initial vision for the MTC was to become a world-class global research facility: making the future through transformational manufacturing technology development. This project has required significant commitment from industry, excellent facilities, access to state-of-the-art equipment, machinery and technology and, most importantly, high calibre people committed to improving the competitiveness of UK manufacturing.

Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt said: We are looking forward to introducing our members to a world class manufacturing facility in the form of the MTC. This event will open everybodys eyes to the continual creation, development and commitment to the future of manufacturing from educational institutions. The MTC are playing a vital role in encouraging young people to take up a career within the manufacturing industry and it is fantastic that they will host our next event.

The MTC now employs more than 400 staff, have over 85 industrial members and operate in sectors as diverse as automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food & drink, construction/ civil engineering, electronics, oil & gas and defence.

From encouraging young people into careers in engineering, to developing the technologies that will impact industry for years to come, the MTCs focus is to deliver integrated manufacturing systems solutions in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions.

Additionally, Made in the Midlands events manager, Iwona Sobolewska stated: This event will provide our members with a fantastic insight into the MTCs world class facilities. The MTCs Business Development Manager, Bhaskar Thota also delivered the fantastic news that they have a capacity for 100 of our members. This has the potential to be one of our best events yet!

Please visit our Events page to ensure that you dont miss any of our upcoming Breakfast Networking Events. If you are interested in hosting a breakfast event of your own, please contact our Group Events Manager Iwona at: iwona@firstorchard.com

Petford Tools value the communal spirit of MIM Breakfast event

Made in the Midlands News — 24/04/2016

On Thursday 21st April, Made in the Midlands Gold members Petford Tools Ltd hosted the latest sell-out Breakfast Networking event at their premises in Dudley.

The event included 60-second mini-presentations from all attendees and an expansive factory tour. The morning received positive feedback via Social Media, as Hepworth International said: We would like to thank @madeinthemids for organising the breakfast morning at Petford Tools - We are looking forward to the next event!

Petford Tools are specialist Toolmakers for Plastic Injection, Compression and Composite Moulds. It is the policy of Petford Tools, to provide a toolmaking service which completely meets their customer's requirements, specifications and expectations. Their documented systems are designed to comply with the requirements of ISO 9001-2001.

Their facilities can cater for tools up to 50 tonnes, as they have the largest capabilities for these type of technical tools in the UK. Their operations cover seven days a week and offer 24-hour working for those ever demanding short lead-time programmes. This also gives customers the added comfort factor that tools will and can be maintained and supported whatever the time to meet those just-in-time supply to key OEMs.

Petfords event sold out weeks prior to taking place which continued the trend of sell-out Breakfast events. Nick Howard, Sales Director explained: Ive got to say it was very successful, it's nice to see that we had a good turnout. There was a good mixture of suppliers and potential customers. For us, it's an event which shouts about what we do but it is good for us to have a look at other suppliers and see what they can offer us.

Petford highlighted all of the manufacturing capabilities of their company, following their factory tour. Nick stated: Sometimes you dont know what manufacturers are next door and whos around the corner. You can be dealing with companies miles and miles away, but these are local people and I feel like it is always good to support your local community.

Our next Breakfast Networking Event will take place at Boneham and Turner Ltd in Sutton-in-Ashfield on 19th May at their premises on Oddicroft Lane. Our Breakfast Networking events are hugely popular amongst MIM members, as signified by continual sell-outs we have hosted this year.

Please visit our Events page to ensure that you dont miss any of our upcoming Breakfast Networking events. Tickets to these events are usually limited, as members with prior experience of the events are aware of the potential value to their company. If you are interested in hosting a breakfast event of your own, please contact our Group Events Manager Iwona at: iwona@firstorchard.com

Jaguar Land Rover voices concerns over No Deal Brexit

Made in the Midlands News — 06/07/2018

Jaguar Land Rover is the latest company to voice its concerns about the implications for the automotive industry and its supply chain of a No Deal Brexit.

Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO of Britain’s largest vehicle manufacturer, heaped pressure on the government by saying future UK investment plans could be in jeopardy unless businesses were assured of tariff-free access and frictionless trade with the EU countries once it quits the European Union next year.

Dr Speth said: “Jaguar Land Rover’s heart and soul is in the UK. However we, and our partners in the supply chain, face an unpredictable future if the Brexit negotiations do not maintain free and frictionless trade with the EU and unrestricted access to the single market.

“We urgently need greater certainty to continue to invest heavily in the UK and safeguard our suppliers, customers and 40,000 British-based employees.

“A bad Brexit deal would cost Jaguar Land Rover more than £1.2bn profit each year. As a result, we would have to drastically adjust our spending profile; we have spent around £50bn in the UK in the past five years – with plans for a further £80bn more in the next five. This would be in jeopardy should we be faced with the wrong outcome.”

The warning echoes those recently by Airbus and fellow automotive OEM BMW.

“If the UK automotive industry is to remain globally competitive and protect 300,000 jobs in Jaguar Land Rover and our supply chain, we must retain tariff and customs-free access to trade and talent with no change to current EU regulations,” added Dr Speth.

He said electrification and connectivity offered significant economic and productivity opportunities – and the chance for the UK to be a global leader in these fields. But if the terms of Brexit were unfavorable then Britain risked losing its competitive edge and the chance to lead in smart mobility.

JLR employs more than 40,000 people in the UK, with a further 260,000 jobs in the UK supply chain.

In the current year it plans to invest £4.5bn, with more than half going into the development of new vehicle models and technologies.

Mainland Europe accounts for 20% of the group’s annual sales and more than 40% of parts going into our cars are imported from Europe.

Made in the Midlands has expressed its disappointment at the way such firms are speaking.

However, it said their stance only served to underline the importance of uniting the UK’s entre manufacturing community and to continue with the industry renaissance seen in recent years.

Putting further pressure on the government have been the comments from Len McCluskey, general secretary for Unite, the union representing automotive and manufacturing workers.

He said: “JLR is one of the manufacturing success stories of this country. Much of that is down to the dedication of a workforce who have fought tooth and claw for a future.

“But now tens of thousands of decent jobs - the sort we will need more than ever without the EU - are being put at risk by a government that places its survival above the well-being of the people of this country.

“So I say this to the Tory party, our jobs are not yours to play Russian roulette with. Drop your red lines and secure a decent deal, one that is to the benefit of the working people of this country.”

Made in the Midlands announces staff changes

Made in the Midlands News — 12/04/2015

Made in the Midlands regional membership advisor for the Black Country, Sharon Mason stepped down this month after 3 years of service.

Jason Pitt, MD said, Sharon was a great champion for Midlands manufacturing and we wish her all the success in her future role."

Sharon has moved into a senior position within a construction membership group to help them grow their profile.

At a special event held by the company to thank Sharon for her contribution, she was presented with a watch in recognition for her time at Made in the Midlands.

Made in the Midlands was also able to welcome the arrival of three new faces who joined the business in April.

Jason Pitt said, "Made in the Midlands is a great place to work and we invest in our workforce, last year the company invested heavily with Warwick Manufacturing Group and the PRCA to develop its staff, this year we are already working with Wolverhampton University to develop the management team.

"Our vision is to create a network of manufacturing community groups across the Country, and we need talented people to help make this happen."

Made in the Midlands in addition to the three roles created so far this year, also recruiting for a membership administrator and events co-ordinator. Anyone interested in this position can contact Ilona Dalecka on 01902 255030 or email ilona@firstorchard.com

Made Here Now announced as event partner for Made in the Midlands

Made in the Midlands News — 17/04/2016

Made Here Now, a project aimed at encouraging the growth of manufacturing in the UK as well as attracting more young people to consider working in the industry, has been named event partner for Made in the Midlands.

Made Here Now is the brainchild of former manufacturing editor of the Financial Times, Peter Marsh, and aims to promote all thats great about the UKs manufacturing capabilities a perfect match for the aims of Made in the Midlands.

Made Here Now will be on Stand 61 where industry stakeholders will be able to find out more about this exciting initiative.

Peter Marsh said: Made Here Now aims to promote all thats great about the UKs manufacturing capabilities and to be able to support Made in the Midlands seems a perfect match for our aims with so many manufacturers already based in this region.

We are supported by some of the UKs leading industrial lights including Airbus, BAE Systems, JCB, Renishaw and Aston University to name but a few, and will be hoping many more Midlands based manufacturers will join us as well.

I am convinced that through events such as this and by working together to show the best of the industry we can attract the best and brightest talent into the sector which will ensure its continued growth and importance to the economy, he added.

Made in the Midlands Chief Executive, Jason Pitt said: "It is great to announce that Made Here Now will be one of the event partners for our upcoming Exhibition. They are passionate about promoting manufacturing capabilities and we look forward to working with them in the future.

Download the Made in the Midlands exhibition guide for free

Made in the Midlands News — 29/04/2013

Visitors to the Made in the Midland exhibition can plan their day more effectively by downloading the exhibition guide and map onto smart phones or iPad.

In collaboration with Business Report we have published an exhibition guide packed full of useful information, inspiring features, list of exhibitors and exclusive interview with Richard Noble OBE.

The exhibitor guide is free to download and can be accessed by visiting the applestore and searching 'Business Report'

For those people that don't have a smart phone there is also a web version which can be viewed here:

http://issuu.com/businessreport/docs/mim_expo_2013/1

the option to download to PDF and print is also available.

I hope you enjoy reading our digital publication, and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the 2nd May, for the biggest ever Made in the Midlands exhibition.

Industry reaction - UK car manufacturing hits six-year high

Made in the Midlands News — 23/01/2014

- Car production rose 3.1% in 2013 to surpass 1.5 million units the highest volume since 2007.

- Industry analysts predict output to reach record levels of around two million units by 2017.

- UK could become the third largest car manufacturer in Europe.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "2013 demonstrated the value of the UKs diverse car manufacturing industry, as surging home demand and robust exports outside Europe saw output grow 3.1% to over 1.5 million units. UK automotive investment announcements exceeded £2.5 billion in 2013, reinforcing industry analysts suggestions that the UK could break all-time car output records within the next four years."

Charles Addison, Made in the Midlands Director added: "We've already said that 2013 saw a true renaissance for manufacturing and this is conclusive proof. As we look towards the future, however, with potential record-breaking years ahead we must all ensure that we have the people with the skills in place so that we can continue to grow."

Rachel Eade, Automotive Sector Lead for the Manufacturing Advisory Service continued: Todays figures cap a fantastic 2013 for the UK automotive industry, with massive investment from the car makers, record car sales from our best brands and news of a new £92 National Automotive Innovation Campus being built.

All of this has created a groundswell of positivity around the sector and this is undoubtedly flowing down into tiers 1, 2, 3, 4 and so on.

The hundreds of suppliers we work with on the ground are reporting significant increases in demand and having to invest quickly in tooling, recruitment and capital equipment to really take advantage of these opportunities.

This is something MAS is helping the supply chain to cope with. We can work with management teams on developing strategy, improving workflow and processes and also in linking them to new technology hubs to make the most of new advancements in automotive manufacturing.

The big OEMs will take most of the headlines, but we shouldnt take for granted the role the supply chain has played in making the UK an attractive location for making cars again.

Business Secretary Vince Cable concluded: "Today's figures are another sign that the British car industry is going from strength to strength with one vehicle rolling off a production line somewhere in the UK every 20 seconds.

"Our success lies in the appetite from countries around the world for British cars. Around 80% of the 1.5 million cars we produced last year were exported a testament to the diverse, high quality of British manufacturing.

"It also highlights the benefits of industry and government working together and we want to continue this partnership through a long-term strategy. This will give businesses the confidence to invest, speed up development on vehicles of the future and keep the UK as a world leader in cars.Our investment of £1bn jointly with industry will help do this, while also delivering jobs and driving growth."

SMMT is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media.

Made in the Midlands set to recruit following office move in 2021

Made in the Midlands News — 21/01/2021

Manufacturing membership association and tech platform Made in Group which includes Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire is expanding its operation after relocating to a new city centre office in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.

The move will double the floor space and create several new jobs, including membership, recruitment and Artificial intelligence.

The new office covers 1,400 sq ft in George Street and sits a short walk from St Paul's Square, the last remaining Georgian quarter in Birmingham.

Made in the Midlands was previously based at Birmingham Science Park.

Commenting on the expansion, Jason Pitt, CEO said, "Throughout the pandemic we have invested heavily in our tech platform, developing new products and we wanted to complete this investment with a new facility.

"Whilst the pandemic has created uncertainty, our approach has been to look beyond this timeframe. Our heavy investment at a time when similar firms have battened down the hatch has given us a unique head start as we emerge from the current crisis."

The leasehold acquisition was completed with the help of Maguire Jackson estate agents and Prosperity Group.

Jason added, "This is an ideal base as we continue on our next phase of growth and building on our reputation in the Midlands."

New members out to make a big impression at Made in the Midlands Exhibition

Made in the Midlands News — 14/06/2018

This years Made in the Midlands exhibition is just days away and is set to be a fantastic showcase for the Midlands manufacturing industry.

And it will be a truly Midlands affair, with a strong contingent of firms from the East Midlands taking part.

Nottingham-based Hallam Plastics is a new member preparing to make its MIM exhibition at the Ricoh Arena on June 21.

The company is a specialist in automotive injection moulding and engineered structural foam services.

Increasingly, OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are having to find new and innovative solutions to meet the ever-changing demands of the sector. As specialists in automotive injection moulding, Hallam has been able to develop new processes, using specialist polymers to meet specific needs.

The company produces a wide range of parts and components for the automotive sector using both conventional injection moulding and Engineered Structural Foam (ESF). These include items such as arm rest assemblies, cab interiors, exterior components, engine covers, interior door panels, sunroof shades, dashboard insert mouldings, vent assemblies, mud guards, and much more.

ESF is increasingly being used within the automotive sector because of the advantages it offers in terms of its strength to weight ratio. The special foam has a strength-to-weight ratio seven times greater than that of steel and 13 times the rigidity of zinc. Therefore, this manufacturing method is often chosen as the perfect, high performance solution for automotive companies where increased strength and reduced weight are key product drivers.

The company is exhibiting on Stand 114.

Another new member out to make a big impression is Knoxford Fabrications.

The Castle Donington company has recently invested £3m in itself - including £500,000 to upgrade its capabilities with the addition of a Trumpf 3030 fibre laser. The company is thought to be unique in the East Midlands in having this capability.

Eric Swithenbank, general manager, said: We are extremely optimistic despite Brexit which is why we have committed to the investment.

The new fibre laser will significantly improve our capabilities because of the speed it cuts at, while it will also offers the opportunity to move into new sectors. It is able to cut almost any design and material to an extremely high tolerance and finish.

But the new machine is only one aspect of the companys growth. Knoxford, which employs 34 people, made the decision back in December to purchase its existing premises so it has greater control over its own future.

The growth of the company is mirrored by its rise in aspiration and it has identified several OEMs as its ideal customer.

It says that practically any design or product is possible with the design and sales team working closely with customers from both the Derby and Nottingham areas as well as the wider Midlands region. This helps to ensure quality is maintained and delivered within agreed timescales and budgets.

Full services and processes include dedicated welding facilities offering Tig, Mig, MMA, Spot and stud welding using stainless steel, aluminium and mild steel materials.

The investment has also included a 2012 Vixen Phoswash machine, which delivers enhanced adhesion and life expectancy to its pre-treatment requirements.

The company will be welcoming enquiries at Stand 225.

To make sure you dont miss out on this very special event, register for your ticket here.

IoD – Strong jobs figures reveal UK’s skills gaps

Made in the Midlands News — 20/01/2016

The Institute of Directors has welcomed another month of strong employment and wage growth, saying that the high number of firms who were still looking for staff shows that employment should remain high, despite uncertainties in the global economy, but firms will continue to feel the pinch of the skills shortage in 2016.

Michael Martins, Economist at the Institute of Directors said:

These jobs figures, which show the British labour market ended 2015 strongly, could be just what the doctor ordered as we see nothing but storm clouds gathering across the global economy. At home, British firms remain upbeat, creating jobs, and pushing both the absolute number of people and the employment rate to its highest level since records began.

We also have the lowest jobseekers-to-vacancies ratio since the beginning of 2005, with firms still hunting for skilled employees. While this is clearly good news and the increasing number of vacancies means that the unemployment rate could continue to drop, addressing the skills gap takes on a fresh importance. For small firms that employ fewer than ten employees, the struggle to find workers is particularly acute, with vacancies rising by 13.1 per cent in the last quarter.

Wage growth, too, has remained strong in real terms at around 2 per cent, as the competition for talent intensifies. In sectors like construction, where wages have increased by more than 6 per cent, the lack of skilled workers is clearly acute. Corporate performance has been strong in recent years, but being able to plug vacancies is critical to ensuring this continues in 2016. This is another reason why employers hope the government will not follow through on suggestions to restrict skilled migration from outside the EU, especially as the monthly quota for Tier 2 visas has been shown to be inadequate in addressing skill shortages.

Young Engineers shortlisted for MIM Award

Made in the Midlands News — 05/05/2016

In their second year hosting the Made In The Midlands Young Inventors Panel, Central College Nottingham are sending two of their brightest engineers to the annual MIM awards event in October.

Brightson Xaviour Kalavilasam and Joseph Fitch were two of five students to take part in this years event, where they presented individual projects to a panel of manufacturing experts. Both students delivered robotic themed products and managed to impress the judges with their imagination and design, amongst other skills, earning them a place at the awards event.

Each year, Made In The Midlands holds a series of panelled presentations across local colleges in the Midlands. The aim of these presentations is to encourage young engineers to showcase their abilities and gain valuable feedback from a panel of local manufacturing directors. The winner of each college is then shortlisted for the Made In The Midlands Young Inventor Award.

We are really proud of our students, says John Wright, Engineering Lecturer at Central, not just the winners but of all of those who took part, and we are pleased that we have had an input into our students future careers in engineering.

The other three students to take part in the event were Jalil Mohammed Zadeh, Bashir Elier and Maxwell Leech, who presented a mix of robotic and machining projects to the judges.

John Wright goes on to say, This year was the second year that we took part in the Young Inventor competition with Made in the Midlands and again we have seen positive benefits from working with a professional organisation who have been keen to put bright students and real managers together to show that we really have a bright future ahead of us.

We look forward to the possibility of further involvement with the MIM team in the future and having the chance to showcase our students and their achievements.

Last years Young Inventor award saw Central College Nottingham claim top spot, with their young engineer going on to take an apprenticeship at R A Labone, one of the panellists at the time.

Both panels presented a vast pool of expertise from a range of engineering backgrounds, providing a rich source of feedback for the students to absorb.

MWS Ltd has recently moved into its own purpose built factory in Birstall-Leicester, where they manufacture and service Industrial Weighing scales. Andrew Clarke, director of MWS and one of the panellists at the Young Inventor, said. It was great meeting the engineers of tomorrow, Im sure that they all have a bright future ahead of them.

Charles Addison, Director of Made in the Midlands overseeing the judging process commented; "We were very pleased with this year's entrants from Central, as always the judging process is very difficult due to the high quality of the students. Its fascinating to see the manufacturer's apply real world logic and views to the presentations which provides valuable insight to the College and students alike."

The two finalists from the College will progress to compete with finalists from other Colleges in the Midlands, culminating in the presentation of the final Award in Birmingham in October, presented by MHA Macintyre Hudson.

Made in the Midlands appoints Head of Communications

Made in the Midlands News — 30/07/2013

Made in the Midlands is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Eccles as their new Head of Communications.

Matt joins the membership support body for manufacturers from the Manufacturing Advisory Service where he was Head of Marketing with responsibility for leading the brand, awareness and acquisition strategy when the service transformed from a regional to a national model.

He is a communications professional with considerable experience within local government where he chaired the West Midlands Government Communications Network and national government, working in the Home Office before joining MAS.

Jason Pitt, Managing Director of Made in the Midlands said: I am delighted to welcome Matt to the team as we drive the communications and engagement strands of our network into its next phase."

"We are enjoying a period of sustained growth as manufacturers increasingly embrace collaboration and networking. Appointing someone with Matts experience will greatly benefit the company and add value to our membership of manufacturers.

‘Diversification’... the spice of business life?

Made in the Midlands News — 10/07/2011

‘Rebalancing the economy’ has become somewhat of a buzz word for politicians, business leaders and media commentators trying desperately to reassure us that the UK is not going to slip back into recession anytime soon.
The main thrust of this approach seems to focus on a swing back to supporting the notion of ‘making things’, not surprising considering the difficulties experienced by financial services and widespread cuts to the public sector.

Yet this ‘diversification’ of the business base is nothing new. The more astute amongst us will explain that many companies – from every industry imaginable – have been diversifying the way they work.
Put simply, West Midlands companies have had to move with the times and quickly recognise that competition is no longer down the M6 or M5, but in every corner of the globe from Krakow in Poland to Shanghai in China and Bangalore in India.

Most have diversified their product offer, others have changed processes to reduce costs and, the real industry drivers, have taken traditional competencies and moved into new markets and technologies.
Simon Griffiths, Chief Executive of the Manufacturing Advisory Service, has seen firsthand the difference diversification can make:
“The West Midlands has set the precedent for ‘doing things differently’, sparked mainly by necessity after the heavyweight closures of Agco, LDV, MG Rover and Peugeot in Coventry.
“Firms who had been used to supplying the same customer with the same product had to adapt to survive and a number of business support initiatives were introduced to achieve this.”

The former Land Rover and GKN engineer continued: “This has helped our companies steal a march on European and international rivals and many have taken core expertise and translated it to new growth markets.
“In recent years, this has seen businesses develop new services, technologies and products for telecommunications, the new generation of aeroplanes, renewables and low carbon advancements. The latter is a massive opportunity for our region.

“Ultimately what’s important for businesses is not have all their eggs in one basket, but to spread the exposure to multiple sectors. Therefore if one part suffers trauma, the impact is limited”.
The Life Sciences market – one of six priority sectors highlighted within the Government’s Growth Review - is another that is catching the eye of UK firms.
And it’s not difficult to see why. Latest figures show a commercial potential of £19bn, covering anything from medical products and R&D to multi-million pound healthcare infrastructure projects.

The good news is that it’s not just the science and medical specialists that are benefitting. Companies from across complementary sectors, including interiors, furniture, building, architecture, professional services, ITC and retail can all use their specialist skills, products and services to meet growing demand.

“The West Midlands already has a strong reputation within the Life Sciences arena with it boasting 1350 businesses, employing more than 7,000 people and turning over £1bn. We also boast some of the strongest concentrations of bio and med tech companies of anywhere in the UK,” explained Chris Dyke, MedilinkWM’s Connectivity Director.
““Diversification uses change as an opportunity to grow a business. It may involve the need for new lines, skills, techniques, standards or facilities, but it can be surprising how easily components can be made for the medical and healthcare market.”
He went on to add: “We have many years of experience working with companies who have achieved rapid and expansive growth by diversifying into the medical technology market. In terms of knowledge and expertise, the UK is rich in SMEs with gold standard capabilities that can take a product from initial design through to manufacturing and distribution.”
MedilinkWM, which provides specialist business support to companies selling products and services to this arena, is currently running a ‘Heads Up’ series of events aimed at encouraging more firms to diversity into the Life Sciences sector.

There are four sessions left including Hospital Walk and Talk (13 Sept), Smart Home Technologies (29 Sept), Designing the Environment: GP & Community Clinics (13 Oct) and an Innovation Panel on 1st December.
Philip Clarke, Managing Director of Kingswinford-based Clamason Industries, is already a massive convert to the art of diversification.
His company, a leading pressings specialist, has a proven track record in supplying the automotive industry but following a drop in orders decided to re-focus and go after new markets, such as Life Sciences.

It proved a wise decision with its auto-related lean manufacturing experience securing an order to supply springs to the ‘Solostar’ insulin pen.
Philip concluded: “Thanks to working with car manufacturers for many years, we can easily offer the level of quality and innovation companies involved in Life Sciences expect.
“The ‘springs’ contract has already risen from £800,000 to £1.5m in the first year so you can clearly see the potential is there.”
Whether we dress it up as rebalancing the economy or good old diversification, the mantra of ‘doing things differently’ will be vital if the West Midlands and the UK are to impose themselves on the upper echelons of the global marketplace.

A Great Day for Midland's Manufacturing and Engineering

Made in the Midlands News — 12/05/2013

We would like to thank all exhibitors and visitors that attended our exhibition on 2 May 2013 at Wolverhampton Racecourse. It was a truly great day in celebrating Midlands manufacturing. Certainly, the best and biggest exhibition to date, the day-long event showcased the finest in manufacturing and engineering from the Midlands. The exhibition also played host to a number of high profile visitors, amongst which where a purchasing team from Jaguar Land Rover.

With more exhibitors and guests than ever before, this years exhibition provided the ideal platform for networking with a view to doing more business locally and meeting other companies across the sector. Attendees left having made new contacts, forming valuable new relationships and gaining ideas for growth going forward.

Exhibitors and guests were also able to attend a number of walk in seminars that where held throughout the day, amongst which Jaguar Land Rover buyers gave an insight into the way their supply chain works in a very well attended seminar. The exhibition proved to be the place to be to learn from industry experts on the crucial issues facing manufacturing and engineering companies.

Made in the Midlands continues to be a thriving and ever expanding group of progressive companies all dedicated to growing and ensuring the prosperity of the sector and we would like to thank these companies for their hard work and commitment to the sector all year round and for the positive feedback we have received from the exhibition.

We look forward to another year of working with our members.

PMI posts its second-highest reading in 40 months

Made in the Midlands News — 30/06/2014

Strong growth of output, new orders and jobs in June round off robust second quarter for UK manufacturing.

Overview:

Manufacturing PMI at 57.5 in June
Order inflows strengthen as demand improves in domestic and export markets
Job creation at 39-month high, led by rising SME headcounts

At 57.5 in June, up from 57.0 in May, the headline seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers Index® (PMI®) posted its second-highest reading in 40 months, bettered only during this period by last Novembers 57.8. The PMI has now signalled expansion throughout the past 16 months. Furthermore, the average index reading during the second quarter is the highest since Q1 2011.

Manufacturing output increased for the sixteenth successive month in June. Although the rate of growth eased to a three-month low, it stayed elevated and sufficient to ensure the average pace over the second quarter as a whole was the strongest for 20 years. The latest survey saw robust production growth maintained across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods sectors.

The level of incoming new business rose at the fastest pace since November 2013 and to one of the greatest extents since the survey began in 1992. The domestic market remained the prime source of new contract wins, although inflows of new export business also strengthened.

Manufacturing employment rose for the fourteenth successive month in June, as improved inflows of new business and increased production encouraged firms to expand capacity. The steepest rate of job creation was registered by SMEs, although large-scale producers also reported a solid increase to payroll numbers.

Price pressures rose during June, as average input costs increased for the first time since January and selling price inflation picked up.

The increase in purchase prices was centred on the intermediate goods sector. Some firms linked this to shortages of certain raw materials, a factor further highlighted by a sharp lengthening in supplier lead times. In contrast, input costs fell at manufacturers of consumer and investment goods.

Made in the Midlands Director Charles Addison commented: "Manufacturing's march of the makers showed no signs of slowing down in June and we've enjoyed one of the best quarters in terms of this data in almost 20 years. Here in the Midlands we are seeing unprecedented levels of orders, production and exports and best of all the growth is creating new jobs."

Made in the Midlands invests in a new exhibition website

Made in the Midlands News — 11/03/2019

Made in the Midlands has launched a dedicated website to serve exhibitors and visitors to its annual trade exhibition.

Jason Pitt, CEO, Made in Group, said: "The popular Made in the Midlands trade show, attracted more than 2,000 people last year and it seemed right to create a dedicated space alongside our main community portal so that we can engage with visitors, enhance promotion for our exhibitors and do justice to what is now one of the largest regional manufacturing shows in the UK."

This year’s exhibition, which takes place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Thursday June 20, coincides with Made in the Midlands’ tenth anniversary and will therefore be a special event in more ways than one.

It will feature the biggest collection of Midlands manufacturers under one roof this year and is set to attract thousands of delegates from across the manufacturing sector - including the buying teams from many of the industry’s biggest companies.

It is guaranteed to be one of the largest manufacturing networking opportunities this year.

The new website - www.madeinthemidlandsexpo.co.uk - will enable visitors to see exactly who is attending the show before they arrive, read exhibitor news, download the floorplan and of course, register tickets or interest in exhibiting.

Each year Made in the Midlands exhibitors have seen improvements to the infrastructure of the show and we are also working to improve the visitor experience. We hope that members enjoy the benefits of this latest investment and of course, welcome feedback and ideas on helping to make this the number one show for British industry.

Made in the Midlands used Wakefield-based developer Gomedia for this project having previously built events and CRM systems we felt they understood the needs of the show and had the technical capability to deliver a quick turnaround.

Visitor tickets can be registered online by visiting www.madeinthemidlandsexpo.co.uk

There has already been strong interest from members in the event with scores of companies already signed up to appear.

Don’t delay in joining them.

For more details on registering for the show click on the banner below.

Automechanika Birmingham 7-9 June 2016 - Register for FREE

Made in the Midlands News — 19/05/2016

Automechanika Birmingham, 7 - 9 June 2016 - Register Now!

Just 3 weeks remain until the worlds largest automotive trade exhibition is extended to the UK for the first time in association with SMMT, bringing together the very best of both supply chain and aftermarket.

Taking place from 7-9 June at the NEC, the event is a must attend for all those involved in the British automotive industry.

Why attend?

- Meet over 550 domestic and international exhibitors from 30 countries
- Discover products and services across 150 different product categories
- 60+ free seminar sessions across 3 theatres - learn about the latest hot topics such as: the changing car market, connectivity and advanced IT in vehicles and future drives
- Follow the Innovation Trail and check out the products in our New Product Showcase
- Visit the Workshop of the Future feature
- Plus network with thousands of automotive professionals

Join your peers at Automechanika Birmingham to celebrate and support the growing UK automotive industry. Dont miss out. Register now for FREE entry and forward this email to your colleagues.

Selected Exhibitors

Association and Media Partners

Jobs boost as Chinese manufacturer Detank invests in Coventry - 'From the Birmingham Post'

Made in the Midlands News — 28/07/2014

Chinese manufacturer Detank has announced plans to open a new UK headquarters in the Midlands.
The company, which builds heavy duty earth movers and fork lift trucks, has earmarked land in Coventry for its new factory with dozens of jobs set to follow.
Launched just four years ago on the banks of the Yangtze River, Detank has already become one of the worlds fastest-growing industrial machinery brands.
The company hopes its new base will provide a platform for its range of excavators and fork lift trucks to make a massive impact throughout the UK.
Detanks parent company, Chery Holdings, already has strong links with Coventry with an exclusive partnership to produce Jaguar Land Rover vehicles on the Chinese mainland.
Read the full story, by Graeme Brown, in the Birmingham Post here

Pictured: Lash Saranna, Zhou Xiaoming and Parmy Singh as Detank unveils plans to invest in Coventry

MAN sets its sights on another bumper Southern Manufacturing and Electronics

Made in the Midlands News — 14/02/2012

A unique approach to delivering global manufacturing solutions is heading to Southern Manufacturing this week hoping to build on a successful first appearance last year

The Midlands Assembly Network (MAN), which offers technical excellence in every aspect of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering processes, secured more than 50 leads and £1m of new orders after making its debut in 2011.

The group of ten world class sub-contract manufacturers believe this event may be even bigger, with the launch of a brand new exhibition stand (Q24) and marketing material that illustrates growth into key sectors, including automotive, aerospace, medical and renewables.

“There is nothing like MAN anywhere in Europe and we want to take this unique approach to a whole new audience who may not know about us,” explained Gerry Dunne, Chairman of MAN.

“The beauty of our offer is that clients can choose exactly the number of members they need to complete the project...this could be one, two, three or even the entire group. Taking this approach has already helped many of our customers save money, launch new products and meet stringent quality guidelines.”

He continued: “We already know ten potential clients will be there as they’ve requested meetings with us. It appears that in today’s tough climate, more and more companies are looking for new ways of working with their suppliers and our single-source solution appears very popular.”

The Midlands Assembly Network is made of ten members, including Advanced Chemical Etching, Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, FW Cables, Lightning Aerospace, PP Electrical Systems, SMT Developments, Westley Engineering and Wrekin Circuits.

Together, they employ nearly 800 people across eleven factories and turnover a combined £70m, with 30% of components going overseas.

Some of the group’s main achievements this year include making parts for the Olympic Torch, ground-breaking work on an alternative fuel cell and repatriating more than £3m automotive and aerospace work to the UK.

For further information, please contact 0845 034 6676, visit www.man-group.co.uk and follow @man_group_ on twitter. The collective will be exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing and Electronics 2012 on Stand Q24

Anticipation grows after MiM award winners are selected

Made in the Midlands News — 26/10/2015

The winners of the upcoming Made in the Midlands awards have been decided after directors, sponsors and patrons met for the awards panel lunch at the Hotel Du Vin in Birmingham.

The decisions were made after the judging panel thoroughly examined the applications from different member companies over the course of three hours.

The panel awarded each company a score ranging from 0-10 depending on the quality of the respective companies application. This process proved extremely difficult due to the high standard and volume of company applications.

Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt said: Made in the Midlands received the highest number of applications this year, as more than 40 companies entered their business to our awards. The fact so many companies are diversifying, innovating and growing is a good sign for their memberships.

The MiM council chairman Chris Greenough imparted his knowledge to help non-manufacturing patrons or sponsors to understand the achievements that businesses have made and what defines innovation in manufacturing.

The awards will also provide companies with an excellent opportunity to network with other businesses in the local area, whilst showcasing their successful representation of manufacturing in the Midlands.

The MiM awards are being held on the 29th October at the IET Birmingham and tickets can be found at this link: www.madeinthemidlands.com/events/mimawards

Priority passes released for Made in the Midlands Expo

Made in the Midlands News — 07/04/2014

We have just released a limited amount of 'Priority Passes' especially for manufacturers ahead of our exhibition on May 22nd at Wolverhampton racecourse.

For just £20 (plus VAT) the priority pass gets you:

Fast track entry
A refreshment voucher
Reserved front row seats at key note speeches (20 per session)
A surprise gift upon arrival

We want to ensure that Midlands manufacturers and engineers make the most of their time, hence this limited offer of 100 passes to 'remove the waste' from their event experience.

To book simply visit http://bit.ly/1mYPRhc

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the team at MIM

Made in the Midlands News — 19/12/2013

The Made in the Midlands team would like to wish all of our members and partners a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

The office will be closed from the Friday 20th December until Thursday 2nd January.

Thank you for all of your support throughout 2013

Wolves match day hospitality winner

Made in the Midlands News — 29/08/2013

Made in the Midlands would like to congratulate Chris Greenough Director at Salop Powder Coatings for winning our match day hospitality competition with the correct answer to our question:

What was the attendance at Wolves last home match against Crawley Town?

The answer was 17,406

Thank you to all of our members who entered, just goes to prove that if you check out the Made in the Midlands portal on a regular basis you never know what might be on offer.

Celebrating 300 Years of Made in the Midlands

Made in the Midlands News — 22/10/2013

Here's our brand new 'film trailer' http://youtu.be/YhWfa7b_BNQ It really set the scene at our recent awards ceremony.

As you will see it celebrates 300 years of making things and reminds us of what was and indeed still is Made in the Midlands. #MIM

Manufacturing, engineering, innovation, invention and popular culture are all represented from Abraham Darby to Led Zeppelin. We hope you enjoy it...

Department for International Trade joins MIM Expo as Export Partner

Made in the Midlands News — 20/06/2018

With a growing focus on developing successful export strategies, Made in the Midlands is pleased to be linking up with the Department for International Trade (DIT) at this year’s MIM exhibition.

DIT has signed up to be International Trade partner for the exhibition to offer members help with their overseas trade policies.

This year's exhibition takes place at Coventry's Ricoh Arena on June 21 and will feature displays by more than 200 MIM members.

The DIT helps UK businesses export and grow into global markets and its services are provided in more than 100 markets throughout the world.

Visitors to Stand 86 can find out more about the ERDF SME International Growth Project, which is being developed in partnership with the Department for International Trade, and learn about the support available to help businesses grow internationally.

The support package includes:

access to financial support and advice to internationalise a business (subject to eligibility)
grants of between £1,000 and £3,000 (up to 50% of total cost of activity, subject to availability)
access to a programme of export training events, meet the buyer sessions, overseas trade visits and more

Visitors to Stand 86 can talk to an International Trade Adviser who can support their business on its international journey. This ensures companies are making the most of the support available while growing and succeeding on a global scale.

Want to learn more? Join one of the DIT workshops to hear first-hand about the funding support businesses can receive and the free events eligible firms can join to learn about the fundamentals of international trade.

DIT advice is tailored towards helping firms to start exporting or increase the amount of goods and services they sell overseas. It also provides regular updates on new, occasional and frequent exporters.

For those selling their products overseas online then there are tools available to identify the best marketplaces to showcase their goods, while a there is also help with promoting products and services to international buyers.

The DIT also enables firms to search for events, trade fairs, trade missions and international ministerial visits relevant to the sector in which they operate.

Help is also available with applications to visit trade shows and other overseas events, while firms also have access to a dedicated trade advisor in their area.

What Can Manufacturing Companies Gain From a Digital Presence?

Made in the Midlands News — 30/03/2020

In light of current events, a large proportion of the nation’s business operations are going digital.

Despite coming more abruptly than many expected, remote working is not a reality that is likely to go away too soon, with many people even predicting that Covid-19 could cause a permanent shift towards remote working throughout the UK.

However, for many manufacturing companies, the prospect of implementing digital marketing may seem anywhere between intimidating and a waste of time. Keep reading to discover where this rigid attitude comes from and what manufacturers truly have to gain from digital marketing.

A Loathe-Hate Relationship

Let’s be frank; many manufacturing firms have historically disregarded digital strategy from being a priority to business operations.

This mindset is heightened further due to many long-established manufacturing companies having been successful for decades without the aid of digital manufacturing. Statistics show that manufacturing companies spend approximately 3.2% of turnover on marketing activity, compared with a far higher industry-wide average of 11.3%.

Many manufacturing firms have continued to thrive, or at least survive, with their predominantly pre-digital strategy. However, the benefits of digital marketing are far more wide-reaching than the direct sales of today and tomorrow.

What Got You Here, May Not Get You There

With such a large proportion of the industry failing or even refusing to implement a successful digital strategy, does this leave the door open for new, forward-thinking and proactive firms to take over in the not-so-distant future?

A commitment to digital marketing appears to be fast becoming a vital part of your brand company’s overarching brand strategy. A recent study found that internet sales accounted for 11.5% of B2B sales, which is predicted to climb as high as 13.1% in the next 2 years

The Acquity Group State of B2B Procurement study also found that 94% of B2B buyers always conduct some form of online research before purchasing a business product. When looking to invest in a new product, what do you judge when looking online?

Lean Manufacturers vs Digital Marketers

The reality is, the ROI for digital marketing can be more complex and harder to measure than gross profit. This can understandably feel like something resembling “smoke and mirrors” to an industry which thrives off the concept of lean manufacturing.

However, as B2B sales move increasingly online and the next generation of manufacturers come through, the prospect of the manufacturer with the astonishing website and the garden shed being blindly chosen over the one with a multi-million-pound factory but an inactive LinkedIn account, starts to move closer to possible than it does absurd. This becomes a potential concern, not only for the bottom line of established manufacturing firms in coming years, but also for the overall quality of service throughout the sector.

Whilst many companies are still thriving off their predominantly pre-digital strategy, there are certain ways in which firms should begin preparing for the next generation of manufacturing competition within the digital age.

An Accessible Solution

Whilst all successful manufacturing firms will eventually be forced to adapt their lack of knowledge on digital marketing – combined with their reluctance to change – provides your company with a fantastic opportunity.

Browse Made in the Midlands' range of membership plans today or get in touch to find out more.

Made in the Midlands disappointed with Airbus threats over Brexit

Made in the Midlands News — 22/06/2018

Made in the Midlands has expressed disappointment at suggestions aircraft manufacturer Airbus could quit the UK if it leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement.

Airbus has today published a risk assessment outlining the urgent risks to its business arising from the UK exiting the European Union without a withdrawal agreement.

In a risk assessment statement outlining the company’s likely stance should no Brexit deal be forthcoming, Airbus said such a scenario would force the company to reconsider its investments in the UK, and its long-term commitment to Britain.

This would, it said “severely undermine UK efforts to keep a competitive and innovative aerospace industry”, together with the development of high value jobs.

On the future trade relationship between the UK and EU, the company said that while an orderly Brexit with a withdrawal agreement was preferable to a no-deal scenario, the current planned transition (which ends in December 2020) was too short for the EU and UK governments to agree the outstanding issues, and also too short for Airbus to implement the required changes with its extensive supply chain.

In this scenario, Airbus would carefully monitor any new investments in the UK and refrain from extending the UK suppliers/partners base, it added.

Tom Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, said: “In any scenario, Brexit has severe negative consequences for the UK aerospace industry and Airbus in particular.

“Therefore, immediate mitigation measures would need to be accelerated. While Airbus understands that the political process must go on, as a responsible business we require immediate details on the pragmatic steps that should be taken to operate competitively.

“Without these, Airbus believes that the impacts on our UK operations could be significant. We have sought to highlight our concerns over the past 12 months, without success. Far from Project Fear, this is a dawning reality for Airbus. Put simply, a No Deal scenario directly threatens Airbus’ future in the UK.”

Jason Pitt, CEO, Made in the Midlands said: “Whilst it is disappointing to hear Airbus talk in such terms, it only serves to underline the importance of uniting the UK's manufacturing community to build on the manufacturing renaissance we have seen in recent years. Let's continue to innovate and find new markets both home and overseas.

“The aerospace supply chain forms a critical part of the Midlands manufacturing sector. Our region’s supply-chain and formidable national infrastructure are valuable assets to Airbus, making statements that inject insecurity within their employees and supply-chain before Brexit negotiations have got going is counterproductive to Airbus growth plans and I would urge them to reflect on the tremendous facilities and support they have received from successive governments. There is no better place for a major OEM to be based than Great Britain.

“Our members involved in the aerospace supply chain are resilient - and only said as much at our annual exhibition at the Ricoh Arena - but they need the support of a clearly defined Brexit strategy in order to plan and invest for the future.”

Irwin Mitchell answer your Brexit related business questions

Made in the Midlands News — 02/10/2019

Later this month, the United Kingdom is scheduled, after two delays, to leave the European Union, but what about the questions you, our members, still have?

Made in the Midlands recently sat down with Birmingham Based Solicitors, Irwin Mitchell to answer seven of the most common questions asked by our readers.

We spoke to several partners at Irwin Mitchell, including Sybille Steiner (Employment), Philip Barth (Immigration), Joanne Bone (GDPR), and Penny Cogher (Pensions) to ask them about all the questions you had in regard to Brexit

And remember, whether you’re a member, or not, you can get you Made In Group Brexit Toolkit, for free, by emailing Laura@madeingroup.com

So here are 7 key questions, and answers that get straight to the heart of the matter.

Will we need to make any changes to our offer letters, employment contracts or European secondment/assignment documentation as a result of Brexit? What’s the difference should we leave with a deal versus should we crash out of the EU with No-Deal?

Any member of your staff who currently works on your behalf in an EU country (other than the UK) will only be able to continue to do so if the rules of that country allow them to remain. They will have to register or apply for residency and comply with any other rules.

Offer letters employment contracts and secondment documentation should reflect that the employees will only be able to work or continue to work in an EU country if they have the right to do so.

If possible, because of the uncertainty over post-Brexit immigration rules it should be considered bringing forward start dates for employment to commence prior to Brexit day.

In the context of European assignments and secondments, it will also have to be considered that the EU rules on the coordination of social security systems will no longer apply and therefore where social security payments have to be made.

If the UK leaves the EU with a transition arrangement in place, the changes may not be immediate. In case of a no-deal, that could not be the case.

What impact will Brexit have on pension arrangements? For instance, European workers and the automatic enrolment in the workplace pension scheme?

Most of the legislation around workplace pensions derives from the UK rather than the EU and we, therefore, don’t expect Brexit to impact on UK pensions – whether we leave with or without a deal. Businesses will, therefore, need to continue to comply with the rules on automatic enrolment.

UK law allows for workplace pensions to be paid overseas. The government has said that it doesn’t expect it to change after Brexit.

As regards other pension matters, the Pension’s Regulator has issued a statement which offers advice to trustees of pension schemes and suggests they pay particular attention to investments that could be affected by Brexit. It also has answers to a list of FAQs that you could highlight to reassure any members of staff worried about how Brexit could affect their pension.

The day following our exit, either with or without a deal, will we still be held to the Working Time Directive 2003/88/EC. The EU law that gives workers 4 weeks holiday, rest breaks, a day off after a week’s work.

Yes. The Working Time Regulations 1998 implement the Directive into UK law and unless those regulations are repealed or amended post-Brexit, UK businesses must continue to follow them.

There has been a lot of litigation around some aspects of these regulations – particularly in relation to holiday and holiday pay. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has made a number of important decisions, which are binding on UK courts. As a result, UK tribunals and courts have had to interpret our regulations in a way that complies with these decisions. So, for example, holiday pay has to include regularly worked overtime, some allowances and commission payments linked to personal performance even though UK law only requires employers to calculate the holiday pay of many workers at their basic rates of pay.

If the UK leaves without a deal, it will not automatically be bound by any future decisions of the CJEU. However, workers will continue to enjoy their existing rights to paid holiday, rest breaks etc as interpreted by decisions of the CJEU which pre-date the exit day (whenever that is) and our own courts and tribunals.

Because we don’t know what a new deal with include, it’s impossible to say what will happen if it’s approved. However, we would expect any deal to preserve workers’ rights that derive from the EU.

How will the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) affect the processing and retention of recruitment data by employers? Say we leave on October the 31st, on November 1st, will our company still have to follow the GDPR rules and regulations?

Yes. One common misconception about Brexit is that when the UK exits the EU, the GDPR will no longer apply in the UK and we’ll revert back to how things were before from a data protection point of view. This isn’t the case. The UK Government intends to write the GDPR into UK law (with only necessary changes to make it work in the UK). This will be called the UK GDPR.

Brexit raises a number of issues in relation to data protection; key ones include:

Can we continue to send personal data from the UK to EU countries?
Can we still get personal data from the EU sent into the UK?
Do we need someone to represent us in the EU if we trade in the EU?

Once we exit the EU, whether there is a deal or not, UK businesses will be able to continue sending personal data to EU and EEA countries in the same way they do now. The difficulty arises in relation to bringing personal data from the EU and EEA into the UK. As the UK will no longer be in the EU and EEA, it will be treated in the same way as e.g. the US and additional protections will need to be put in place to allow personal data to be sent to the UK.

If there is a deal, and it is similar to Theresa May’s proposed deal, then personal data can still be sent to the UK as before during the transition period. The main problem will arise if there is no deal. In that situation, the UK will either need to be recognised by the EU as offering adequate protection to personal data (a process that could take years to agree) or businesses will need to put in place additional safeguards such as adopting EU standard contractual terms which will need to be agreed pre-Brexit. If we leave on 31 October, that doesn’t give you much time.

Also, if your business offers goods or services to individuals in the EU/EEA or you monitor their behaviour (which is construed widely and includes dropping cookies for online monitoring), you will need to appoint a representative in the EU or be in breach. There are some exemptions, but if they don’t apply, and you don’t have a group company you will have to pay a fee to an external organisation to act as your representative.

Would it be beneficial to release an internal email that states what position our company would be in should we leave without a deal? At the same time, would it be proactive to arrange meetings with non-UK workers to discuss, and establish plans should we leave without a deal?

Many of your workers will be concerned about how Brexit will affect your business and whether their jobs are likely to be at risk – particularly in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Unless you have plans to make redundancies, you don’t legally need to inform your staff of your business strategy, but it may make sense to share some information with them.

If we leave without a deal, any EU staff you currently employ can continue to live and work in the UK. They will need to apply for pre-settled or settled status if they want to continue to do so after 31 December 2020. The government has published an employer toolkit to help businesses support EU staff and their families apply for settled status. It signposts where to find information about the process and you can download leaflets, posters, presentations, videos and guidance to help you have informed conversations with your staff.

I'm currently employing new people. What precautions should I take if they're from the EU? More so, what if their start date is any time after the 1st of November 2019? As we're still in the EU if I get them to sign their contract before 'zero-day', will anything change?

The government has published information setting out the immigration arrangements for EU citizens that apply after the UK exits the EU.

Some EU citizens will already have obtained settled or pre-settled status under the government’s EU settlement scheme. This gives them the right to continue to live and work in the UK deal or no deal and, in the case of those with pre-settled status, apply for settled status after they have resided in the UK for five years.

In the event of a no-deal, EU citizens who move to the UK for the first time after exit day will be able, on or before 31 December 2020, to apply for a 36 months temporary immigration status – European Temporary Leave to Remain (Euro TLR).

The government has said that applications will be ‘simple and free’ and that EU citizens travelling to the UK won’t have to make special arrangements in advance. In other words, they can enter the country without prior clearance.

If you employ someone from the EU who arrives in the UK after Brexit, transitional rules apply. They will need to apply for a Euro TLR or obtain immigration status under the proposed new points-based system if they want to continue to live and work here.

You, therefore, don’t need to ask new EU employees to sign their contracts before the exit date.

My business works primarily with agency workers. How will Brexit, whatever form it takes, impact the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (AWR)?

There will not be any immediate changes to these UK regulations whether we leave the EU with or without a deal. However, the UK regulations derive from The Temporary Agency Work Directive and, if we leave without a deal, the government will be able to amend or repeal them as they see fit. Many employment law commentators believe they are an obvious target for removal after Brexit.

2018 - A Year of Landmarks for Made in the Midlands

Made in the Midlands News — 18/12/2018

It has been a memorable year for Made in the Midlands and its membership - in all senses of the word.

Looking back, 2018 was a year of landmarks as the network celebrated a rebrand, new websites, the launch of the Inclusivity Campaign and the appointment of four new Advisory Boards and in a major step forward for the group, the launch of its new political lobbying platform, Made in London.

Add to this, the recruitment of more than 130 new members, the expansion of the Patrons group, the launch of the Ambassador awards, the largest annual exhibition ever staged and the publication of the inaugural Made Report then it certainly has been an eventful twelve months.

At the start of the year, the organisation opted for a change in its mentoring process. It therefore dissolved the MIM Council and replaced it with four new Advisory Boards - Industry 4.0, International Trade, Skills and Inclusivity.

The new boards, helmed by experts in their field, became the new mastermind groups for the organisation.

Sharing best practice, board members pool their extensive knowledge with the aim of benefiting the entire membership. The boards are helping to shape future policy, identify research projects and provide an unrivalled knowledge bank upon which the whole organisation can draw.

There’s also a commitment to treble the floorspace for the annual exhibition at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

The first quarter also saw the appointment of My Workwear as a new MIM Patron. Under the guidance of managing director James Worthington, the company would go on to be one of the most engaged members of the network - as anyone attending a breakfast event this year can attest to.

Adi Group, which later stepped up to Patron membership, began the year with a commitment to create 500 new jobs as it looked to fulfil its growth ambitions and see turnover increase to £200m.

January saw the launch of a campaign aimed to revolutionise the way the manufacturing sector operates.

More than 100 people gathered at Manor Grove in Handsworth to discover how the Inclusivity Campaign could transform their business.

Aiming to make manufacturers inclusive employers, the campaign explains how firms can improve their business by maximising the potential of every single employee - regardless of age, gender, religion or ability.

Moving on, the network was pleased to announce in Q2 that it had secured the Bloodhound SSC to be the focal point of the Ricoh Expo. The Supersonic Car proved to be a real headturner for visitors to the arena and was the most photographed exhibit on the day.

Sadly, despite capturing the imagination of visitors and exhibitors alike, the ambitious project lapsed into administration just a few months later.

Then, just before Christmas, manufacturers, engineers, innovators and speed freaks got the best present they could have hoped for with the news that Yorkshire businessman Ian Warhurst had saved the project by stepping in to buy the business.

The new Advisory Boards met for their inaugural meetings in April and hopes are high that the bodies will help to steer the future direction of MIM policy and act as the vital mentoring arms of the network.

In a further attempt to shine the light of recognition on the enormous role played by the most engaged members of the network, MIM opted to reward its greatest advocates with a new award, that of Ambassador.

The first 50 to receive the honour were presented with their awards at a ceremony at the Ricoh Arena on the eve of the annual Expo.

The Ambassador award was the second membership recognition honour introduced during the year. Earlier, the network opted to celebrate its founder members with a special title and a plaque they could display at their premises denoting their achievement.

The network was also able to announce that it had secured the West Midlands’ most important politician, Mayor Andy Street to deliver the keynote speech to delegates attending this year’s Expo.

Mr Street told the event that the region’s advanced manufacturing sector was an important wealth generator for the Midlands economy and all efforts should be made to support it.

The event was also a powerful demonstration of the stoicism of the Midlands’ membership in refusing to bow to the economic adversity predicted by many as a result of Britain leaving the EU - a theme later reflected in the findings of the new Made Report.

Members were also able to let their hair down following the Expo as the annual summer drinks reception was switched to a post-event celebration.

The quarter also saw the first Inclusivity workshops taking place, with trainer Gamiel Yafai outlining to those taking part how Inclusivity could be such a force for good within their business.

April also saw Wolverhampton-based Fortress Interlocks recognised for its strong export success with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

There was also recognition for the latest new members joining MIM with the second of the year’s New Member Orientation event.

The expansion of the membership’s Patrons group was also celebrated with a reception at the offices of Made in the Midlands.

The special gathering saw several new Patrons inducted into the membership.

The pre-Expo period also saw the launch of a new Made in the Midlands website as the organisation underwent a rebrand to better reflect its enhanced status following the integration of the Made in Yorkshire network into the overall group.

The autumn saw the greatest illustration yet of the Made In Group’s ambition to become the authentic voice of UK manufacturing. Underpinning the growth of the group was the official launch of its new Made in London platform.

Building on the launch of the Made in London website earlier in the year, the new platform is the lobbying arm of the expanded group, taking the views of its 600-strong membership right to the heart of Westminster.

Headed by group chairman, The Lord Whitby, around one hundred members descended on the capital for the launch event in what was, a major show of intent by the group.

In tandem with the launch, the group also used the event to publish the findings of its new Made Report, a powerful document based on the responses of more than 300 members to a group survey conducted during the late summer and early autumn.

The report showed that the views of the membership were completely at odds with the negative rhetoric being spouted by many in Westminster - and the upper echelons of the business community - and that far from fearing Brexit, many SME manufacturers were relishing the opportunities leaving the EU could offer.

The majority of members were also confident of the next twelve months with many predicting growth in turnover, new jobs and investment in facilities.

Lord Whitby said: “Made in London will raise the national profile of the hundreds of members which comprise the Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire networks.

“It will give the SME manufacturing sector a voice in the most important theatre in the country - the Palace of Westminster.”

Several members had been in Westminster earlier in the year when at the annual summer reception of the All Party Manufacturing Group, Business Minister Richard Harrington had tried to reassure companies that the Government was doing all it could to ensure a smooth transition following Brexit.

For those members lucky enough to participate, one of the highlights of the summer had been a visit to the Siemens factory in Congleton. The visit helped to illustrate the advantages the smart factory model offered to the future of the manufacturing sector.

MAN member PP Control and Automation explained how it was targeting turnover of £40m following a new investment deal, while CEC Direct notched up its 100th MIM customer in a collaboration with fellow Patron, My Workwear. Hadley Group also reinforced its already strong position in the market with the acquisition of fellow MIM member, EWS.

Highlights of the autumn saw the second round of Advisory Boards taking place, with the meetings being hosted by MIM member, the Manufacturing Technology Centre. There was also the second round Inclusivity workshops, this time being hosted by campaign participant, Lander Automotive.

The campaign was also boosted by the addition of a high-profile, non-manufacturer - Walsall Football Club. Under a deal struck between MIM and the League One side, MIM is sponsoring the club’s community programme in return for the club promoting the aims of the campaign.

The MIM Patrons group was also strengthened with the appointment of two new firms; wealth management specialist Brewin Dolphin and commercial finance broker, Capex.

Member collaboration was also one of the major trends of the period, with many firms joining forces to mutual gain.

Tipton-based darkroom specialist Peterson Photographic, part of the TWP Manufacturing Group, enhanced its product range in collaboration with experts from Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG). Also, the University of Wolverhampton’s Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills formed a new partnership with Aldridge-based In-Comm Training to help boost UK manufacturing skills.

Elsewhere, Beck & Pollitzer installed an 800-tonne press for Coleshill-based tier one automotive supplier, Sertec, while Dudley-based sub-contractor De-Met drastically reduced the time from design to part after purchasing new press brakes from fellow MIM member LVD.

The University of Derby was also able to help fellow MIM member Techman Engineering by securing funding of more than £180,000 in the form of two Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Other member highlights saw MIM Patron adi group host a visit from the Prime Minister, Theresa May and Chancellor Philip Hammond, while Boneham & Turner rounded off an eventful year with a special event to mark the firm’s centenary.

In a move that safeguarded the jobs of 800 workers, Gestamp also officially opened its new £50m factory in Four Ashes, near Wolverhampton.

The network’s laser cutting fraternity also demonstrated their creative talents by producing special pieces to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day.

The year rounded off with the inaugural Inclusivity awards. Held at the House of Lords, the awards recognised the commitment of members to the new campaign and the journey to becoming more inclusive employers.

So the focus now shifts to what promises to be an even busier 2019 as MIM prepares to mark its tenth anniversary and the nation looks forward to life outside the confines of the EU.