News Industry
Comment Latest figures from the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) show that UK engineering companies supplying the likes of Formula One, NASCAR, the WTCC and other global motor- sport series are bucking the national trend, with nearly 60 per cent of companies seeing an increase in sales over the last financial year.
An awards scheme, everywoman in Transport and Logistics, which champions women working in these sectors, is smoothing the path for female stars of the future. This drive to attract women to the industry by creating more role models, can only be a good thing for an industry which has traditionally been male dominated. According to statistics the UK logistics sector is worth over £93 billion to the economy however only 25 per cent of the workforce is female. Additionally research undertaken at the everywoman Transport and Logistics Leadership Academy event held in June 2012 found that many women working in middle management roles in the industry felt their career aspirations could be fulfilled within the sector but many felt they were being held back by a lack of role models. Schemes such as everywoman in
Transport and logistics address this stumbling block by shining a spotlight on women who are excelling in the sector so others might follow in their footsteps. The clear message is there are a diverse range of opportunities available where women can make an important contribution and enjoy a successful and fulfilling career. Nominations close on February 11 and can be made at
www.everywoman.com/tlawards. Heather Ramsden - Editor
Events
IOSH 2013 conference 26-27 February, ExCel, London
www.ioshconference.co.uk
Southern Manufacturing 2013 13-14 February, FIVE, Farnborough
www.industry.co.uk
Maintec 2013 5-7 March, NEC, Birmingham
www.easyfairs.com
The Cleaning Show 19-21 March, NEC, Birmingham
www.cleaning.co.uk
Data from the MIA’s latest Motorsport Business Survey (2011/12), shows this UK indus- try enjoying increased output, increasing investment in research and development (R&D) and an upturn in job opportuni- ties for skilled engineers and
Motorsport is the bright spark of UK manufacturing
apprentices alike. Of those that had seen an increase in sales turnover, more than 10 per cent saw a rise of over 50 per cent, compared to the previous finan- cial year. Over half of UK motor- sport engineering companies reported having higher value future-order books, year on year. Such optimism is reflected in the amount of investment going into R&D, according to the MIA report, which confirmed that 17 per cent of motorsport engineering companies invest over 30 per cent of their turnover on R&D – far in excess of UK engineering as a whole, and 25 per cent of busi- nesses invest between 15 and 30
per cent. Such strong investment in R&D has been encouraged by the Government’s tax credit scheme, which has been claimed by 55 per cent of motorsport engi- neering businesses in the last three years. Such clear commitment to R&D programmes to develop new engineering innovations has enabled motorsport companies to diversify into new markets, and stay ahead of competition. Chris Aylett, chief executive of the MIA, commented: “Our report, the only one of its kind, shows that the world-beating UK motor- sport industry is in rude health, with great future prospects.
www.the-mia.com
Winners of manufacturing photography awards named
The winners and runners-up of the EEF Photography Awards 2012 have been unveiled at an exclusive ceremony at the House of Commons in London. The theme for this year’s com- petition was ‘Made in Britain’ and entrants were challenged to submit photos that championed the spirit of manufacturing in Britain. Over 800 photos were submitted from across the coun- try and 87 were shortlisted. The winner of the professional category was Mike Smith’s ‘Precision’ (top right) a kaleido- scopic shot down self-contained hydrodynamic bearings, manufac- tured by Rolls Royce Michell in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Runner- up was Ray Troll’s ‘Watching and
Waiting’, (top middle) a shot of a BAE Systems’ all-British Unmanned Air System, expected to play a role in search and rescue work and disaster monitoring. ‘Manufacturing a Filter’ by Robert Watkins, of Warrington, won the amateur category: a black- and-white image of a welder applying the finishing touches to a filter at Crofts Engineering Services. Steve Watts’ photograph of the iconic Infinity Bridge in Stockton-on-Tees at sunset earned him the position of runner-up in the same category.
The young photographer cate- gory also produced many pho- tographs showcasing not only the best of British manufacturing but also budding photographers.
Tamika Morris’ photograph of the UK-manufactured golden Olympic Torch against a black- and-white audience was appro- priately titled ‘2012 Icon’ and winner of the young photogra- pher category. Runner-up was ‘Moulding Chambers’ (top left) by Shane Butler, from Walsall, a snapshot of casting moulds made at Chamberlin and Hill which are used in 21st Century automotive and construction sectors. Terry Scuoler, of the EEF, said: “Manufacturing is exciting and constantly evolving, and we are proud of all of our entrants who helped us redefine the public per- ception of manufacturing with their eclectic range of images.”
www.eef.org.uk
Draeger wins top spot in Manufacturing Excellence Awards
Northumberland safety technol- ogy manufacturer Draeger Safety UK was named as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Overall Winner at the Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2012. The award was presented to Draeger Safety UK by Minister of State for Business & Enterprise Michael Fallon at a ceremony compered by former politician Michael Portillo.
Factory Equipment JANUARY 2013
Draeger Safety UK also won the Financial Management cate- gory and the Professional Engineering Award for Logistics and Operational Efficiency. Philippa Oldham, head of manufacturing at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and one of the Manufacturing Excellence judges said: “Draeger Safety UK is an example of what can be achieved through ambition and
commitment. The company’s focus on customer service and quality was what impressed the judges, along with the manage- ment of the company’s onsite processes and procedures which we judged to be first-class. “With all of the winners, their success is a result of delivering the right solutions at the right price to customers.”
www.mxawards.org
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