OPINION
EDITOR’S VIEW
BY JOHN LAMB
Manufacturing a future for business
t was heartening to hear the cause of manufacturing being promoted at Birmingham Chamber’s annual meeting. In the Chamber’s latest quarterly economic survey (see page 8), there were some gloomy figures from the sector with only 43 per cent saying they had increased export sales and the number reporting increased advance orders dropped to 37 per cent. The home market fared little better. Despite these figures, manufacturers remain remarkably
I CEC Chamber Executive Club Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry
optimistic. Sixty-one per cent expected turnover would improve while 47 per cent expected more profitability. Clearly, this may be coloured by the boom in sales being enjoyed by Jaguar Land Rover and the prospect of further work for regional suppliers when their new engine plant in Wolverhampton swings into production.
‘The real challenge will be to direct youngsters into apprenticeships’
Manufacturing has always been regarded as the bedrock of business in the Greater Birmingham area. So everything should be done to encourage their prospects and their willingness to set up shop in the Midlands. Business Secretary Vince Cable has called on
manufacturers across the country to help Government find up to 30 ‘industry champions’ and show the best of British industry throughout 2012. ‘Make it in Great Britain’ is a new campaign aimed at transforming outdated opinions of UK manufacturing. It is all part of the Government's drive to encourage long-term economic growth and rebalance the economy away from the financial sector and towards a strong manufacturing sector. Words from someone at the sharp end of manufacturing
have come from incoming vice-president Steve Brittan, managing director of BSA Tools in Birmingham. Passionate about UK plc and Birmingham in particular, Mr Brittain pointed out that the real challenge will be to direct youngsters into apprenticeships and vocational training. It was, he added, vital for small firms that the
government got on urgently with the business of sorting out red tape. He pointed out that many companies would not know if they were operating legally because they could not afford to take professional advice to ensure they were. And that is the rub. Firms will be reluctant to take on
new personnel or apprentices because of the weight of red tape involved in simply employing someone. Partly with manufacturers in mind, the Chamber’s
international trade team, in conjunction with HSBC and Enterprise Network Europe, is encouraging businesses to examine the possibility of turning their business round by looking at export markets. Companies nervous about trading in Europe given the
current economic climate will be able to listen to advice from HSBC and Enterprise Europe Network. They will be explaining opportunities at a free event at
Aston Villa Football Club on Thursday, 1 December (9am-3pm), and companies should call 0121 607 1845 for more information as soon as possible because places are limited to 65.
4 CHAMBERLINK NOVEMBER 2011 CHAMBERLINK
FRONT COVER Christine Braddock with new Birmingham Chamber president Michael Ward and vice president Steve Brittan. See page 6
EDITOR John Lamb 0121 450 4228
j.lamb@
birmingham-chamber.com
DEPUTY EDITOR Sue Cooke 0121 450 4201
s.cooke@
birmingham-chamber.com
PICTURE EDITOR Tony Bell 0121 450 4220
t.bell@
birmingham-chamber.com
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Connecting you to opportunity
BIRMINGHAM CHAMBER PATRONS 2011
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