The UK's manufacturing and engineering sectors continue to go from strength to strength, pushed by economies of scale and pulled by the expertise of their dedicated workforces.
After a period of uncertainty, UK production lines now swing again: 'Made in the UK' is globally coveted and the Cabinet's limo comes to the factory car park once more.
While it's true that there has never been a more exciting time to work in both sectors, a missing cog in the engine has always been a focused event dedicated to the people working within them.
Recognising this need, Works Management's parent company and leading B2B publisher Findlay Media has launched Manufacturing & Engineering North East – a completely new type of event aimed exclusively at manufacturing and engineering professionals.
Already 80% sold at launch, the event will be held for the first time at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena between 8-9 July 2015. As well as promoting manufacturing industry within the region, the aim will be to provide a platform for manufacturers and engineers to meet, learn, discuss design ideas and solve challenges.
For the first time, professionals working in both sectors will be able to come together to showcase the North East's strengths and share their passion for growth. Explaining the decision to base the event in the North East, Ed Tranter, executive director of Findlay Media, said: "Manufacturing and engineering are at the heart of the North East's economy.
"Over 10,000 manufacturing and design sites operate within 100 miles of Newcastle and, with inward investment from larger manufacturers such as Nissan in Sunderland and now Hitachi in County Durham, the heartbeat is stronger than ever.
"With its huge industrial base, the North East is the perfect place to host the show. Ultimately, what we want is to create an event for manufacturers and engineers that is focused on their needs and their needs alone."
With keynotes from senior manufacturing and engineering professionals at leading brands across the aerospace, automotive, medical and defence sectors, the Manufacturing & Engineering North East conference will provide delegates with compelling content spanning all areas of production, design and manufacturing management. High quality practical workshops will also take place on both days within the two theatres on the show floor.
The practical, hands on workshops will be free to attend and will provide best practice learning and insight into the latest manufacturing and engineering techniques. Subjects covered will range from strategy and finance to materials handling and continuous improvement.
A number of leading trade bodies and institutions have pledged their support for Manufacturing & Engineering North East, including the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), North East LEP, Gateshead & Newcastle Inward Investment and the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED).
"The support and interest we've received for the show so far has been phenomenal," Tranter continued. "At launch, Manufacturing & Engineering North East is already 80% booked. It just proves that the time for an event dedicated solely to the engineering and manufacturing disciplines has come."
Chris Sumner, managing director of headline sponsor FANUC UK, is positive about the new show: "The North East is home to some of the world's leading manufacturers. FANUC already has an extensive customer base helping the region to maintain its manufacturing heritage.
"The range of FANUC products that are available to assist new customers to improve their manufacturing processes is immense and we want to take this opportunity to demonstrate these to benefit the region."
Ian Wood, head of marketing at Lombard, another headline sponsor, said:?"Manufacturing is one of the key drivers of the UK economy and Lombard's understanding and experience of the sector enables us to support manufacturers across the UK.
"In the North East in particular there is a long history of manufacturing excellence and we have worked with the many businesses to provide the capital investment required to help secure the sector's recovery and growth.
"We look forward to continuing to develop relationships with manufacturers in the North East and are pleased to be able to sponsor this event, which is an excellent showcase of the region's manufacturing expertise."
Glenn Stanton, UK & Ireland sales manager for exhibitor WNT, believes the appeal of the show will be that it will take a comprehensive look at a dedicated sector: "The arrival of Manufacturing & Engineering North East will provide an excellent platform to further promote the benefits of WNT's extensive range of cutting tools, as well as its industry-leading service and support. The North East of England is already a significant market for WNT (UK), but one that we are keen to develop further through events such as this."
Catherine Walker of the NewcastleGateshead initiative said:?"We are delighted to support Manufacturing & Engineering North East, an event which provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase our competitive strengths in this sector."
Manufacturing & Engineering North East will offer outstanding networking opportunities and provide a perfect forum for you to discuss the big issues occupying your time. Come along; you won't regret it.
To find out more about Manufacturing & Engineering North East or to register your interest, go to www.menortheast.co.uk
