The Rt Hon. Stephen Timms, minister of state for competitiveness for the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, visited NAMTEC (The National Metals Technology Centre) in Rotherham recently to officially launch the Special Metals Forum.
Over a hundred and fifty delegates, many from within the special metals sector attended this high profile event, which provided the opportunity to meet with other companies within the sector and to discuss key issues with the minister.
Alan Partridge, chief executive officer of NAMTEC, explained: “We are delighted that Stephen Timms agreed to launch the Special Metals Forum. This is recognition of the important role that special metals play in the UK economy and the role that the Forum will play in driving innovation, training and improved competitiveness within the sector.”
Julie Kenny, Yorkshire Forward board member, speaking at the launch said: “Yorkshire Forward sees the Advanced Engineering and Materials sector as a priority innovation sector that is critical to the region’s economic development. We have put in place the structures that provide critical technological support to businesses as they develop, and we are certain that the Special Metals Forum will bring added value to businesses within the sector.”
Pictured are Stephen Timms MP; Alan Partridge, CEO of NAMTEC; Julie Kenny – Board Member Yorkshire Forward and Tony Pedder – Chairman of the Special Metal’s Forum.