EEF National Manufacturing Conference Explores Global Competitiveness

Online, December 21, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Business leaders will gather at the EEF National Manufacturing Conference and Manufacturers' dinner on Tuesday 6 March 2012 to explore global competitiveness and urge government to use its spring Budget to spur industrial-led growth.

Manufacturers can direct their timely messages to Chancellor George Osborne, who is guest speaker at the biennial EEF Manufacturers' Dinner. Business Secretary Vince Cable and Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband are also confirmed as keynote conference speakers.

The conference, which is sponsored by Lombard and delivered in partnership with The Manufacturer and Infor, will take place in the heart of Westminster at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, followed by the dinner at the Dorchester Hotel.

Terry Scuoler, EEF Chief Executive, said: "The timing of the conference, just ahead of the Budget, is absolutely critical. It will be a powerful rally call to government to place manufacturing at the heart of its strategy for growth and to present a visionary Budget that bolsters economic recovery through bold measures to support industrial expansion and international trade.

"Our conference theme is 'Competitiveness in the Global Economy' and it will be a rare opportunity for the country's manufacturing leaders to gather together to challenge political decision makers on the issues that matter most, share best practice, stimulate debate, solve problems, and gain industry insights and connections."

Other speakers include Sir Richard Needham, Director of Dyson and former Minister of Trade; Declan Curry, business journalist and presenter; Alexander Baldock, Managing Director of Lombard; Andrew Kinder, Product Marketing Director, Infor, and Terry Scuoler.

The conference will feature panel discussions and a choice of best practice workshops led by exemplary manufacturing businesses, covering topics such as innovation, exporting, and investment. There will be plenty of opportunity for manufacturers to network and learn from their peers.

The seismic shifts in manufacturing and the global competitive landscape will be explored. Some of the big questions posed will include: how can we ensure UK manufacturing remains competitive? Should government do more to promote growth and support manufacturing directly? What more can be done to improve competitiveness in key areas such as tax, skills, regulation and energy?

For further information or to register for the EEF National Manufacturing Conference: www.manufacturingconference.co.uk Delegates registering before 31 December 2011 will receive discounts on their tickets.