Policy and Lobbying - News

Figures from MTA’s monthly survey of members for March indicate that business confidence has remained high over the first quarter of 2011. The results from the MTA’s new, more detailed, monthly survey also show that growth in UK sales has outweighed export sales; however a strong improvement in export business is expected in the second quarter of the year with respondents expecting overseas business to outperform domestic orders.

The Manufacturing Technologies Association is pleased to launch the 2011 Technology Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge. The TDI Challenge offers school and college students a unique opportunity to showcase their project work to an industry that relies upon the creativity and innovation of its designers and engineers. With top prizes on offer, the competition provides students and their schools with valuable insight and access into the thriving manufacturing sector in the UK.

The latest results from the MTA’s monthly survey of members show a positive swing in the number of manufacturing technology companies taking on new staff, with nearly a quarter of respondents reporting an increase in employment compared to last month. In addition, order intake grew by over 12%, taking the orders measure to the highest level since the survey began.

UK manufacturing industry came together at Birmingham’s ICC this week to celebrate success in engineering based manufacturing at the inaugural Manufacturing Industry Awards. The event was part of the Manufacturing Technologies Association’s Annual Gala Dinner at which MTA President, Simon Pollard, gave a rousing speech about the future of manufacturing in Britain. BBC Presenter, Louise Minchin compered the event, and guests were entertained with operatic singing ‘technicians’ plus comedian Aaron James. In addition, over £3,600 was raised for the President’s Charity – the Fusiliers Aid Society.

Voting for the Manufacturing Industry Awards is now open! Visit the website – www.mtaawards.com – to vote for your chosen entrant on the shortlist! Voting is open to the manufacturing public until Friday 25 February 2011, and the winners will be announced at the Gala Presentation Dinner on 9 March 2011 at the ICC, Birmingham.

Despite the short month and adverse weather, December results from the MTA’s monthly survey of members show increased order intake and invoiced sales in UK’s manufacturing technology sector, setting a positive tone for 2011.