Engineering based manufacturers say give us the tools and we’ll finish the job
Published : March 09, 2009
The Manufacturing Technologies Association have asked the Government to support the industry as a key driver of a future balanced economy and not to penalise the industry for the failings of others. The plea came from the President of the Manufacturing Technologies Association, Bob Hunt, during his address to leading engineering firms, business leaders and politicians at the MTA’s Annual Dinner.
During a well-received fifteen minute speech Mr Bob Hunt stated that manufacturing is the route to returning this country to its future prosperity, but that manufacturers and the Government must take the lead to create demand. Specifically he asked that Government take further measures to stimulate the economy, give less emphasis to recruitment and more emphasis on retaining existing staff and to re-introduce the temporary short-time working subsidy in such a key sector, as an alternative to unemployment benefits.
Support from the assembled guests was evident as Mr Hunt was critical of the handling of the current economic crisis, “The financial system’s failure is today causing our sector major problems. But we can’t cast off the system, neither should we want to; we must work with the Banks and the Government through this crisis, whilst at the same time making sure that we are not penalised for the failings of others. Manufacturing needs a strong voice in these discussions. Our trade earnings are central to our economy, and must not be viewed as peripheral to the country’s needs. Manufacturing is key to a future balanced economy.”
He was also critical of some of the Government’s current aid packages for business, “The Government has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at supporting industry in these difficult times. However we have to seriously question the impact. Billions of pounds of our money have been thrown at the problem but to date we are far from convinced that the core issue has been addressed.” Mr Hunt explained that despite the packages the industrial sector is still finding finance difficult to obtain. He added that although the cut in VAT had been badly received by industry and public alike, still the Government has not re-visited it three months later. Instead he called for a more direct stimulus to demand for housing, white goods and motor cars to kick start the economy.
In his concluding sentence Mr Hunt remarked, “To government we say; Give manufacturing the tools and we will finish the job.”
