President Bob Hunt's speech in full

Published : March 22, 2010

Author : Nick Stamp

President's Speech at the Annual Dinner March 18th 2010. 

My Lords, Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen...

On behalf of the Manufacturing Technologies Association may I extend a very warm welcome to you all this evening.
 
In particular, I would like to thank our member companies...,

their customers,suppliers and colleagues...,

who have had to make very difficult decisions regarding expenditure including corporate entertainment during these extremely difficult times.

I am pleased to report that the format of the evening has changed.

The Association has listened to your comments and by popular demand we have dispensed with the Industrial Speaker.

The not so good news is that the time devoted to that speaker has been divided equally between Matt Dawson and me. The news you all want to hear is that following a brief negotiation in the bar and the passing of a few "Blue Ones" Matt has bought my slot.

Matt we are delighted that you can be with us this evening and we look forward to hearing some Twickers Tales later.

I think tonight I can promise you all an evening of fun and entertainment and I just have a feeling that this maybe an event we all will remember for a very long time.

Those of you who were present at last year's Annual Dinner would have heard me ask the Government to give Manufacturers the Tools and we would finish the job of ensuring that:            

Manufacturing is KEY to a future balanced economy.

Well, I think we can safely report, that we did receive some tools but certainly not all of those that were necessary to finish the job.

The first half of 2009 proved to be the most difficult that most of us in this room can remember.

Despite some casualties on the way, the vast majority of Small and Medium Enterprises have taken action with their valued staff to ensure their futures.

Salary sacrifices, extended holidays without pay, 3 day weeks, amended terms and conditions of employment and sadly, in some cases redundancy, were just some of the actions that were necessary to take control of expenditure.

I wonder how many of our politicians understood the panic and fear that many SME's and their staff went through last year.

Sure, they were aware of it, but unless they made factory visits, they could not feel it, they could not taste it.

Many of us in this room tonight were made acutely aware of the circumstances that our staff had to endure during the first six months of last year.

By working together with each other we have created an opportunity to pull through these dreadful times and secure a meaningful long term future for the manufacturing industry.

And now, at last, we can see some small improvements

For The Manufacturing Technologies Association to remain competitive and desirable to its members it constantly reviews the membership initiatives to deliver robust and cost effective benefits that are key to our future.

Finance Seminars, Industry Statistics, Interest Free Loans and Aid for staff development, and the engagement of Apprentices, are but a few.

Marketing seminars for young start up companies to help them promote their USP's and more in depth economic surveys have ensured that we have the products to attract new members and the efforts have been rewarded as membership numbers slowly increase.

Our Business and Events team have felt the constant pressure in order that they can provide you with a cost effective initiatives that include the Annual Lunch, the Forecasting Seminar, Networking events and our Annual Dinner here this evening.

The Associations Events Committee researched many alternative venues for tonight's Dinner and I hope, like me, you are impressed with their selection of The Wyndham Grand.

The embarrassing part of this evenings address has now arrived.

I have to admit to you all that despite my optimism last year and up until today we had not finalised the order for the refurbishment of our headquarters in Bayswater Road.

The mechanism between revised quotations and planning permission conspired to totally frustrate our refurbishment sub committee but until we were sure that our investment would satisfy our initial objectives we would not place business.

However to reassure you and indeed our own staff who have been unbelievably patient, I was in fact advised earlier this evening that orders to proceed have now been agreed and work will commence before the end of April.

So, now I can confirm that the facility will be available to you, our members for corporate use before the end of 2010.

Ladies and gentlemen,...
 
What is our assessment of the current manufacturing position?

We have to seriously think about where our engineering based sector will go to from here.

If the Association is going to aspire to its objective of "being the reference point and the voice of engineering based manufacturing then we have to seize these current opportunities and make sure our message is heard not only in Westminster but nationally and internationally as well.

Recent exhibitions in India, Brazil and Milan have all been attended by the Association staff to market UK Manufacturing PLC.

We remain steadfast in our resolution that Manufacturing is key to a future balanced economy and further that it should stand along side finance and services to ensure all of our futures.

Although all of our earlier expectations were not fulfilled our politicians are saying right now that MANUFACTURING MATTERS.

Is that statement from Westminster success or not??
Well, I guess if they are saying it, they may be thinking it. However I would have to challenge them.

We can all talk, but as we all know it is the actions that we take that get the attention.

Two weeks ago at a highly publicised event: "The Future of UK Manufacturing Summit" took place at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, in Birdcage Walk.

This venue is only 250 yards from "The House??"

3 politicians turned up, but only one stayed the course. He was Malcolm Harbour European MP and Chairman of the EU Manufacturing Forum.

The MTA attended, Bob Findlay was there from Findlay Publications, as was Nick Hussey from Manufacturing Insight. I know they were present to contribute and take away from the debate thoughts and recommendations that would help there business in the future.

They wanted to have their say on the future of our Industry.

As a result of their involvement Findlay Media have already created VOTE FOR MANUFACTURING CHECKLIST providing five key points we all can challenge our MP's on.

Do our MP's not realise - this too was an opportunity for them?
 
Regrettably they missed a marvellous presentation from Andrea Rodney from MTA member company Hone-All of Leighton Buzzard who in very clear and precise terms told them why  many of their initiatives, although appearing attractive, were not delivering for SME's.

She outlined the value and wealth SME's bring to the nation.

A plea to simplify regulation.

The difficulty of sourcing available finance.

The vast array of training schemes that do more for the providers than they do for intended recipients.

She went on to illustrate her case by describing issues regarding the cost and benefit surrounding UKTI.
Asking for protection from companies who go into liquidation one day and reopen the next on the back of money they owe.

She also cited the training of young children of primary school age who benefit from putting things together like wooden micrometers and bell push assemblies at Imagineering Clubs that are run after school.  She referred to our own Bob Shanks who sits on the MTA's Education and Training Committee. Bob, who is a member of the I Mech E and Chairman of Imagineering has spent many years promoting Engineering in Primary Schools and I understand has had over half a million children between the ages 10-14 go through his club.

Bob, I would like to pay tribute to your achievements tonight and congratulate you on behalf of the MTA on receiving earlier this year the Monty Finniston Award for Achievement in Engineering. It is very well deserved.

By the way it is interesting to note that Machinery Market reported in its January 28th edition that "Local MP visits the Imagineering Club in a Coventry school.
His name, you guessed it, Malcolm Harbour. We need more like you Malcolm. Well done.

Pat McFaddon the MP for Wolverhampton and a minister at BIS told us in January's edition  of Professional Manager that Good Leadership is vital in these tough economic times and crucial in pioneering change in our businesses, because MANUFACTURING MATTERS

John Hayes the Shadow Secretary for DIUS tells us that Britain is failing to keep pace with Key Competitors. He goes on to say: we should ensure individual ability is recognised and developed. Good management is about getting the best out of people.
That's why management training is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Because MANUFACTURING MATTERS

David Cameron tells us that as employers we should "recognise the importance of the highly skilled older workforce" I assume because MANUFACTURING MATTERS.

All fantastic stuff but at what point do you practice what you preach. Where were these influential gentlemen when we were asking for the Short Time Working Support last year to help us save highly skilled positions within our companies?

What appeared to be an excellent plan in fourteen other European countries for some reason was a lousy idea in the UK.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I think we are all a little - No more than a little, bit tired of every current affairs programme throughout the media having ministers promising new initiatives , more money that we do not have to solve one or a number of current political issues of the day. As each day dawns new issues, new promises.

Why Oh Why do they not just stop and look at the world as we see it. Why can't they see the total waste of money involved in the NHS and education by incompetent policies.
 
Staggeringly, on this point, a BIS Committee have issued a warning to us about pending job cuts in our Industry. We are told not to complain about the issues within our industry as it could make things worse and put off potential investors in the UK.

Hello Hello. You mean it has nothing to do with the strength of sterling, the governments policies for manufacturing, the performance of our MP's over the last 18 months, the possibility of a hung parliament.  I think not.

If MANUFACTURING MATTERS and it most certainly does, can I put some positives back into your minds?

The UK is the 6th largest manufacturer in the world.
Manufacturing represents over 12% of our GDP
The Uk exported over £177 billion in manufactured goods last year.

Engineering output is set to rise by 3.5% in 2010.

A survey of over 500 companies indicated that in excess of 35% were positive about the future.

At the recent BTMA meeting 50% of attendees reported an upturn, most were back onto 5 day week and some were even recruiting.

The strength of sterling is giving us an opportunity to export.

Further positive amendment in Capital allowances is vital to investment.

The formation of an Innovation Bank could be a way forward.

If MANUFACTURING MATTERS and we know that it does, can we restate our intent that we want to help, we want to discuss, we want to assist in driving our industry forward?

All we need is the opportunity to put our case and get the decision makers to listen.
Surely we have illustrated our commitment.

Some examples are:

The fantastic investment in the New 2,500 sq metre European Technology Centre at Mazak in Worcester.

The opening just yesterday of a £1 million sales and service facility in Coventry for the company Bystronic...

The investment partnerships that have developed at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham...
 
and those we expect to develop when the Nuclear facility on the same site is up and running in the next few years.

That's committment!

As you arrived this evening most of you will have seen some of the members of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
I am very proud to tell you that tonight; The Manufacturing Technologies Association is launching a new initiative at this event that will be known as the Presidents Charity.
This is the first time we have supported a charity in this way. One of our member companies suggested that we make a gesture to our soldiers who have very recently served on operations in Afghanistan.
Many of our members are closely involved with the defence industry and this evening is an opportunity to show your appreciation, in particular to the Second Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who returned from a most demanding six month operational deployment to Afghanistan in October last year.

Their Regimental Charity is known as The Fusilier Aid Society and is dedicated to supporting the wounded and the families of those members of the regiment who made the ultimate sacrifice in Northern Ireland, The Gulf War, Bosnia, Iraq and more recently Afghanistan.

The Second Battalion sadly lost seven of its comrades in Afghanistan last year;
One of those killed was Sergeant Simon Valentine who was not only a most capable Platoon Sergeant but also a very accomplished Drummer and colleague of the Drums Platoon who you have here this evening.

At each place setting in the room you will find a small envelope. We would like you to insert your donation add your name and table number onto the envelope and then place it in the larger envelope on the table. A prize draw will be held later in the evening.
Members of the regiment will then collect the large envelope.

Money raised will be distributed to the Fusilier Aid society and Help 4 Heroes.

Ladies and Gentlemen will you join with me in thanking Drum Major Foy and the Drums Platoon of the Second Fusiliers who will entertain you this evening.
Drum Major Foy.      Thank you. 

And so for the future.  What are our expectations? Make no mistake, there's lots of excitement on the horizon.  Within the next few months, there has to be a General Election. Whatever your political persuasion, this is your opportunity to tell Westminster what you think and one thing I can assure you, right now, they will listen.
Please do not waste the opportunity.

Then, there's the World Cup in South Africa, the pundits say we have every opportunity, but what we do know, is it will create a hype within our country, our workforce, suppliers and customers alike.

In 2012, there are of course the Olympics that are already creating Manufacturing Opportunities and will continue to do so right up until the lighting of the torch and beyond.  We at The Association have already recognised these opportunities and in the coming months will be setting initiatives to maximise the impact.

Also in 2012, The MTA will be celebrating its centenary year and with refurbished headquarters we can expect to celebrate this event in true Manufacturing style.

Returning to this year, following the election, we are of course holding the associations FLAG Ship Event Mach 2010.

This will be held at the NEC Birmingham from 7th -11th June. It is timed perfectly to take full advantage of the continuing upturn.
All in the interest of showcasing our latest technology to help us succeed.

Ladies and gentlemen are we not playing our part in the MATTERS OF MANUFACTURING.

Manufacturers and Importers of Hi Tech Equipment will be displaying their latest innovations that will help and assist manufacturers to capitalise on the latest opportunities. The investment to exhibit is considerable, but we believe it necessary if we are to showcase machines and technology of the future.
The Association have made it easier to navigate the show with strategic zoning of like minded technologies. They are to push the boundaries with the Education and Training zone with the help of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and its Hi Tech 3D visuals, to stimulate interest in the next generation of Engineers.

What the show illustrates is that MANUFACTURING MATTERS TO US ALL. We will not shirk from the cost nor the responsibility. We are confident in our own actions. Our Politicians have asked us to stand up and make our technology do the talking. They have asked us to train and mentor our staff to achieve better results. They have asked us to look after our highly skilled and aging workforce and they have asked us to bring the youngsters of this country back into manufacturing and train them for our future.

All of these tasks are achievable by us because MANUFACTURING MATTERS.

IN CONCLUSION, Because of our belief, because of our experience, because we have good staff it is not an issue for us to apply the necessary leadership qualities to achieve SUCCESS.

But, Ladies and Gentlemen it does give us the right to request the same commitment and leadership qualities from our political leaders.

Thank you and enjoy your evening.

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