Welcome to the Friday Brief for week-ending 13 September.
There has been a focus on looking ahead to key exhibitions this week. EMO 2013, of course, starts in Hannover on Monday and thirty-five British companies will be exhibiting at this major exhibition. The MTA will be supporting British exhibitors at the event and has played a leading role with the UKTI in organising the British Visitors Lounge. MTA members attending EMO are reminded of the invitation to our networking reception on Tuesday 17 September 2013 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm where representatives from German and British companies will exchange opinions on current trends and new business opportunities. On Thursday of this week the MTA hosted a briefing for members of the manufacturing trade press at our Bayswater offices. This was a well-attended event designed to keep editors and specialist journalists informed of the MTA’s latest initiatives and to give an update on the latest developments concerning MACH 2014.
If you have not already registered for the forthcoming AILU workshop on the role of lasers in composite manufacturing then do bear in mind that the use of composites has grown greatly over the past decade. Moreover, lasers in providing non-contact processing with the capability for 'cold' machining offer unique solutions to the challenge or cutting and drilling these materials. We have details in this week’s Friday Brief.
We also have news of a UKTI trade mission to China in October designed to open the market for members with expertise in promoting sustainability in manufacturing. The Factory Equipment, Infrastructure and Service Providers Clean & Energy Efficient Production (CEEP) Mission to China will provide companies with the opportunity to explore what is a fast growing market.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has released details of the application process for the latest round of bids through the Regional Growth Fund. We have further details including Lord Heseltine’s top tips for successful bids. Members considering an application to the Fund are welcome to contact the MTA for advice and support.
Don’t forget the MTA Golf Day on 26 September. This event has been well supported and promises to be an excellent networking occasion. The next Members Quarterly Meeting will be on 9 October and will be held at SECO’s UK Headquarters in Alcester. Later in the month the MTA’s Annual Forecast Seminar will take place on 22 October, the venue for which will be Mazak’s European Headquarters in Worcester. Finally, the MTA’s Annual Dinner will take place at the ICC Birmingham on 6 February 2014.
Have a good weekend.