Cable to tackle skills, R&D and investment at Siemens VIP debate
Vince Cable will reveal government plans to support UK manufacturers with skills, R&D and investment in new equipment at the Siemens Answers for Industry Conference in Manchester next week.
The Business Secretary will meet with leading industrialists to debate a blueprint for boosting Britain's manufacturing footprint at the VIP debate on 4 July.
Cable will be joined by Siemens' managing director, Juergen Maier, Brompton Bicycles chief Will Butler-Adams and Dame Nancy Rothwell, president of Manchester University at the VIP event.
The debate forms the centrepiece of the two-day Siemens Answers for Industry Conference that will discuss how boosting investment in the UK and Ireland's industrial infrastructure could boost international competitiveness.
Four key areas will be put under the spotlight during the VIP panel debate. These include:
1) R&D- bolstering the UK's appeal as an R&D location including a look at whether catapult centres could be as effective as Germany's Fraunhofer Institutes in driving innovation.
2) Growing the UK supply chain- the possibility of greater pairing up between OEMs and the SMEs they work with.
3) Investment in kit - a roadmap for stimulating greater investment from industry in automation and capital equipment
4) Skills- what manufacturers must do to mitigate skills shortages and how the government could help by simplifying support.
The VIP debate will celebrate the government's Make it in Great Britain campaign, which aims to champion UK manufacturing during London 2012.
Attendees will have the chance to quiz the guest panellists who also include EEF chief executive Terry Scuoler and Emma Bridgewater, managing director of pottery and textiles manufacturer, Emma Bridgewater.
Spaces for the VIP debate are still available. To sign up, visit www.siemens.co.uk/afivip/.
