Thursday saw the 2018 Annual Dinner of the Manufacturing Technologies Association held at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster.
The event, which is always a highlight of the manufacturing calendar, was attended by 500 guests from across the MTA’s membership, the wider manufacturing community and beyond.
MTA President Geoff Bryant gave the keynote speech with a call that highlighted how the MTA can make a difference to for its members in areas like; exporting, policy and education.
He said: “Our sector, represented by the MTA, is uniquely well placed for two reasons:
Firstly, because of how connected and integral we are to the rest of the economy – everything begins with manufacturing technology. Secondly, is how closely we reflect investment – the key driver of manufacturing growth and productivity.
“Looking ahead we can only improve productivity by producing more with the same workforce. It is the job of all of us in this room and our industry to provide the advanced technology to make more with the workforce available to us.”
Mr Bryant also looked ahead to MACH 2018, just a few weeks away – 9-13 April. The Halls at NEC are almost sold out and the buoyancy of the industry which that reflects was much in evidence on the evening as member celebrated success and looked forward to those to come.
Guests also heard from Lord Henley, Minister at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy about the Government’s commitment to manufacturing and a strong economy.
The evening had a charitable side too, as over £6000 was raised by an auction in aid of Engineers Without Borders UK.
James Selka, MTA CEO said: “As the industry looks forward to 2018 in good heart this evening has provided a great opportunity to so many of us to catch up with friends old and new. But its more than a that. This Dinner is also a valuable event with business people meeting and interacting with each other and – no surprise here – talking and doing business. We’re delighted to be able to facilitate that and help our members do more.”
