A discussion on the potential challenges manufacturers may face in 2016 – hosted by Geldards Law Firm – was chaired by D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Chief Executive David Ralph.
‘Manufacturing 2016 – Risks and Rewards’, a lunchtime business meeting held at Geldards’ Nottingham office at The Arc building on the NG2 Business Park, covered the potential effects of possible future influences including a ‘Brexit’ after the June 23 EU Referendum, Devolution for the D2N2 area, activities of the Midlands Engine initiative, and changes in skills and training provision.
Mr Ralph (pictured) acted as moderator for yesterday’s (April 19) lively discussion. It included senior representatives from hosts Geldards as well as from specialist engineering companies EPM Technology, SNC-Lavalin, Garrandale Ltd and Lindhurst Engineering; and electronics manufacturer SMS Electronics; laboratory equipment manufacturer Leec Ltd; financial institution Handelsbanken; conservatory roof, window and door manufacturer Synseal Extrusions; and Nottingham Trent University.
Copies of a report just published by D2N2, looking at the potential effects on business of a UK exit from the EU after the June 23 vote, were circulated at the meeting. D2N2 is politically neutral on the matter but commissioned the report to help businesses in its area with their decisions. A copy of The Implications for D2N2 Businesses of a UK Exit from the European Union can be read by clicking HERE .
Speaking after the event, Mr Ralph said: “There are a lot of potential challenges for manufacturers this year, both political and business related, but there was also a lot of confidence from people at the event in the sector’s ability to cope. It was a real sense of ‘we know we punch above our weight in this area, let’s get on with it’.
“Discussions such as the one kindly hosted by Geldards enable senior business people to get together, share their ideas and better tackle the challenges ahead.”
D2N2 is the private sector-led Local Enterprise Partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, and other organisations which works to promote economic growth and jobs creation in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. For more information on its activities see D2N2’s website at www.d2n2lep.org
Media wanting more information on the D2N2 LEP can contact Sean Kirby, D2N2 Communications Manager, on 0115 957 8749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
