Engineering and Manufacturing Forum – March 2023
Date published:
The Chamber’s engineering and manufacturing forum has been established to bring together North East businesses across engineering and manufacturing sectors, as a platform for focused discussion, sharing concerns, achievements, and best practice and information gathering to support effective Chamber campaigning.
At our most recent engineering and manufacturing forum hosted by Cummins we focussed on the theme of sustainability and net zero.
Cummins welcomed us to their site and highlighted their destination zero programme including a new production line to support euro 7 and hydrogen technology.
We then heard from the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre based out of Teesside University. Currently around 50% of all hydrogen produced in the UK comes from Tees Valley. Some of the announcements in the Budget were highlighted as being useful with £20 million for carbon capture.
It was also discussed how to ensure we develop the right skills in the North East to take advantage of these opportunities. The Centre are working with Redcar College and Teesside University on skills needed for future technology as well as engaging with primary and secondary schools. The centre are also part of the hydrogen innovation programme with Durham University including industry led advisory boards.
Sustainable Business Services then spoke about how the move towards net zero will impact businesses through procurement with businesses being asked about the actions they are taking and the support they can offer to businesses as a part of this process. Members then discussed some of the barriers to action including infrastrucutre, technology and the lack of finance for investment.
There was then a policy update with the team highlighting the investment zone announcement in the Budget for the Tees Valley and the Local Skills Improvement Plans which are taking place in the Tees Valley area.
Finally as part of a wellbeing update, the forum heard from Healthworks on their offer around NHS checks for employees, accredited health awareness training and corporate sponsorship programme.
“Great speakers providing great content that proved to be Educational, inspirational, and thought provoking. This forum continues to go from strength to strength.” Mick Howard, Chief Executive at Clearly Drinks and Chair of the Chamber’s engineering and manufacturing forum.
“The net zero opportunities within the engineering and manufacturing industry are vast. The Tees Valley region’s geographical and industrial heritage are proving to be huge assets in attracting investment for future green projects, most notably the development of the new decarbonising infrastructure. Projects like this are key to reindustrialising the North, attracting new industries to the area, and providing benefits to businesses and communities. We are looking forward to harnessing our research expertise within the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre and working with industry to deliver a clear impact across environmental and business sustainability.” Dr. Gari Harris Director of the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre.