The South East is poised to take advantage of the positive manufacturing sector

Manufacturing & Engineering Expo on the 8th October in Kent

The Office of National Statistics recently reported that from February 2013 - February 2014 manufacturing had increased 3.8%. Since then optimism within the manufacturing industry appears to have remained high with orders from both home and abroad, according to the recent Industrial Trends Survey released but the CBI, continuing apace.

Contrary to what many people have believed, manufacturing in the UK is remarkably strong - Britain ranks 11th in the world. Although, perhaps, not at the heady heights of the 1970’s, industry has certainly been enjoying a renaissance and the South East in particular, as the region with the largest manufacturing base in the country, has been one of the main benefactors of this. Not only is it perfectly placed to take advantage of the booming market place across the rest of the country but also in its position as a gateway to European commerce.

Bringing together talent from across the industry

Tasked with ensuring that the gains of this buoyant market are fully developed and exploited is the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, who is holding their annual Manufacturing & Engineering Expo on the 8th October at the Kent Event Centre, near Maidstone. It will offer local, regional, national and international firms the opportunity to meet, network and build new relationships. Along with the exhibition there will be a full conference programme including leading industry keynote speakers - with the leaders of automotive manufacturing, Aston Martin already confirmed - and informative workshops offering advice and knowledge in a practical way that can be implemented immediately.

...it’s a brilliant opportunity to see manufacturing techniques in action and hear from some leading industry experts

Jo James

The Expo this year is run in association with EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation for UK manufacturing companies, BAE Systems, MAS, which provides manufacturing business support for companies based in England and the University of Greenwich. As one of the largest events of its kind the Expo draws on a wealth of talent from the engineering and manufacturing sector, offering unrivalled access to commercial expertise across the board. Whether it’s developing or expanding a supply chain within the South East, discovering the latest technological innovations or initiating new relationships the Expo is perfectly positioned to help.

“This is going to be a great day for everyone involved in the manufacturing and engineering sector - not only is it a fantastic platform to develop relationships with new and existing clients, but, also it’s a brilliant opportunity to see manufacturing techniques in action and hear from some leading industry experts,” says Jo James, Chief Executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. “With the Expo dinner this year showcasing Richard Noble’s unique and inspiring spirit, the event is certainly shaping up to be a key date in the manufacturing and engineering industry calendar.”