Last week, Jo Gideon MP hosted a roundtable of locally-based manufacturing companies. Attended by some of the most prominent businesses in Stoke-on-Trent Central, it was an opportunity for a discussion about the key challenges facing manufacturers from various sectors as the country looks to bounce back from the Coronavirus pandemic.
The roundtable covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of rising energy costs, and shortage of power supply locally, the need for the UK to remain competitive with international competitors whilst delivering our environmental targets, and the importance of the right skills and education for young people whilst raising the status of jobs in manufacturing. There was also discussion about community safety and the role businesses can play if linked in better with the council, the police and communities.
Commenting after the event, Jo said:
“We have some fantastic local businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and I'm determined to do everything I can to help them grow and thrive, because that's how we will drive forward our economy and create more high-wage, high-skilled jobs for local people.
This roundtable, bringing together some of the largest manufacturers, was a good opportunity to discuss both the steps Government can take to support manufacturing and what we can do locally to support business growth. I will be raising several important points with ministers.”
The roundtable was hosted by Lucideon and attended by representatives from the following companies:
- Michelin
- H&E Smith
- Xtrutech
- John Hyde Engineering
- Patera Engineering
- Portmeirion Group
- LiDR Contract Furniture
- Emma Bridgewater
Future roundtables are planned, with Jo Gideon MP keen to bring in even more local businesses, and expand discussions to include the City Council and community safety partners.
