Coventry and Warwickshire’s progression to the next stage of City Deal has been welcomed by the Chamber and two of its prominent manufacturing members.
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Manufacturing and engineering is crucial to Coventry and Warwickshire and our future growth.
“Going through to the next stage of City Deal gives Coventry and Warwickshire the opportunity to move to strengthen the sector, particularly around the area of skills.
“We know only too well what an issue that is as it was raised during our recent visit to Westminster with a group of manufacturers who met Business Secretary Vince Cable.”
“MAS, UKTI and the EEF have all come together with the Chamber recently as part of manufacturing, automotive and engineering network to really address this issue.
“This announcement from the Deputy Prime Minister provides a further opportunity to enhance our manufacturing, engineering and automotive industries in this region.”
John Nollett, managing director of Pailton Engineering, said: “For many years now, engineering has not been seen as a ‘sexy’ enough industry for young people and the skills base in this region has declined.
“All is not lost, however, and it is vital that we get new, young blood into our industry again because manufacturing and engineering are going to be vital for our economy.
“The world loves British products and British brands and by upskilling the workforce locally and regionally, we can continue to make some of the most beautiful and innovative products in the world.”
Doug Squires, of Squires Gear and Engineering, said: “The issue of skills is absolutely crucial for the regeneration of the Coventry and Warwickshire sub-region. Skills are acquired over time and in the ideal environment of an apprenticeship.
“I have every confidence that the manufacturing base, for which this region is known and applauded worldwide, will continue to grow and regenerate itself.
“Typically, the new JLR engine plant at i54 will be looking for locally sourced components, a crucial statement for the supply chain of Coventry, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
“The recent opening of the brand new £55 million Engineering & Computing building at Coventry University, the planned Engineering Technical College at the University of Warwick and the Manufacturing Technology Centre at Ansty are all a wonderful endorsement of this immediate area and of what we are and will be capable of in the future.
“City Deal will be vital for Coventry and Warwickshire and, hopefully, we will be able take advantage of what comes our way, building the future with the confidence of a skilled and capable workforce.”
