Team Humber Marine Alliance has become an affiliate partner of EEF manufacturers’ organisation under a landmark agreement.
EEF is dedicated to the future of UK manufacturing and the Alliance has signed up to get closer to national and European decision-makers as it markets the services of the region’s marine engineering sector.
With the Humber being in the frame for huge opportunities in renewable energy, Mark O’Reilly, THMA director, called it an exciting move.
“We already do a lot to ensure that our voice is heard, and the EEF has a seat on the high table in London and Brussels and the ear of policy-makers, including government ministers.
“We will be in a better place representing our members on everything from finding new business to complying with employment law, health and safety and all the other legislation.”
Mr O’Reilly explained that in addition to THMA taking full membership, its 140 member companies would become EEF affiliates, which would entitle them individually to access some of its business support services. “Some of the larger companies in the Alliance will already be members, but this will be a bonus for the others.”
Andy Tüscher, region director-north for EEF, said that the affiliate deal with THMA was the first of its kind in the organisation’s history, which dates back to 1896.
“We are sure there will be many benefits for THMA through this unique partnership,” he said. “We help manufacturing businesses to adapt to a fast-changing world and are frequently asked to advise regional, national and European policy-makers.”
EEF, formerly the Engineering Employers Federation, offers its members business services, government representation and industry intelligence in addition to its promotion of the manufacturing sector.
Mr Tüscher added that even though it was right to be concerned over UK manufacturing’s decline it was not all ‘doom and gloom’.
“Despite everything, the UK still ranks sixth in the world as a manufacturing country in terms of net contribution to GDP.
“With the ongoing problems in the eurozone there could obviously be trouble ahead, but manufacturing will have a crucial role in the recovery and providing the jobs for the future,” he said.
“This is nowhere more true than on the Humber where renewables looks like being a 90-year industry as long as we ensure we have the right skills.”
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Offshore WIND staff, January 23, 2012