Event seeks to boost competitiveness of manufacturing sector

Mr Johnson will join John Willman, UK business editor of the Financial Times, who will lead the speaker line up at the conference organised by Business Link Yorkshire in partnership with Leeds Manufacturing. The free-to-attend event at Elland Road, Leeds, on 22 January 2009 will tackle issues such as remaining competitive in the current market, rising costs of importing raw materials, raising finance for capital investment and opportunities for export. Representatives from a number of employer and sector organisations including UKTI and the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) will be on hand to offer advice and help to businesses. Peter Hanson, head of business competitiveness at Business Link, said: “The conference is a concerted effort by all partners involved in manufacturing to support a sector that is critical to the Leeds and Yorkshire economies. We want to help them stay healthy to survive the current economic climate and to capitalise on opportunities to grow their businesses as the market improves.” Craftsman Tools exports around the globe, in particular to the USA and Ireland, and its blue chip clients include Sandvik and Boeing. Business Link put Craftsman Tools in contact with UKTI, HR advisers, financial accountants and the Yorkshire and Humber Manufacturing Advisory Service to help drive up export sales. Last year the company boosted its turnover to a record level of £6.3 million. Craftsman Tools’ Mr Johnson said: “Business Link has played a major role in transforming the company from being a marginal business, a few years ago, to a major and well respected player in our industry. We have created new jobs and currently employ 60 people, including five apprentices, and have invested in modern technology and machinery.” To book a free place on the conference and for further details contact call Business Link on 0845 6 048 048 or go to www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk