Global Manufacturing Festival gets national launch

The launch was attended by Mark Prisk MP, Minister for Business and Enterprise, who said: "The Global Manufacturing Festival is a significant and timely festival for this country to host in 2011. Manufacturing is leading the way in rebalancing the economy and reducing the budget deficit, so it is vital that we work with industry to make sure that exports continue to grow." The Sheffield region has invited businesses and individuals from around the world to descend on Sheffield area in March 2011 in order to make new contacts, identify new opportunities as well as discuss common issues and best practice. The festival will comprise of a series of focused events, workshops, exhibitions and conferences including: a Davy Markham open day; a manufacturing leaders dinner; a manufacturing convention; educational and VIP visits hosted by Sheffield Forgemasters; an investment seminar; a manufacturing-themed comedy night; a 'Women in Manufacturing' event; an educational event informing teachers and parents of the career opportunities within manufacturing; and a 'Made in Sheffield' awards dinner. Festival supporters include: The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing; The Manufacturing Forum; Sheffield Hallam University; Medilink; Ekspan; STEMPoint at Sheffield Hallam University; Microblade; Firth Rixson; Siemens VAI; CBI; Institute of Directors; Chesterfield Cylinders; AES Seals; Sheffield Forgemasters; Davy Markham; Newburgh Engineering; Resolve IT Solutions; Fripp Design; Chimo Holdings; Rollem; Kennedys; MTL Group; Stauff UK; Garnett Dickinson; Tinsley Bridge; Kostal; Ekspan; UK Pipelines; UKP Training; Footprint Tools; Tata Steel and Business Link.