Midlands manufacturers showcase their strength post-Brexit

The Made in the Midlands President, Christopher Greenough invited fellow manufacturers to partake in driving a cluster of trucks around Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham at the Made in the Midlands summer drinks to exhibit the strength of Midlands manufacturing.

In a fantastic display of togetherness, Frank Dudley Ltd, Yeoman Pressings Ltd, Phoenix Tooling and Development and Salop Powder Coating drove their trucks outside the venue in a show of defiance to the people who have reacted negatively to Great Britain’s decision to leave Europe.

Greenough commented: “Here at Made in the Midlands, our members include producers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs who believe in what they do. We won't be knocked back, and we will certainly not stop in our actions to continue to push the UK economy forward.

“This procession was not just here to show what Midlands manufacturers can do, we are ready to take our message to Westminster. We are ready to take the trip to No.10 Downing Street to help support our new Prime Minister in the post-Brexit aftermath.”

The Brexit vote created a huge wave of uncertainty and negative news coverage from the media. However, Midland manufacturers remain defiant about the political result. The cluster was produced following the news that the UK car manufacturing industry has recorded its 11th consecutive month of growth. Within the last four years, car manufacturers have also invested around £10 billion into developing a range of manufacturing facilities.

Brexit coverage is entirely subjective, as there are still a variety of concerns regarding the impact on custom charges, loss of EU trade deals, the loss of EU skills and the EU single market. Although, Greenough explained: “We have voted to leave Europe, and however small the majority was in the vote, it is a definitive vote. We need to get on with things with optimism, enthusiasm and positivity.”

Made in the Midlands is a privately run peer group of MD’s and CEO’s of the region’s manufacturing and engineering firms. The summer drinks event was particularly historic, as Made in the Midlands revealed that Lord Whitby has been appointed their new non-executive Chairman. The special evening took place in front of over 150 representatives of the Midlands manufacturing sector.

Greenough concluded: “We had our trucks and vans around the venue to show the Midlands that UK manufacturing is alive, well and kicking. Together, we will continue to help this Country produce, manufacture and prosper.”