Member Article

Middlesbrough CEO takes North East manufacturing issues to Downing Street

Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, has voiced the needs of the North East’s manufacturing sector to senior policy makers at 10 Downing Street.

In meetings organised by the CBI, Chris met with Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Greg Clarke MP, Iain Wright MP, Chair of the BEIS Select Committee and James Wharton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Development.

Also meeting the Prime Minister’s policy team at 10 Downing Street, Mr McDonald was privy to the Government’s emerging industrial strategy.

As well as his role at the Middlesbrough-based industrial research firm, Chris is also the innovation lead on the UK Metals Council.

He said: “In unusual global, political times, it is vital that the UK has a strategy, which responds to the needs of industry, and keeps businesses innovative and competitive in international markets.

“I am grateful to the CBI for arranging the opportunity for me to raise and discuss a range of issues with senior figures, to ensure that the North East region remains on the radar as plans are drawn up for infrastructural and industrial development.

“This is particularly important as we approach the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement – an opportunity for the new Government to outline its plans for development of foundation industries.”