Chamber of Commerce launches engineering and manufacturing forum

North East England Chamber of Commerce has launched an engineering and manufacturing forum to support businesses.

Among the members are Jacobs Engineering, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies and AV Dawson and it is chaired by Mick Howard, CEO of Sunderland-based Clearly Drinks who has over 25 years of experience in senior positions at companies including Britvic, SAB Miller and Puratos.

Mick Howard said: “As a region enriched with exceptional Manufacturing & Engineering expertise, the forum provides an excellent platform to further establish and nurture networks in this sector.

“It really is a great opportunity to work together as a peer group, sharing best practice, innovation, and technologies, whilst addressing arising concerns collectively.”

Baroness Vere, Under-Secretary of State for Transport was guest speaker at the inaugural event and answered companies’ questions transport including the current difficulties with HGV drivers.

Among the mutual issues discussed by the 25 Chamber members present were energy prices and the current shortage of CO2. There will be discussions on sustainability, supply chains and green manufacturing at future events.