CBM names manufacturing SME ambassador

The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) has appointed Andrea Wilson as its new ambassador for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Andrea will work with CBM members, industry stakeholders and policymakers to ensure the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturing SMEs are represented in industry and government discussions.

She takes up the role after recently leaving precision engineering business Hone-All Precision following its sale and the completion of a five-year earn-out period.

Andrea has spent much of her career championing British manufacturing and has become a prominent advocate for SMEs across the sector.

Her campaigning has included calls for the Government to appoint a dedicated minister for manufacturing to provide greater leadership and strategic support to the industry.

In her new role, Andrea will help bring the experiences of those businesses into wider discussions around manufacturing policy, investment and growth.

Andrea said: “Small and medium-sized manufacturers are the foundation of the UK’s industrial strength, yet too often their voices are not heard, and their needs are overlooked. 

“I am passionate about ensuring they receive the recognition, support and representation they so richly deserve.

“The UK SME supply chain is resilient, brilliant, and the backbone of our economy, and I look forward to working with the CBM team and its members to champion the sector and help shape a stronger future for British manufacturing.”

Andrea’s appointment comes as CBM continues to push for a more joined-up approach to industrial policy and greater representation for downstream manufacturers in policymaking.

The organisation represents around 200 businesses employing 75,000 people across areas including fasteners, forgings, sheet metalwork and cold rolled products.

Geraldine Bolton, chief executive of the Confederation of British Metalforming, added: “Andrea brings unparalleled passion, credibility and commitment to this important role.

“She has consistently demonstrated her dedication to supporting manufacturing SMEs and ensuring their voices are heard – using over 20 years’ experience of running her own business.

“Her tireless advocacy, particularly her campaign for a Minister for Manufacturing, reflects the determination and vision our sector needs and we are delighted to welcome Andrea as our Ambassador for SMEs, a new but increasingly important role for the CBM.”

Stephen Morley, president of the CBM, added: “CBM has consistently called for stronger downstream representation, including seeking a seat on the Steel Council, to help ensure policy better reflects the businesses that add value, create skilled jobs and drive growth across UK manufacturing.

“Manufacturing SMEs are the engine room of our industry, driving innovation, creating skilled jobs and supporting local economies across the UK. 

Andrea has earned enormous respect throughout the sector for her unwavering support of these businesses and her ability to bring people together around a common purpose.

“Her appointment reinforces CBM’s commitment to ensuring SMEs remain at the heart of manufacturing policy and industry development. 

“Where others just talk about support for SMEs we actually ‘walk the walk’.”

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