At the beginning of December, Stephen Phipson joined EEF (the manufacturers’ organisation) (www.eef.org.uk) as its new chief executive, succeeding Terry Scuoler.

Mr Phipson has a wide range of experience in both government and advanced manufacturing companies.

He was formerly head of the Defence and Security Organisation (DSO) within the Department for International Trade; before that, he was director for Security Industry Engagement at the Home Office.

He previously spent 35 years in a variety of large and small manufacturing businesses.