Mike Houghton, managing director (Process Industries and Drives) at Siemens UK, has been appointed to chair a Process Industries and Engineering Advisory Group to advise the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Trade and Investment (
www.siemens.co.uk).
The group, which includes senior executives from BASF, the Chemical Industries Association, Fine Industries, JJ Churchill and Encirc, will focus on issues relating to manufacturing, engineering and new industrial technologies for the process sector.
As part of the group’s remit, it will offer expert advice and guidance to the All-Party Parliamentary Trade Group by investigating current trade barriers facing UK companies, as well as looking at the UK brand abroad, inward investment opportunities, infrastructure and skills.
Mr Houghton said: “I am delighted to have been asked to chair the Process Industries Advisory Group.
“Along with colleagues representing important industrial sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceutical and life sciences, as well as oil and gas, our objective is to help politicians better understand the challenges and trading opportunities that exist for the UK’s process industry sectors.
“We will look at a wide range of issues, including how best to promote and support the widespread adoption of industrial digital technologies, as well as up-skilling our workforces.
"We look forward to making a positive contribution in this important area as we try to help UK businesses wanting to export.”
Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Trade and Investment, said: “The work of the All-Party Group aims to promote the importance of international trade and inward investment into the UK, and help identify and break down the barriers that exist for UK businesses looking to export.”