At its recent National Manufacturing Conference, EEF (the Manufacturers’ Organisation) announced a new name and identity — Make UK.

CEO Stephen Phipson (www.makeuk.org) said: “Our country and the manufacturing sector face an unparalleled set of challenges and opportunities in the years ahead: Brexit, digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and the emergence of new markets.

"With British manufacturing transforming, modernising and adapting to this new environment, it was time for us to adopt a name that reflects the world-class innovation undertaken by our member companies across the country.

He continued: “Our sector is changing, so are we. UK manufacturing is back on the global map, due to the brilliance of our companies, which have made such a success of supply chains and just-in-time logistics; and, after talking extensively over many months with our members, we know that Make UK reflects this new modern manufacturing world.

"We are immensely proud of the heritage that EEF has built up over more than a century, during which time it has fought for the rights and futures of British manufacturers around the whole of the UK, and now working with our sister organisation in the EU.

"Building on the old local federations, EEF has grown to a point where it represents 20,000 manufacturers around the country.”

Make UK has offices in London, Brussels, every English region and Wales. It represents companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multi-nationals, in the engineering, manufacturing, technology and industrial sector.

Mr Phipson added: “Everything we do — from providing essential business support and training to championing manufacturing industry in the UK and the EU –—is designed to help British manufacturers compete, innovate and grow.

"From HR and employment law, health and safety to environmental and productivity improvement, our advice,
expertise and influence enable businesses to remain safe, compliant and future-focused.”