Good timing

The UK and wider world at large has endured the worst recession in modern times and manufacturing companies have felt the pain as much as anyone.

However another train of thought was that MACH came at precisely the right time amidst signs that the economy is improving. The manufacturing fraternity is more than accustomed to being the underdog – over the past 20 years or so it has survived (and often thrived) with little or no support from the help from Government but this recession was different. Many companies reported that they had never had things so tough.

MACH provided the platform for the industry to make a statement – we're still here – and whilst both exhibitors and visitors were down on 2008, there's still much to shout about.

The MTA reports that the feedback received from exhibitors has been nothing but positive. This year the emphasis has been firmly centred around visitor quality rather than quantity with the show having a definite innovative feel about it. After such a tough two years, many exhibitors were pleasantly surprised by what was delivered with some making some very significant sales.

From a facts and figures perspective, MACH comprised 18,300m² of exhibition space. There were 446 exhibitors and 20,171 visitors.

As well as a royal Opening Ceremony by HRH The Duke of York, MACH 2010 was the subject of a rare joint ministerial visit. Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable MP, was joined by his Deputy, Mark Prisk MP for tours and a roundtable discussion.

At the roundtable, the ministers were hosted by members of the MTA Board and other prominent figures from within the industry; including Renishaw's Sir David McMurtry, Adrian Allen of the AMRC and Sir Ronald Halstead. Topics covered included: the future of capital allowances; support for SMEs to export; the Government's plans to increase the number of apprenticeships; the future of R&D Tax Credit; and the urgent need to reduce the bureaucracy that SMEs face in their dealings with Government.

The industrial participants were heartened by the interaction with the ministers and many of the answers they gave. Many said it was refreshing to meet senior politicians in ‘listening mode'. There were also several things on which they asked for further input from the MTA, notably on developing new models for delivering apprenticeships and export support.

The companies that the ministers visited as they toured the halls were a cross-section of the industry with machine tool builders and importers, as well as tooling companies and subcontractors. The Secretary of State himself noted that the fact that two Government ministers were present was a reflection of the importance the Government placed on manufacturing as it attempts to rebalance the economy and move into growth. MACH 2010 certainly provided them with plenty of evidence that this is possible with hard work from industry and a little help from Whitehall.

MACH 2010
www.mach2010.com