The new president of Britain's organisation for the manufacturing and metals' sectors is starting his spell in office with an open day at its Black Country HQ.
Steve Morley has just taken charge of the historic West Bromwich-based Confederation for British Metalforming (CBM).
He said: “As a membership-led trade association, we recognise that all members are seeking value for money for their annual fees, which go beyond the more obvious benefits which they receive - such as the very-popular Climate Change Levy rebates.”
“An open day allows us to showcase the work we are doing to support all sectors within our organisation, and knowing the time pressures we are all under, this will be a brief morning session with speakers covering different subjects of relevance to members.”
The 6th September event will run from 10am until just after midday.
Tom Roderick, of Levytate, will give a presentation about the government's controversial Apprenticeship Levy, outlining ways in which CBM companies of all sizes can benefit from the scheme.
Rachel Eade, of RED Developments, who has 20 years' experience of advising on automotive supply chain programmes, will offer guidance about navigating the funding maze.
Mr Morley will report on their recent visit to Germany's famous Franhoufer Institute, one of Europe's largest organisations for applied research, and CBM chief executive Geraldine Bolton will update members on the Wolverhampton-based Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS).
The new president is particularly enthused by progress on the latter project, which is developing specialist programmes for the metalforming and manufacturing sectors.
He said: “We expect the ECMS, which is a skills academy for Year Two to Year Five apprentices in metalforming, to be operating later this year, and we will also be involved in providing intensive short training courses for employers looking to upskill their current employees.”
CBM www.thecbm.co.uk
