News
30 Jun 2010: Innovation is the key
THE Showcasing Innovation in Manufacturing event, staged as part of Doncaster’s iFestival, was a heartening experience for all involved and one which gives real hope for the future.
The originality and technical expertise demonstrated was a surprise to some although many of those closely involved with industry in the region are well aware of how far our process and production has moved on in recent years.
The penultimate event of this year’s iFestival, staged at the Doncaster-based Cooper Lighting, was opened by James Newman, the Master Cutler, and Richard Wrigley, Managing Director Beta Technology and Chair of the Doncaster Innovation Strategy Group, and attended by key businesses from Yorkshire and Humberside.
“The breadth and quality of manufacturing in this region is well known to us in the North,” said Mr Newman. “Innovation is a key component of that – from the smallest widget to the immense technological might of the aerospace industry. It is events such as the iFestival which spread the word further a field that can only be to the advantage of industry as a whole.”
His belief that innovation is the key was reinforced by Richard Wrigley who said: "The manufacturing case studies provided an excellent illustration of how innovation is vital to keep all aspects of business on top of their game to ensure survival and ultimately success. They showed that Doncaster has some great businesses developing best practice."
Exactly how the coalition government will affect businesses is uncertain at this stage. Clearly, there will be less money in the pot but that should not deter businesses with good ideas from stepping forward. We at Beta have the knowledge and the expertise to make the right connections on your behalf.
Manufacturing contributes 18 per cent to UK GDP and 62 per cent to our exports. With the banking sector contracting, public spending being sharply cut, and tax rises hitting consumers, exports are set to become a key component in the economic equation. It is important that every business now makes full use of every tool at its disposal to ensure its future success.