Sixteen men and women from the manufacturing sector have been recruited to a new group that will meet for the first time this week.

The LEP’s new Manufacturing Board will provide strategic leadership for the manufacturing sector in Greater Lincolnshire.

It will also give focus to the delivery of the LEP’s Manufacturing Plan which was approved in autumn 2016 and which is currently being refreshed.

“Manufacturing is a vital industry for our area and one which presents the best opportunities for growth.

“That’s why we’ve created this board. Manufacturing can make a real and positive change to Lincolnshire's economy, delivering growth, creating jobs and driving inward investment. Our aim is to focus our efforts and give the sector the support it needs to thrive post-Brexit.”

The board will meet for the first time at Siemens on Teal Park in Lincoln on Thursday 6th July. Among the topics under discussion will be the implications of Brexit for the sector, the Manufacturing Conference in September and delivery of the LEP’s Manufacturing Plan for Greater Lincolnshire.

Members of the Manufacturing Board are Steve Middlebrough, Chair (Siemens), Darren Joint (Viking Signs), Sam Fells (Microcapture), Richard Allerton (University of Lincoln School of Engineering), Ray Newell (Oakwell Management Services), Paul Taylor (CRRC Times Electric), Neil Main (Micrometric), Michael Hague-Morgan (Harmor Ltd), Kay Pryszlak (Bernard Holmes Precision), Katie Hedges (HCF CATCH), Helen Doughty (SHD Composites), Garry Wilkinson (NatWest), Edward Tong (Tong Engineering), Dean Barnes (Economic Growth Solutions), David Earnshaw (Parkinson Harness Technology) and Barry Jackson (Bifrangi).