Regional development agencies have a vital role in the future of UK maufacturing, according to business minister Shriti Vadera. The minister was in Derby this week [7 July] on a fact-finding visit as part of a revue into how UK firms can compete in the global economy. Manufacturing is a key sector for local regeneration – the industry employs 3.1m people nationally – and providing skills for employers has been made a top priority for RDAs. Bryan Jackson, chairman of East Midlands Development Agency said: ‘The event in the East Midlands is vitally important because it will enable government to hear directly from manufacturers in the region about the real issues affecting them and to develop a strategy that will help them to win the battle of global competitiveness.'
