THE success of the manufacturing industry in the East of England will be the focus of a week of events organised by EEF. The campaign will involve a series of regional and national events around the UK aimed at manufacturers, politicians and other key sta

THE success of the manufacturing industry in the East of England will be the focus of a week of events organised by EEF.

The campaign will involve a series of regional and national events around the UK aimed at manufacturers, politicians and other key stakeholders.

Keith Hamilton, EEF head of public affairs for the East of England, said: "The week-long campaign is aimed at debunking the popular myth that the UK has lost its manufacturing base.

"Among the many initiatives will be invitations to prospective parliamentary candidates to visit local manufacturing facilities and to show their support for the sector by adding their name to a roll-call on a dedicated Manufacturing Week website."

The new EEF regional office near Cambridge will be opened on March 3, with a keynote address on the future of manufacturing delivered by Will Pope, chair of the East of England Development Agency.

Manufacturing in the East of England is the second highest wealth-creating sector for the regional economy, employing around 280,000 people.

Mr Hamilton added: "This week will provide the perfect opportunity to explain to politicians and the wider public why manufacturing, as part of a balanced

economy, is so important to our future.

"As a nation, our over-reliance on financial services has been exposed, and so the challenge for the next government - whatever the colour - will be to think and act differently. It's a huge task but we have to start now."

INFORMATION: To find out more about the campaign, visit www.lovemanufacturing.co.uk