The
Government is to establish a £15m centre aimed at boosting the West Midlands
manufacturing sector.
The
West Midlands Manufacturing Regional Centre for Excellence will offer advice
and support to over 17,000 firms in the area.
Secretary
of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt, said: "Manufacturing
matters. That’s why the Government is investing £15m.
"Contributing
around 11 per cent of the UK’s GDP, the West Midlands represents one of the
most significantly productive manufacturing areas of the UK.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
"The
centre will act as a one-stop shop providing hands-on advice and practical aid
to the small manufacturers that are the future of the industry."