Bid to boost manufacturing profit

Support is pledged for businesses that impact on the economy

A five-year plan to boost profitability for manufacturing businesses in the East of England has been launched.

The East of England Development Agency has published The Manufacturing Framework to support 18,000 concerns in the east up to 2012.

Support is pledged for firms that will have the most positive impact on the economy in Beds, Cambs, Herts, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Manufacturing in the region employs more than 250,000 people.

Jody Chatterjee, the agency's head of enterprise, said: "The sector provides a huge 66% of all regional exports, valued at around £12bn, so is vitally important to the region's economy.

Links with schools

"What is also clear though, is that manufacturing is no longer the just the traditional sector it once was.

"It is evolving through new technology, specialisation, and investment into research, R&D and development."

The East of England is the only UK region to rank within the EU's top 10 research and development regions and the framework is regarded as essential to help a thriving sectors.

The framework aims to attract and retain talented workers by strengthening links with schools showing that manufacturing offers a broad range of careers.

Additionally, help will be provided to companies to gain success in global trade.

Manufacturing businesses are urged to contact the East of England Development Agency to see how The Manufacturing Framework initiative can benefit them.