Sponsors

The Manufacturing Summits are organised by, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Findlay Media and ERA, and are held with the following sponsor(s):

Lombard

Lombard, a leading asset finance provider in the UK, develops intelligent funding solutions to help customers acquire capital equipment that they need in order to achieve their goals and drive their businesses forward.

By using the strength and flexibility of asset finance Lombard helps businesses identify and capitalise on opportunities, improve productivity, reduce risk and manage cash flow. With first-hand and extensive cross-sector experience of the manufacturing sector, combined with proven financial expertise, Lombard provides the right support and appropriate solutions for clients to achieve their goals.

This is reflected in the breadth of both the solutions we provide and the assets that we finance for those working in the manufacturing sector, whether machine tools or higher value plant equipment.

Lombard works closely with our manufacturing customers to ensure that they remain competitive by being kept up to date with the latest developments, whether in the domestic or global marketplace. By using asset finance to purchase equipment, particularly higher value items, our customers free up capital and future-proof investments and give themselves flexibility to update the production line as and when they need to.

For more information on how Lombard’s asset finance service can benefit your business:
http://capex.lombard.co.uk/manufacturing

The Institution of Engineering and Technology

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is a global organisation, with over 150,000 members representing a vast range of engineering and technology fields. Our primary aims are to provide a global knowledge network promoting the exchange of ideas and enhance the positive role of science, engineering and technology between business, academia, governments and professional bodies; and to address challenges that face society in the future.

As engineering and technology become increasingly interdisciplinary, global and inclusive, the Institution of Engineering and Technology reflects that progression and welcomes involvement from, and communication between, all sectors of science, engineering and technology.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is a not for profit organisation, registered as a charity in the UK.

For more information please visit www.theiet.org

IMechE

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is the fastest growing professional engineering institution in the UK. Its 89,000 members work at the heart of some of the country’s most important and dynamic industries.

With a long heritage, today’s Institution is a forward-looking, campaigning organisation. By working with leading companies, universities and think tanks, it creates and shares knowledge to provide government, businesses and the public with fresh thinking and authoritative guidance on all aspects of mechanical engineering.

The Institution’s vision is “improving the world through engineering”. It finds and nurtures new talent, helps engineers build their careers and takes on the campaigning challenges that, when solved, will make a difference to all of us.

Web: www.imeche.org

Intellect

Intellect works with and for members to:

• develop the UK’s capability to support a strong and growing technology sector

• improve their business performance by:

– providing insights into markets and supply chains and constructively influencing their development

– engaging with government and regulators to create the most favourable environment for growth and employment

– maintaining the industry’s reputation and championing its strategic importance

– sharing and promoting best practice

Web:www.intellectuk.org

Technology Strategy Board

The Technology Strategy Board has a wide remit: to stimulate innovation in those areas which offer the greatest scope for boosting UK growth and productivity. Together with business, by the end of 2011 we will have invested almost £2bn towards this goal.

Innovation and technology, in the broadest sense, offer not only global competitive advantage but also a means of tackling many of today’s greatest societal challenges.

Recognising this, the Technology Strategy Board has developed a strategic approach with three clear areas of focus: innovation in response to societal and economic challenges; innovation inspired by the existing and emerging technologies where the UK leads or could lead; and the ‘climate’ or culture in which innovation can grow.

Programmes include innovation platforms to focus on challenges and mobilise innovative responses; knowledge transfer networks and partnerships; funding for Collaborative R&D programmes; and other initiatives designed to stimulate business innovation.

The Technology Strategy Board’s vision: for the UK to be a global leader in innovation and a magnet for innovative businesses, where technology is applied rapidly, effectively and sustainably to create wealth and enhance quality of life

Web: www.innovateuk.org
Enquiries: enquiries@tsb.gov.uk

Engineering the Future

Engineering the Future is a broad alliance of the engineering institutions and bodies which represent the UK’s 450,000 professional engineers.

We provide independent expert advice and promote understanding of the contribution that engineering makes to the economy, society and to the development and delivery of national policy.

The leadership of Engineering the Future is drawn from the following institutions:

The Engineering Council; EngineeringUK; The Institution of Chemical Engineers; The Institution of Civil Engineers; The Institution of Engineering and Technology; The Institution of Mechanical Engineers; The Institute of Physics; The Royal Academy of Engineering.

For more information on Engineering the Future, please contact Thomas Man:

thomas.man@raeng.org.uk; 020 7766 0603; www.engineeringthefuture.co.uk

The ERA Foundation

The ERA Foundation promotes innovation in electrotechnology to strengthen the economic vitality of the UK. It -

• Seeks to raise the profile of research and development in the electrotechnology sector;

• Supports young engineers at formative stages of their careers;

• Provides grants to support electrotechnology projects at early stages of commercialisation;

• Invests in technology funds which make early-stage investments in young electrotechnology companies.

Web: www.erafoundation.org