Government-backed Council seeks electronics revival

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 27 Oct 2005 15:19

A new ‘Electronics Leadership Council’ set up by the Government to “exploit the opportunities and tackling the challenges facing the UK electronics industry” has been named by Minister for Industry and the Regions, Alun Michael.

Led by chairman, Harry Tee, the Council members are:

* Prof John Roulston - Group CEO, Filtronic plc

* Christopher Sawyer - Group Chief Executive, Deltron Electronics plc

* Norman Smith - MD, Instron

* Prof Ian Phillips - Principal Staff Engineer, ARM

* David Jones - CEO, Invotec

* Neville Reyner CBE DL - Chairman, Centre for Integrated Photonics Ltd

* Dr Chris McArdle, Managing Director, Innotec Ltd

* Peter Skyte - National Officer, Amicus

* Darren Race - Chair of the Electronics Sector Strategy Group, SEMTA (Science, Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies Alliance)

* David Kynaston - Senior non-executive director, TTP Com

At its inaugural meeting the Council set out plans to set up work streams to address the key priorities of skills, technology, the supply chain and public procurement – pretty much mirroring the DTI’s Manufacturing Forum agenda.

"The UK electronics industry is at the heart of a thriving hi-tech economy and is vital for the success of sectors from defence to healthcare,” said Alun Michael. "The new Council, with its extensive experience and broad range of skills, is designed to help drive forward the development of the electronics sector in the UK. This will aid its continuing prosperity and help maintain its position in the highly competitive global economy."

Harry Tee added: "The clear objective for the new Council is to turn the UK electronics industry into a world leader. "We have a clear set of priorities to help the industry increase its visibility and confidence. Our aim is to unlock the industry's potential, build critical mass and turn it into a sector which punches its weight on the global stage. The international competition is tough but the UK has a remarkable track record of innovation and creativity. Our job is to unlock it and encourage its global growth."

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