Mark Ridgway OBE, managing director of engineering company Group Rhodes, today took on the new role of President of the Manufacturing Technologies Association.
Mr Ridgway’s company, Wakefield-based Group Rhodes, has been a member of the MTA for several decades. It manufactures a variety of heavy machines included super plastic forming and diffusion bonding presses.
He received an OBE in the Queen’s 2011 Birthday Honours list in recognition of his services to industry.
Mark succeeds Simon Pollard, managing director of Kyal Machine Tools, a distributor of machine tools including multi-function machining centres made by e.g. WFL Millturn Technologies. The presidency renews every 12-months.
Mr Ridgway gave speeches today at the MTA’s annual general meeting and again this evening at a reception in Westminster. Of the Autumn Statement, he welcomed the action to increase 100% capital allowances to £250,000, adding “The MTA would like to see this change made permanent.”
Mark Ridgway, managing director of engineering company Group Rhodes and newly appointed president of the Manufacturing Technologies Association, welcomed the movement on the annual investment allowance and other measures.
“In 2012, an Oxford University study marked the UK in 31st place among 33 countries in a measure of their effective marginal tax rate – only Chile was lower. We warmly welcome this increase, I would only ask that it be made permanent.
“I was very pleased with the 25% rise in the budget for UKTI will help the UKTI improve their facilities in over 30 regional offices to help companies to internationalise. This is badly needed for some companies who are capable of accessing global markets.”
“I, and the MTA, also welcome the confirmation of funding for the Business Bank, although that is not new. More importantly, the new export finance facility (£1.5bn) will give SMEs the ability to pitch for international contracts, again very important for growth SMEs.”
