Government `should encourage manufacturing`

Jim Plenderleith, president of the Gambica trade association, has called on the Government to ensure that the value of the UK`s design and manufacturing base is recognised and encouraged. Speaking at Gambica`s annual luncheon in London recently, Plenderleith suggested that "we need to present a co-ordinated message of the UK`s strengths".

"We live in a country with a strong history of industrial development and innovation," he said, "and yet there seems to be a continual need to emphasise the value of manufacturing industry as a key part of the economic future of the UK".

Plenderleith, who is managing director of Moeller Electric, reported that Gambica`s recent restructuring into five sectors had streamlined its activities and made it more efficient. The Board has also been slimmed down from 30 to 16 members.

Gambica represents a broad spectrum of companies in sectors ranging from automation to laboratory instrumentation. Their combined sales exceed £9bn and they export more than half of their output, generating a positive trade balance of more than £900m.