David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, has
visited epm: technology to discover how the Derbyshire business is
making a success manufacturing carbon fibre composite components
for Formula 1 cars, aerospace, defence and other high performance
applications.
His visit on 7 March coincided with a regional Cabinet meeting
held in Derby, as part of the government's plans to reach out to
the regions. While the Cabinet met at local legend Rolls-Royce, the
Minister's visit to epm: technology provided managing director
Graham Mulholland the opportunity to showcase that smaller
engineering businesses are also competing strongly in the
marketplace.
During a tour of the hi-tech facility in Draycott the Minister
took the opportunity to meet members of staff and discover how a
rigorous apprenticeship scheme has helped to foster a highly
skilled workforce with the know-how to meet the technical demands
of F1 and other precision markets.
David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said:
"UK manufacturing is growing strongly and playing a central role
in the economy and its recovery, and it was fascinating to see this
work in action at epm:technology.
"I was also fortunate enough to meet the company apprentices.
Apprenticeships are a great way to earn money while you learn
skills and build a career. That's why the Government has put
expanding the number of apprenticeships at the heart of its
strategy to improve the nation's skills.
"Through the Growth Review we are working closely with the
manufacturing industry so that all new policy proposals are focused
on removing the barriers to economic growth."
At the same time, Graham Mulholland made the case for close
collaboration between businesses, educational establishments and
the government, to ensure a robust future for composites
engineering.
"The East Midlands - and Derby especially - has an enviable
heritage in engineering, thanks to pioneers like Rolls-Royce. At
epm: technology, we strive to build that same heritage in
composites, and to apply engineering skills into marketable
products that are recognised worldwide.
"A lot of current strategy in composites is centred on
developing theoretical R&D, which can be an expensive and
time-consuming process. I discussed with the Minister the need for
a balanced approach to strategy that includes the input of
commercially proven businesses who consistently supply
cost-effective, on-time solutions to customers."
Graham, who is a member of the East Midland Innovation council
for science and industry, confirmed that the example of epm:
technology highlighted the issues at stake.
"We are a rapidly growing business, and we need high-calibre
engineers to support that growth. I am delighted to have been able
to show the Minster the practical benefits that support for
engineering can bring, both to the regional and national
economy."