Over the last few months we have seen energy prices soar affecting businesses profitability significantly in addition to the issues presented by escalating material and labour costs. Engineering & Manufacturing Network have been working hard to find some ways to reduce this albeit of course many of these are small measures, but we hope they are improving bottom lines as we feel we must try and support our network and region.

Knowing what can be done is confusing and we are hearing of slight market stabilisation in energy and also ways to reduce standing charges, in some ways significantly. We are also hearing of ‘interesting’ methods of trying to lure businesses into new contracts that may not necessarily represent best value.

Working with our partners Great Annual Savings and Hartlepool College we have created an event to which we would like to invite engineering and manufacturing businesses. This is an opportunity to network with your peers and also listen to the cost improvements that can be made in your business, alongside a view of where this may all be headed to allow you to plan.

Hartlepool College have also provided an opportunity to tour their fascinating facility with a very strong focus on engineering including aviation, automotive, electrical and automation to name just some of their strengths. This is also an excellent way of learning how to build your future workforce through apprenticeships and upskill your current employees.

Please come along and join the conversation with an opportunity to speak to GAS advisors informally and without obligation.

Agenda:

8 .00 – 8.15 am - Networking and refreshments.

8.15 - 8.20 am - Engineering and Manufacturing Network Intro

8.20 - 8.25 am - Welcome and overview of Hartlepool College of Further Education, Gary Riches – Assistant Principal

8.25 - 8.40 am - Presentation from GAS (Craig Portsmouth)

8.40 - 9.30 am - Liaise with GAS advisers, networking, College tour

9.30am - END