The Power of Manufacturing brought together leading executives from the manufacturing industry to discuss the successes, failures and opportunities of British manufacturing today.

This was the second annual forum in collaboration with BAE Systems which aimed to debate and discuss key issues in the manufacturing, technology and export sectors, in the inimitable Spectator style. Click here to download this year’s Spectator Manufacturing Forum Programme 2015

This year’s forum focused on the importance of investing in skills and technology, as well as looking at how the manufacturing sector could be a key player in growing the country’s economy.

The day was chaired by Spectator Group chairman and BBC anchorman, Andrew Neil.

The stellar line-up of speakers included:

Keynote: Iain Wright MP, chair of the Business, Innovation & Skills Select Committee

Rodney Berkeley, director of global accounts, UKTI

Professor Sir Keith Burnett, vice-chancellor, University of Sheffield and Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)

Will Butler-Adams, chief executive officer, Brompton Bicycles Ltd

Sir Roger Carr, chairman, BAE Systems plc

Emma Gilthorpe, regulatory director, Heathrow Airport

Cara Haffey, industry manufacturing leader, PwC

Richard Heald, chief executive officer, UK India Business Council

Jose Lopes, head of technical excellence, Jaguar Land Rover

Dr Julie Madigan, chief executive, The Manufacturing Institute

Vicky Pryce, chief economic advisor, CEBR

Apprentices from BAE Systems, Boeing and Jaguar Land Rover

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