Record turnout for annual Made in the Midlands Summer Drinks

Over 160 delegates from member firms from across the region including Jaguar Land Rover, IM Kelly Automotive, Hayley Group and ADI Group attended the event at Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham, to network and celebrate a positive first half of the year as MIM nears the 400 member milestone.

In a special speech, MIM non executive chairman Lord Mike Whitby praised Midland manufacturers for their collective spirit and drive.

The Midlands peer, who ran Europe’s biggest local authority for eight years from 2004 to 2012, said: “The membership has increased by over 50 new members since last year. We are now talking to the government following our executive meetings.”

“We are also putting together a Manifesto for Britain which I will submit to the Minister for Industry, Rt Hon Greg Clarke. The profile for Made in the Midlands is growing mainly because it's a membership full of great people that are doing so much work which is necessary for the United Kingdom.”

During a passionate speech, Lord Whitby wished members a prosperous future and assured them that their voices would be heard by the Government.

Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt said: “It’s been incredible to see the growth of the membership since last year and it is a really exciting time to be a part of Made in the Midlands. Our Manifesto for Britain will put us at the forefront of positive change within the industry. It’s fantastic to see the growth of the Made in the Midlands family and we will only become stronger together.”

Made in the Midlands president Christopher Greenough added: “We’ve got more members than ever. We have got over 385 manufacturing companies in the Midlands looking to build relationships with other Midlands manufacturers. We are going to bring work back to the UK and back here to the Midlands.”

The event was sponsored by Birmingham-based engineering company ADI Group.