An ambitious new forum is promoting South Tyneside's manufacturing sector. The South Tyneside Manufacturing Forum was established in January this year to promote pride, success and growth in the manufacturing sector of South Tyneside. The forum says it will achieve these aims for its members in a number of ways. Firstly the forum will collate the views of member companies to establish a consensus on issues affecting manufacturing business. It will establish opportunities for businesses to work together to address problems and promote business development. In addition the forum says it will coordinate activities related to manufacturing for schools, South Tyneside College and the young people of the borough. Its other aims for its members include promoting local sharing of information and opportunities, identifying support including financial assistance for manufacturing companies, promoting manufacturing as a worthwhile and viable career and extolling the virtues of South Tyneside as a prime site for manufacturing business. Rob Appleby, forum manager, has previously spent 30 years in manufacturing industry with 20 of those years at senior management level. He is supported by Gareth Pritchard and Jackie Nolan. Gareth, on secondment from TDR, has spent the previous six years actively involved in the successful delivery of engineering training and apprenticeships for 14-19 year olds. Jackie, also on secondment, is the council's 14-19 manager and is also the team leader for curriculum development in adult and community ;earning. The forum is chaired by Geoff Ford of Ford Component Manufacturing. Early interest has been very positive with 20 manufacturers, of all sizes, signing up for membership. These manufacturers represent a combined turnover of over £430m and employ around 2,000 staff. The Forum has also enrolled three associate members including South Tyneside Council, South Tyneside College and TDR. By meeting monthly the forum provides an opportunity to share current issues and network with other members. The forum attempts to encourage this discussion through short presentations, such as a recent one by Cameron Ross of the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and Dr Colin Herron, of the North East Productivity Alliance (NEPA), on the support opportunities available to manufacturing companies. A number of cost-saving initiatives have also been identified and adopted by the members. In addition to this the forum has also undertaken surveys on behalf of its members; earlier this year they completed a wage survey and are keen to undertake a skill needs analysis. Another achievement is that the forum is engaging with local schools and South Tyneside College on issues of mutual interest. All schools will be providing specific, vocational training when specialist diplomas are introduced at a future date and the forum is keen to ensure that these qualifications meet the needs of both the students and their potential employers. Member companies have, with encouragement from the forum, already supported South Tyneside College's 15th Industry Week. | 
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