On 5 March the engineering sector put on a show of strength as 200 people turned up at the House of Lords to show the government and Parliamentarians that there is still a vibrant engineering sector in the UK. 25 MPs plus three peers attended the event and Minister for Industry Margaret Hodge MP was the guest of honour.

Hodge praised the work of MTA and EAMA saying that the event was not only a great lobbying event but also a great networking opportunity.

She went on to say: 'You are absolutely vital to us but you are also vital to each other'.

MTA President Geoff Lloyd and EAMA Chairman Graham Hayes took the opportunity to remind the Minister and other MPs of the importance of manufacturing to the UK economy and the crucial need for the right skills and investment to keep Britain an internationally competitive country.

Geoff Lloyd commented: 'The United Kingdom lags behind its competitors in productivity and, this is not only down to our poor investment in high-tech equipment but also our poor training record'.

'We have a dire situation in science teaching within our education system'.

'We are not educating our young people sufficiently to be champions of our country's future productive needs'.

And Graham Hayes told the guests: 'I urge all of you representing firms here tonight to talk to your local MP at least once a year about what your business is doing and how it is contributing locally'.